Lawrence Alvin Moler

Lawrence Alvin Moler, 93, passed away at 6:49 am, October 2nd, 2025, in his residence, surrounded by his family, after an extended illness.
Born January 31, 1932, in Girard, OH, to Louis Carl Moler and Mary Ann (Bizjak) Moler.
Lawrence attended Jefferson Elementary, Washington Junior High, and Niles McKinley High School, graduating in 1949. He attended DuPage College in Illinois and Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, WI.
Lawrence began his career by delivering the Youngstown Vindicator in Niles, OH, followed by setting pins in the Niles Bowling Alley. He and his brother, Don, assisted their father in installing TV roof antennas on numerous homes and taverns in the area. At the age of 16, Larry worked at Sharon, PA's Robin's Furniture Store on State Street. Larry spent many lunch hours drinking Cherry Cokes with his future wife, Olga, who worked downtown at Philadelphia Candies.
After graduating from high school, Larry joined his father, Louis, and brothers, Lewis and Don, at McDonald Steel Works. In 1951, Larry and his brother Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Due to a delay caused by a broken eardrum, Don was transported to the East Coast, and Larry had to undergo an examination by an audiologist. He was given the option of serving or taking an exemption. Larry opted to serve and was bused to Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois.
After graduating from Machinist Mate School, Larry was assigned to a ship, the U.S.S. Perkins (DDR-877), located in San Diego, CA. The Perkins spent the next three years periodically on the bomb line during the Korean War. Larry was honorably discharged in 1955 after acquiring the rank of Machinist Mate Second Class.
Larry married Olga Marie Bahor in 1954, and they renewed their vows in Saint Stephen's Church in Niles in 1955. Larry and Olga moved to Milwaukee, WI, where Larry attended school. He started work at Trostel Tannery in the electrical maintenance crew in 1957. It was there that Larry became active in the union, beginning as a steward and eventually rising to a position on the contract negotiation committee. In 1964, Larry was hired at Argonne National Laboratory in Argonne, IL, a suburb of Chicago. Larry was promoted to maintenance foreman in 1977. During his employment, he advanced to the position of Union President, negotiating contracts with the laboratory. Larry retired in 1993.
Larry's "15 minutes of fame" came when he was runner-up in the 1949 Golden Gloves, 126-pound, featherweight novice division. He started working out in the Landmark Hotel under the auspices of Sgt. Matt McGowan of the Niles Police Department. Matt had trained noted boxers Sonny Horne, Mike Birskovich, the Tabor Brothers, Franky Muche, Tony Mariano, John Hobart, Clyde Wagner, Kenny Hale, and many more.
Lawrence was awarded many plaques for his contributions to "The Legends of Leather" Boxing Club, led by Sal Marino. He was awarded the Legends of Leather "Man of the Year" award on October 13, 2002. He also earned a community service award from the Brookfield Trustees on November 6, 2006.
Larry had the honor of serving as assistant scout master and Scoutmaster of Troop 512 in Woodridge, IL. Larry wrote articles for the "Over the Hill Gang" and "Legends of Leather" for the review newspapers. Larry also wrote articles and donated photos for boxing matches in Youngstown and mixed martial arts bouts at Yankee Lake.
Larry was a member of the Slovenian SNPJ, VFW Post 10778 and 6166, Legends of Leather, and the Boy Scouts of America.
Larry's hobbies included boxing, photography, bowling, golf, tennis, family genealogy, and gardening. Larry's high game in bowling was 279 in league play.
Larry is survived by his son, Alan Lawrence; daughter, Anne Louise; sister, Phyllis Ann (Moler) Jobes; grandchildren, Katie Marie Moler, Eric Lawrence Moler, Jamie Lynn (Moler) Tripp, and Kristen Marie Tripp; great-grandchildren, Mayah and Zoie.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Olga Marie (Bahor) Moler, his son, Carl Matthew, his daughter, Amy Marie, his brothers, Donald Raymond and Lewis John, his sisters, Kathleen Frances (Moler) Kozora, and Tracene Marie.
Per Lawrence's wishes there are no services