Lawrence Allan "Larry" Moratto

1947 - 2025

Lawrence Allan "Larry" Moratto
October 16, 1947 - October 6, 2025
Larry was born and raised in Santa Rosa where he attended St. Eugene's and St. Rose's elementary schools, Santa Rosa Jr. High and Montgomery High schools, and Santa Rosa Jr. College. He passed away in Escondido, California, after a courageous battle against Parkinson's disease, on October 6, 2025, only ten days before his 78th birthday.
Young Larry excelled in sports and earned varsity Block M letters in football, baseball, and wrestling each year for three consecutive years at Montgomery High School. He later played football for two seasons with the Santa Rosa Jr. College Bear Cubs, and in seven annual "Cop'er Bowls," mostly as a running back, with the San Diego Police Department's "Heat" team. In 1976, Larry took up racquetball and soon became a force to be reckoned with, taking first place in mixed doubles one year at the California State championships, and winning more than 30 medals at statewide and world police Olympic competitions. He was also an avid golfer.
Larry married Nancy Lee Davis of Santa Rosa in 1967. They had no children and ultimately divorced. In 1988, Larry wed Kathryn Lynn Lewis of Escondido. They would have two sons, Cody David and Chad Christopher.
In 1974, Larry began working for the San Diego Police Department, his employer until retirement three decades later in 2004. As a patrolman, he received five citations for exceptional performance and a lifesaving medal. His outstanding work continued as he earned promotions to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and, in 1996, to Captain. During his career, Larry worked variously in Internal Affairs and on the Narcotics Task Force, founded the Professional Standards Unit, and was the commanding officer of SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics). In addition, equipped with his college teaching credential and a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice earned in 1993 from Pacific Western University, Larry taught multiple courses at the police academy in San Diego.
Following retirement, Larry remained active in many community organizations, among them the United Way of San Diego, Star/Pal, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. He also volunteered as a Personnel Commissioner for the Escondido School District, served as a security adviser for the San Diego Padres, and was a devoted parishioner and supporter of Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido.
Larry was predeceased by his parents, Major and Berta Moratto, and by his first wife, Nancy. He is survived by his wife of more than 37 years, Kathryn Moratto, sons Cody (Kelly) and Chad (Tiffani), a grandson, Kaiden, and three siblings: Michael (Kathy), John, and Theresa (Stanley) Kalata.
A memorial service is scheduled for October 20th in Escondido. Interment will be at Oak Hill Memorial Park, Escondido. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina 28607.