Lawrence J. Momchilov

1936 - 2016

Lawrence J. Momchilov

Lawrence J. Momchilov traveled his earthly journey with grit and unbelievable determination. After undergoing four open-heart surgeries over the past eight years and with the Lord and the Angels at his side, Larry announced he was going to Heaven today. And that day was November 6, 2016.

Momchilov was born in Barberton, Ohio on December 6, 1936, the feast day of St. Nicholas. He graduated from Norton High School in 1955.

Momchilov's life's work was the perfect match for his impassioned view of justice. Larry retired from the Summit County Sheriff's Department in 2006 with the rank of Captain after 42 years of devoted service. Momchilov spent most of his career in the Detective Bureau and he was often interviewed by the media for his keen insights on his latest case. Larry organized and led an all-volunteer Search and Recovery Dive Team to aid in gathering evidence. He trained at the F.B.I. Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

He will be remembered most for his dogged work on the Dean Milo murder case in Bath which led to the arrest and conviction of eleven defendants. The contract killing was retold in a book, "The Hunting of Cain," and countless documentaries. You would never guess it, but the cop enjoyed classical music as well as polkas, a tribute to his Serbian and Slovenian heritage. The former altar boy was a devoted Catholic and member of the University Parish Newman Center in Kent.

Always giving more than taking, his generosity and kindness often showed itself through his extemporaneous donations to total strangers, the college student behind the sandwich counter, someone standing in line at the pharmacy, picking up a check for a family at the next table at a restaurant. Every Christmas he truly enjoyed picking out a unique gift for every member of his staff.

Until his heart surgeries, Momchilov enjoyed playing golf, metal detecting, and touring the beautiful northeast Ohio countryside. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and Navy Reserves.

Larry is survived by Joan Rice, his devoted wife of 36 years who lovingly cared for him. Rice was a long-time member of the Akron Beacon Journal newsroom. Larry is also survived by his son, Lawrence "Butch" Momchilov Jr., daughters Diane (Dennis) Bueker, Christine ( Richard) Klempay, Susan (John) Yonkin, grandchildren Jodie (Chris), Kelly (Matt), Kyle, Cameron, Carolyn (Andrew), Lauren, step grandchildren Tres ( Emily), Daniel, Lauren (Eddy), Michael, great grandchildren Lily, Caleb, Luke, Louie, and Blake Lynn. He is also survived by sisters Bernadine (Jim) Irwin and Donna (Louie) Sukie, and his sisters-in-law Marie Rice and Nancy (Bill) Crouch, along with many favorite nieces and nephews and longtime friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eli and Frances Momchilov; mother and father-in-law, Nancy B. and John B. Rice; and brother-in-law, John B. Rice Jr.

In memory of his beloved father, Eli Momchilov and in lieu of flowers, tribute donations may be made to the ALS Association, 6155 Rockside Rd. #403, Independence, OH 44131 or donations can be made at http://www.ALSAOHIO.org.

God bestows countless blessings on us throughout our lives. Larry was one of those special blessings. We see him now in a brilliant array of eternal colors reminiscing with his many loved ones. May the good Lord keep Larry safe in glorious surroundings until we all meet up again.

Calling hours will be Friday, November 11, 2016, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Kent State University Parish Newman Center, Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 1424 Horning Rd., Kent, OH 44240. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at 10 a.m. at the Parish Newman Center, with Rev. Steve Agostino officiating. Graveside services will take place at Homeland Cemetery in Rootstown. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com.



(Wood-Kortright-Borkoski 330-296-6436)