LAWRENCE ARTHUR PRITCHETT

Lawrence Arthur Pritchett, 85, of Estero, Florida, formerly a Chicago native from Raven Street, then Schaumburg Illinois, died peacefully with family by his side on July 15, 2023. Larry is preceded by his wife, Yvonne (Straub); and is survived by his four children, Michael Pritchett, Thomas Pritchett, Sheryl (Marty) Larsen and Colette Kukla. Other survivors include grandchildren, Victoria Larsen, Christina Pritchett, Jack Pritchett, Kyle Pritchett, Ryan Kukla, Atlas Larsen, Tyler Kukla, Maria Pritchett, Mathew Pritchett Emma Pritchett, Adam Pritchett; his companion, Lee Lips; and sister-in-law, Edna-Mae (Jim) O'Malley. Many O'Malley cousins and countless good and faithful friends. Larry had a passion for cars, a need for speed, and a love of mechanical engineering. His favorite teenage hang out was Super Dawg on Milwaukee Avenue, where he would late night street race in the mid 1950's. After attending Taft high school, he briefly worked for Snap On Tools as an independent retailer. With the pressures of a growing family, he applied for work at Amoco Oil Company (now BP). He qualified for a program to study advanced engine concepts specializing in semi-trucks. He worked as a truck mechanic. Noticing Larry's natural talent, he was quickly promoted in 1961 to Sr. Manager of Fleet Operations and Repairs of the tri-state area based in Chicago. He kept that position until retirement in 1997. His skills transferred to many facets of life, and his friends and family all leaned on him as the automotive expert his entire life. Larry's retirement passion was golf and he enjoyed playing with Lee and his golf group at the West Bay Club, as well as in Colorado. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to College of Technology Lincoln's Foundation for Education (memo: the Lawrence Arthur Pritchett Scholarship Fund) at Lincoln College of Technology - Automotive school in Melrose Park, IL. Donations can be mailed to College of Technology Lincoln's Foundation for Education (LiFE), 8317 W. North Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160, Attention: Karen Clark.