Lawrence John Zapotocky

Lawrence John Zapotocky, 21, of Sugarloaf Twp., passed away Monday surrounded by his loving parents and girlfriend.

Born July 24, 2000, on his Pap Pap, John E. Brislin's birthday, Larry was the son of Lawrence J. and Ann Marie (Brislin) Zapotocky and is survived by his brothers, Thomas and Daniel, both at home; his girlfriend, Jenna Welch; his paternal grandmother, Nancy Zapotocky; many aunts, uncles and cousins; his loving dogs, Molly and Charlie; his amazing friends, Nick, Al, Jake, Chris, Jordan, Gavin, Andrew, Kevin and Jack; and Dan Gavio and the Teambix Strongman community who took him under their wings and were great mentors.

Larry was a 2019 graduate of Hazleton Area High School and was currently attending Bloomsburg University with a double major in criminal justice and business. He had a true love and loyalty for his family, friends and the Strongman community. If Larry was around, you knew it. He was "larger than life" and always had a smile and a joke and was ready to enjoy each day. He helped others by lifting them up and never looked for gratitude or recognition. If he was your friend, he would always put you first. During school breaks, Larry worked at Buddies' Bagels and helped his Uncle Robbie install fences.

In 2012, his Valley West Little League baseball team captured the District 18 crown. In 2014, his trap shooting team won the Pennsylvania State Championship and went on to place fourth in the national arena. As a teen Strongman, he placed first in the Kumite Classic in Pittsburgh. In 2018, his hard work and dedication lead him to the capture the Teen Strongman National Championship, and he then proceeded to place second in the Teen World Championships at the Arnold Strongman Classic in Ohio. In 2021, as an adult, he captured first place in Delaware's Strongest Man competition. In addition, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors with his family, especially with his Uncle John.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lawrence J. Zapotocky Sr.; John E. and Eleanor Brislin; and uncles, John J. Brislin and Thomas P. Brislin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday from St. John Bosco Roman Catholic Church, Conyngham. Father Ric Polmounter will preside.

Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to attend a public viewing from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Krapf & Hughes Funeral Home and Crematory, Drums.

Condolence messages may be entered in the family's memorial guest book on the funeral home website at www.khfuneralhomes.com.