Lawrence E. VanSomeren Jr.

Lawrence E. "Larry" Van Someren, Jr. died in the early hours on Saturday, February 13, 2021 after enduring a 198-day battle against brain cancer. Larry was predeceased by his parents, Alma Van Someren and Lawrence Van Someren, Sr. He was survived by his loving wife, Dee Van Someren (née Dal Degan); his three devoted children, Erik Van Someren (Nicole Gaeto), Megan Van Someren - Placks (Bradley Placks) and Adam Van Someren (Oriana Pizzuto); seven grandchildren: Mia, Hannah, Will, Jake, Aidan, Nathan and Talia as well as two caring brothers, Dale and Terry and his sister, Debbie Evans.

How does one capture the most loyal of husbands, the hardest working of business owners, the greatest of fathers, the most heart melting of laughter's, the bestest of Papas and the most generous of friends in a few simple paragraphs? Well, these doting kids are going to give it their level best.

Larry was born September 17, 1948. He went to Howe Military school and received a Bachelor's Degree in Business at Southern Illinois University. Larry was known for his steadfast love of sports yet his competitive spirit was softened by his generous soul and his ability to laugh at himself. The latter proved exceptionally useful upon meeting his wife, Denise "Dee" Dal Degan. Dee's elegance, beauty and sharp wit won over his heart. They were married on August 4th, 1969.

Larry's work ethic was like no other. Working several jobs right out of college, Larry prepared himself for entering the family HVAC business, Air Rite Heating & Cooling. Over the years his hard work led him to become president and CEO of the business before he followed his true entrepreneurial dream of becoming a luxury home builder. He founded Charleston Building & Development with his two sons, Erik and Adam with their notable developments including Jefferson Estates, Charleston Row and Charleston Row II. Larry combined his passion for building with his love of family creating many a beautiful home for families all around Naperville.

Beyond business, Larry left us all with a lasting lesson of generosity and humility as evidenced by his involvement with Naperville Responds for Veterans, Hesed House and Our Children's Homestead. His faith and commitment to Catholic education was demonstrated through both his time served on the school boards of St. Raphael's and Benet Academy as well as his generous financial contributions. Above all else, his legacy of compassion and goodness shined through in the everyday selfless gestures and acts of kindness he so perfected, with no pomp or circumstance, it was Just Larry.

When we look back at the life lived by Larry Van Someren, it is with the purest of joy and love. He was never happier than to be playing tennis with his wife, often trying (and unsuccessfully) giving her tips; teeing off at Springbrook with his Thursday golf buddies, playing card games with his grandchildren; or feeling so much pride for his family and their accomplishments that his beautiful blue eyes glistened with tears. Larry's battle in the end illustrated his fortitude but it was the journey of his life that touched so many people in so many remarkable ways. And for this we are all fortunate.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 18, 2021, 4:00-8:00 PM at? Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, February 19, 2:00 PM at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1215 Modaff Rd., Naperville.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry's memory may be made to: Hesed House, Attn: Development, 659 South River Street, Aurora, IL 60506, (630) 914-6428, https://www.hesedhouse.org/donate or Naperville Responds for Our Veterans, 210 S. Washington St., Naperville, IL 60540, (331) 684-7899, nrfov.org or The Brain Research Foundation, 111 West Washington Street, Suite 1460 Chicago, Illinois 60602, (312) 759-5150, https://www.thebrf.org/donate

For more information, please visit www.friedrich-jones.com or call (630) 355-0213.