Larry Pulliam

In Loving Memory of Larry Y. Pulliam
July 12, 1980 – October 7, 2025
Born on July 12, 1980, Larry Yacub Pulliam entered the world with a head full of curly hair and a spirit all his own. From the very beginning, Larry was a vibrant soul whose presence could light up any room. Fittingly, his very first word was "hotdog", a playful hint at the personality and passion that would blossom in the years to come.
From a young age, Larry's love of cars and trucks was sparked by time spent with his great-grandfather, Harvey Washington. That bond ignited a lifelong fascination with engines and wheels. He also had a deep love for swimming, earning several awards while competing at Rotunda Pool in Newark, NJ. Larry's creative spirit shone through his passion for art, comic books, and reading he found joy in bringing characters to life with imagination and flair.
Larry discovered his love for cooking early on while working for a family friend. That passion grew into a partnership at a local family owned pizzeria named Crossroads Pizzeria and Cafe, where he shared his culinary gifts with the community. Cooking was more than a skill, it was an act of love. He often prepared meals for family and friends, passing down cherished recipes a moment that captured his warmth and pride in family traditions.
Larry's commitment to worship began after the passing of his grandmother Gloria Ellis. He was baptized and remained devoted throughout his life, regularly attending church services. He was also a faithful member of the The Prayer Line for Jesus, joining his mother, aunts, and loved ones in spiritual fellowship. His favorite words "I'm blessed and highly favored" were more than a saying; they were a reflection of how he lived and loved.
A graduate of Barringer High School in Newark, NJ, Larry went on to attend Drake College of Business in Newark, NJ where he studied Culinary Arts. His education reflected his lifelong love for cooking, creativity, and connection through food.
Larry's passion for cooking led him to work in the culinary industry with World of Foods, Springhill Assisted Living, Hilton and Marriott, where he brought joy to those around him through his food and his energy. Serving the community through a way that he enjoys and making sure everyone was well loved and satisfied from his cooking. Larry's most cherished traditions was making his grandmother Mary's famous candied yams a family favorite and a lasting symbol of his love for her and home.
Larry was known for his love of fast cars and his impeccable sense of style. He took great pride in always looking fresh and clean so much so that you couldn't convince him he wasn't the handsome man alive. His confidence was matched only by his warmth, humor, and big heart.
A true Philadelphia Eagles fan, Larry could always be found cheering on his favorite team every Sunday. Larry was proud of Cancer, he wore his zodiac sign not just in spirit he wasn't afraid to show his cancer pride with a tattoo of a crab on his arm.
Larry was preceded in death by his beloved son, Elias La'Juan; his great-grandfather Harvey and Dora Washington; and his grandparents Carroll Wood Pulliam (Mary), Gloria Washington Ellis, whose love and wisdom helped shape the man he became. He also joins in eternal rest with several other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by his devoted parents, Larry Pulliam and April Ellis Francois; his grandfather James Ellis; his four cherished children, Kyala Tyjaina, Amari Ellis, Zaire Nasire, and Samir Isiah. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Yasmeen Pulliam and Sindy Francois and Brandon Fagon, and his companion Margarita Rosa along with a wide circle of aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins, and dear friends whose lives he touched deeply.
Larry wasn't just family, a memory-maker, and a legend in our eyes. We'll keep his spirit alive in every story, every laugh, and every lesson he left behind. Larry's legacy lives on in the laughter he shared, the meals he cooked, and the love he gave so freely.
We will miss him deeply, but we will carry his memory forward in every story, every laugh, and every shared meal. His legacy lives on in the love he gave and the lives he shaped.
Rest easy, Larry. You were truly blessed and highly favored. He is now in the Lord's hand resting
Larry Pulliam late of Keansburg passed away October 7, at the age of 45.
Family and friends are invited to the visitation Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 2:00pm-4:30pm.
Private Cremation to follow.
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