Lawrence Goodwin Manter

1953 - 2025

Lawrence Goodwin Manter of Napa, California passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Larry was born on February 18, 1953 in Hartford, Connecticut. He grew up in Wethersfield, Connecticut with his parents, Jerauld and Alice, and his two siblings. Larry was a competitive swimmer and shared his father's love of photography. When his family moved to Binghamton, New York, Larry boarded with a neighbor family in Wethersfield to finish his senior year of high school. At SUNY Geneseo Larry met Kevin O'Regan, his roommate and lifelong best friend.

After graduating in 1976 with a degree in political science, Larry traveled the world with Kevin. During their ten months of travel, Larry visited 45 countries and created some of the best memories of his life. Larry rode atop trains in India, befriended strangers in Japan, and even spent one night in jail. At one point, he climbed to the top of the Great Pyramid in Egypt (which was against the rules) and met a guy from California at the top(also breaking the rules). After talking to him, California sounded intriguing, so Larry planned a visit to the West Coast.

Following his first trip to Yosemite, Larry decided he needed to live in California, with all its beauty, and where he wouldn't have to shovel snow. Larry moved to San Francisco and enjoyed life in the Bay Area. Larry met his wife Mary after answering a newspaper singles ad featuring a Bruce Springsteen lyric. He moved to Napa (based on the recommendation of his dear friend Blane Ellsworth) where they raised three kids and he worked as a property manager.

Larry loved to hike, from Mt. Whitey to Westwood Hills to the stairs of Telegraph Hill. Yosemite remained a very special place to him throughout his life. He visited many times with his family and summited Half Dome ten times, often leading others including each of his children. In later years, Larry could be found strolling vineyard trails with his cherished walking group, "Walkies".

His passion for music began in the '60s with The Beatles and the Dave Clark Five and soon included "the Boss," Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Neil Young, and John Prine. Larry enjoyed reflecting on lyrics and sharing them with friends. Larry was also a cinephile. He founded a film club in college and often reveled in the reviews of Siskel and Ebert. Larry loved classic action movies like Indiana Jones, timeless hits like Back to the Future, and his absolute favorite film It's A Wonderful Life.

Larry was a reliable friend who could be counted on for cheerful conversation and a sunny attitude. A competent handyman, Larry always knew the tool or person needed to get the job done. He perfected the art of the SFO pickup/drop-off with the "Daddybus" steadfastly serving family, friends, and acquaintances alike. Larry only wanted for the simple pleasures of life, from a good joke to a pleasant stroll to a respectable milkshake. Though nothing meant more to him than the happiness of his friends and family.

He will be missed by his three children, Jeff (Heather), Alex (Zara), and Melia (Pete), siblings Greg (Debra), Carol Brugger (Mark), and Nancy Wallace, niece Tierney (Drew), and two adorable grandchildren, Juniper and Maati.

His family is grateful to the staff of The Inn on Villa Lane who cared for Larry and especially to his friend Teresa McKee who tirelessly helped Larry in so many ways.

Donations may be made in his memory to The Land Trust of Napa County. https://napalandtrust.org/donate/.

A celebration of life will be held on April 12. Please email manterwork@gmail.com for details.