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Larry Szabo Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Larry Szabo
Robert Watrol
March 6, 2023
14 years but still remembered.
Robert Watrol
March 7, 2020
10 years but not forgotten.
Carol & Leo Grajzar
March 6, 2020
How quickly the years fly by. I had not seen my cousin, Larry, for many years before he passed away in 2009 but I thought of him often to myself knowing our youngest son, Brian, looks so much like Larry's father, my deceased Uncle Elmer. Prayers are being said for The Szabo and Nollenberger family.
Carol (Halus) Grajzar
March 6, 2019
I can't believe 10 years have passed since my cousin, Larry, passed away. He looked so much like his father, my Uncle Elmer, that it brings so many good memories back to me. May his mother and his children have wonderful memories of him forever. From what I have read, I missed knowing a wonderful cousin for most of our lives! God Bless you all!
Amy Czubinski
March 22, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Bonnie, Corey, and Marissa for today and the days to come. May God be with you through these tough times.
Sue Rade
March 19, 2009
Dear Bonnie, I just learned of Larry's passing tonight and was so shocked and saddened by the news. What a great loss to everyone who knew and loved Larry. He was and will always remain such a wonderful musician and gentle soul. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. With love,
Kelly Grocholski
March 18, 2009
Our deepest sympathy the entire family. Larry will be missed by the polka fans in Michigan. His music will forever live on my radio show, in my car, my home and in my heart.
Rich and Barb Benkowski
March 16, 2009
Our condolences to you Bonnie, and family. You are in our prayers.
irene virginia zurek ryan
March 15, 2009
so sad to hear about larry. had plenty of good times at dc ranch on sundays dancing to his band. yous take care. virginia ryan and mother irene zurek
scott & joanne sellin
March 14, 2009
please know that our deepest sympathies are with the family, and our prayers are with you. we know you mostly through your children; your proud legacy
dale wiltse
March 14, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the weeks and months ahead.
The service at Little Flower was a wonderful celebration of Larry's life. Corey did a great job of capturing how special his dad is to him.
God Bless,
Love, Vicky, Dale Matt & Jenny Wiltse
Lisa Braden
March 14, 2009
Bonnie,Corey, & Marissa you have my deepest sympathy. Larry will be missed by all that knew him.
Don Button
March 14, 2009
Bonnie and Family,
We are saddened by the loss of your husband and friend. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. Your husband will surely be missed by many business associates and friends. We consider ourselves a friend of Larry's. We have worked with Larry many years and he will surely be missed.
Bob Watrol
March 14, 2009
I first got to know Larry about 35 years ago and have great memories of drinking Milwaukee's Best in the basement of Howard and Millie's home, Larry's send off party with Doug and Pete when he went away to college at Univ. of Cincinnati, Christmas caroling, Ukes Club, hunting, his sister Leslie, and brother Skip, and so much more. I will miss you Larry
Big Joe Wieczorek
March 14, 2009
To the family of Larry Szabo: Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Larry. He was a great musician which I enjoyed at many festivals in Ohio. I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time.
Steve Zilka
March 13, 2009
Our prayers and thoughts are with the Szabo family. I played a couple of jobs with Larry in the past and he was a great guy and talented musician.
Steve Zilka and Family
Modesto, CA
Andy Cunningham
March 13, 2009
Larry played with our band the Imports. We was a very talented musician. We will keep you in our prayers.
Lori, Joe and Mimi Decker
March 13, 2009
Larry was one of the nicest guys we have ever encountered. Always cheerful and upbeat, his optimistic attitude was contagious. It was impossible to have a bad day around Larry. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Paul Yancey
March 13, 2009
Skip and all of Larry's family,
We offer our condolences to you. I met and talked with Larry a number of times during high school; he was always genuine and nice to me and other underclassmen as well. May the Lord's grace bring you peace and carry you until you can be together again.
Paul and Trisha Yancey
Sue (Nitkiewicz) Jankowski
March 13, 2009
Bonnie and Leslie - My heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your familes and this most difficult time.
Sue
Doug & Marcia Burwell
March 13, 2009
Our deepest sympathies to the Szabo family. Larry was a good and close friend through high school but we lost track of each other. What great memories of spending time at the Ukes and the Polish Club with Larry and the gang. He will be missed.
CRAIG CULLEN
March 13, 2009
LARRY WILL BE MISSED BY ALL OF US AT BUNTING BEARINGS. MAY GOD TRULY WELCOME HIM WITH OPEN ARMS AND MAY YOUR SORROW BE LESSENED WITH ALL OF OUR PRAYERS. MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.
Anne Malicki
March 13, 2009
Bonnie and Family.....We have lost a great man and musician. My sincerest sympathy to you.......
Anne M. Malicki, Whitehouse, Ohio
Paulette Zatko
March 13, 2009
Dear Bonnie & Family
I am so sorry to hear about Larry. Please know we have been praying for all of you ever since we heard about Larry's surgery.
God be with you.....our deepest sympathy.
Paulette Zatko & Family
Stan Baryla
March 13, 2009
Even though you may have met Larry as a long distance associate as I did, you knew with your first encounter that you would have a friend for life. As a Polka promoter, we had the pleasure of enjoying the music of Larry Szabo and the GTS at a few of our dances in Michigan and the crowd reaction was always positive. He never failed to acknowledge your presence at an event.
Larry will be greatly missed as a Champion Entertainer and a Dear Friend.
Love and Prayers, Stan Baryla and Fran
Midland, MI
Linda Busch
March 13, 2009
Dear Bonnie and family,
May God bless you and comfort you with his everlasting grace. I've worked with Larry for many years at Bunting in Delta and Holland. He was so easy to work with. He cared not only for his customers, but also for his fellow workers. I miss him so much. But, I know that he will always be by your side helping to guide your lives. He'll always be there for you when you need him. Just talk to him.
From a co-worker @ Bunting Bearings in Delta, OH
Dave Kulakowski
March 13, 2009
a fantastic man AND musician, the polka community has truly lost one of it's greats. Deepest Sympathies and God Bless...
Kim & Teresa Keogh
March 13, 2009
Dear Bonnie and Family,
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. It was a pleasure working with Larry at Bunting over the past several years and we will all miss him.
Pam Szelangowski
March 13, 2009
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Know that he will be missed at Bunting Bearings.
Ron & Judy Pidcock
March 13, 2009
Hard to find the right words. Larry will be greatly missed not only by his family but everyone in "CougarNation"
Ralph Parrish
March 13, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. I haven't seen Larry in years, but graduated with him at Rossford. I moved away shortly after that. I was glad to get the opportunity to know him.
Ralph
Lenny, Estelle & Teddy Gomulka
March 13, 2009
Dear Bonnie & Family,
Our sincere sympathy is offered to all of you during this most difficult time. Larry and I first met some 37-38 years ago in Toledo at the Glass Workers Hall at a polka dance. Since then we have been friends and Larry remained the gentleman he was when we first met 37-38 years ago. May he rest in peace and may God bless all of you with strength. We will keep you in our daily prayers.
Very Sincerely,
Gerry Brown
March 13, 2009
Bonnie, words cannot express how sad I feel for you, and your family. I have a lot of fun memories from our good 'ole days and was always proud of yours and Larry's life together. I still remember you wrapping all those sandwiches for the polka bus trips! You loved it. You know that. God bless you and the kids. Your memories will keep him alive in your heart forever.
With Love,
Gerry Bauer Brown
Zen Esula
March 13, 2009
My deepest condolences to the Szabo Family. Memories of Erie,Pa. seemed so long ago, yet never forgotten. May God Bless.
Zen (Zeke) Esula
Ted & Patricia Kiewicz
March 13, 2009
May God give the entire Szabo Family
the strength they need after such a
heartbreaking loss.
Larry and I became friends so long ago,its hard to pin down the year!
Our mutual interest in Polka music
led us to this great and long friendship!
May God rest his soul!
cathy Frankforther
March 12, 2009
Dear Bonnie,
Wade reads the obituaries everyday from Iowa and he was so shocked to find Larry in the paper this morning as we didnt know he was sick. You and Larry were neighbors of ours for a few yrs before we transferred out here with Champion spark plugs. (Federal Mogul)
Our deepest sympathy for your loss Bonnie and your childrens..I think God has an angel to look after you , Cory, and Marissa. Im sorry we didnt get to know each other better. By the sounds of Larry's friend's and what they wrote we sure missed out on a good friend and man. God bless you all, and may he confort you everyday.
Love to all, cathy and Wade Frankforther
JOHN M. GILBERT
March 12, 2009
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
It was a privilege working beside Larry over the past year's at Bunting and going back to the ST. JUDE'S day's.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Andy, Mike, Jim, Pete, Chris,Terry, Paul, Lil Moe, Chubs GTS Glass Town Sound
March 12, 2009
It is with a heavy heart that the Glass Town Sound had to say farewell to its founding member Larry S. Szabo
Larry spent over 35 years entertaining the Great Lakes Region as a polka musician, singer, song writer, accordionist and concertinist; the last 30 years with his own band the "Glass Town Sound" (1979~2009) and previously with the famed "Polish Kid" (1974~1978). Over the course of time, the Glass Town Sound transformed through many different musicians but Larry was always the foundation creating a fan base filled with tradition and friendship. His handshake and smile were always a welcomed site at dances and festivals and his original songs such as "Dance, Dance, Dance", "Its Time To Pay The Fiddler", and "A Half a Dozen Reasons" (amongst many more),will long be remembered for telling the stories of life and love in northwest Ohio.
Larry cherished his good fortune in music and in early 1980's, the Glass Town Sound grew in fame and popularity as the premier band from Toledo. 1000's will remember Larry's talents as the band performed for the communities personal "rights of passage" hosting many of the region's weddings, graduations and anniversary parties.
Although the band had its strongest showing throughout the mid-west (Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit, Cleveland and Toledo), Larry also traveled to other ends of the country during the earliest parts of his musical career. And if the band is not remembered in your mind, think back to the glory days of Frankenmuth, Pillar Polkabration, Seven Springs, Erie Days, Bel-Aire days in Chicago, etc, etc…. Additionally, he had an innate ability of luring highly talented musicians to perform on stage and he was always able to produce high caliber, good 'old fashioned performances for every event the band attended. As he often liked to (jokingly) say, "satisfaction guaranteed".
During the '80's, the Glass Town sound produced 2 (vinyl LP) recordings that highlighted Larry's refreshing song writing ability and the bands serious versatility to master the Polish styles of honky, push, and buffalo style and even dabble in German style polkas. His original songs are still revered today and still being re-recorded by today's top polka artists. The band quickly grew a following of cross-over (Polish, German and Ukrainian) polka lovers. They were an integral part of bridging the 70' to the 21st century in the polka industry influencing nation wide bands like Eddie Blazonczyck's Versatones to local (national) bands such as the Troubadours, A Change of Pace, Crusade and Toledo PolkaMotion.
Larry may be gone from this world (for now) but he should never be forgotten. He should well be ranked in the "most influential artists" category for the style he portrayed and his song writing mastery. The Glass Town Sound recordings are a 'must have' collector's item in your musical library. If you have never heard of the band, you are strongly encouraged to research what has been recently pulled from our grasps. For those of you who knew Larry Szabo also knew the greatness that surrounded him on stage and off.
Let it be said that there is so much more to Larry Szabo (Mr. Glass Town Sound) than what is being portrayed here as a polka hero. He's a "hometown hero" who has been many things to many people and even today carries the renowned reputation as a great man, strong with family and strong in community.
As always, please pray for our friend Larry, his wife Bonnie and their two children Corey and Marissa during this time of pain and sorrow.
Larry, thanks for the memories!! We miss you already.
Until we meet again!
Sincerely,
The Glass Town Sound (brothers forever)
alp
Cheri and Michael Toney
March 12, 2009
Our prayers are with you and your family. Thinking of you.
Jim and Julie Ross @ Bunting Bearings
March 12, 2009
Larry was a co-worker of ours, we will miss him at work as well as miss hearing him sing at one the many festivals. Our heartfelt sympathies to Larry's family.
Steve Litwin
March 12, 2009
I can't recall when I first met Larry. It might have been at Erie Days but there is no doubt it was at a fest or dance. I do remember that it was like meeting someone I knew for years before. His trademark smile and expressive eyes made you comfortable with this "old" friend.
As a musician he was the best, as a friend he was even better.
We, as all those who had the privilege of knowing him, will miss Larry. His music will always warm our hearts and make us remember him as a great friend of polka music.
With sincere sympathy,
Steve and Adele
Steve Litwin
Polka Editor - PAJ News
Linda Buckner
March 12, 2009
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Jason & Rebecca Pruss
March 12, 2009
Please accept our deepest sympathy. His life was full of such wonderful music & memories that he shared with so many.
Jerry & Amy Smithers
March 12, 2009
Larry will be missed. He was such a super guy!! We're glad to know him.
Cathy & John Smith
March 12, 2009
Bonnie,Corey,and Missy, we are all so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Smith Family,
John, Cathy, John-Michael, Joseph & Sarah.
Terrie Weber Jensen
March 12, 2009
Dear Bonnie, Corey and Marissa:
My heart goes out to you. Larry was an awesome individual who talked to everyone with the utmost respect. He was one who had a great sense of humor and had such a love for his family and life. Working with Larry while at Mercury was one of my most fondest memories. The "A" team sales reps were a team that had a great bond. You will be missed by a lot and will be remembered as a wonderful person! Good luck to you as you hold on and cherish the gifts he left behind; memories and his spirit.
George & Sue Mugford
March 12, 2009
Our deepest sympathies are with your family. Larry was a very good person and he is missed by his co-workers at Bunting as well as by his customers.
Jim Miller & Family
March 12, 2009
Dear Szabo Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss and we offer our prayers to you.
Bunting Bearings {Holland}
Jim & Family Miller
March 12, 2009
Dear Szabo Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss and we offer our prayers to you.
Bunting Bearings {Holland}
Ron Marcissuk
March 12, 2009
All of us in the polka world will miss a true friend. Our hearts are out to Larry's family.
March 12, 2009
Our Deepest Condolences to Larry's Friends and Family.
With Sympany,
Bill and Deb Cook
ROBERT SZUL
March 12, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Wendy and Russell Brown
March 12, 2009
We will truly miss Larry in our "Cougar Family". He was such a wonderful and caring person. It was a privlilege to know him and have him as a friend. Love to you all.
Your friends,
Steve Majer
March 12, 2009
Mourning and Grief are the price we are asked to pay for being given the gift of Love.
Larry was one you could not help but love. Know that family and friends will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve& Patti Majer
Doc Lula
March 12, 2009
To Bonnie and the Children, my Deepest Sympathy.It is a GREAT Loss, not only to the Family but to all Larry's Fans and Friends and the Polka Field.. Larry was the 1st. to befriend me,when i arrived here from Chicago area. As a former Band Leader and Musician, Larry will always be rememberd for his smile and Professionalism.. He was one of a kind... I will say a prayer for him...He is at Peace now and His Memory will last Forever.
Mary Booth
March 12, 2009
Bonnie,Corey,and Missy- Our hearts are saddened at the loss of a truly great man- I had the pleasure of many great times shared with him at the dances, and Southview games and as always, his smile would light up a room-but now each time the sun shines, I will be reminded of the warmth of his friendship to me- Our family is there for you now and always- and thank you for all of our memories-
Melvin Hayden
March 12, 2009
Our condolensces from our family. I knew Larry when I was the drummer for The Troubadors back in the day. Great memories. Best wishes to your family.
Melvin, Kim, and Trianta Hayden
Boulder, CO
[email protected]
Juli, Joe, and Alixe Korsnack
March 12, 2009
Larry was a generous sole who gave continuoulsy. So many people benefitted from his kindness and participation in any number of activities. Missy and Corey are the living proof of his positive influence in their lives.
Julie & Joe Kranz
March 12, 2009
Larry was a wonderful father, husband and friend to many. He always wore a smile. He left us too early, but left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Mehran Jalilpour
March 12, 2009
My deepest sympathy & condolence to Szabo family & friends. I have never met Larry in person; however, just talking to him during past few years because of our business dealing I did get to know him & admire him as friend.
You will be in our thought & prayer.
Jim & Jill Krzeszewski
March 12, 2009
Larry was certainly a ray of sunshine during his time on earth. He was a genuine, nice person & a great talent. He'll be missed by countless friends, for sure.
Thanks for the great memories, Larry! So glad we were able to see you play one last time at Mt. Carmel. Jimmy K will never forget the "Shoulda been a wedding" dance in 1979!
Pat and Sally Plicinski
March 12, 2009
Larry's music in the driveway many years ago brought happy sounds to our ears. The smile he always had making it happen will be remembered fondly. Hugs and happy memories.
Carol (Halus) Grajzar
March 12, 2009
Larry was my cousin and my son's Godfather. We haven't seen each other for many years due to distance in our homes. Larry's wife, children, and my Aunt Millie are in our prayers. May God comfort you and know that you are in our prayers.
fabian & barbara zielinski
March 12, 2009
thinking of you bonnie. so sorry.may god bless larry.
Kelli Hoff
March 12, 2009
Bonnie, we worked together at Capital Bank and our paths crossed again at Southview at the numerous events. May your memories comfort you in this time of grief.
Mike & Alison
March 12, 2009
To Bonnie, Corey, and Missy,
We love you all and are here if you need anything. Larry will be missed.Take comfort in knowing that he is safe in Jesus's arms. May his memory be eternal.
Earline Inniss
March 12, 2009
My heart goes out to you all ( Bonnie, Corey & Marissa) in this monumental loss. To have had such a wonderful person in your lives for so long is such a blessing but the pain of his loss must cut deep. Your faith will get you thru this and the support of friends and family will help. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Earline Inniss
Karen & Ashley Cook
March 12, 2009
Our deepest sympathy is with you. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that Larry is in a better place.
Tim and Shelly Isley
March 12, 2009
It has been an honor to know Larry these past 15 years. He is epitome of what God wants a man to be as a husband, father, and friend. We will miss his beautiful smile and presence in all things "Cougar". With love,
Mark Janson
March 12, 2009
Dear Bonnie and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Larry will always be remembered for his unique sound and style and for those many memorable original songs. More than that he will be remembered as a true gentleman and important part of polka music.
God’s blessings,
Mark & Val Janson – Frankenmuth Summer Music Fest
Alvina Kopaniasz
March 12, 2009
Dear Bonnie & Family,
My sincerest sympathy go out to you in the loss of your best friend, husband and father Larry. He will be missed by many. God grant you the courage to cope with your loss.
As Always, My Love & Prayers,
Alvina
Karen Pratt
March 12, 2009
Bonnie, Corey, and Marissa - My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lindsay, Erik and Jonathan Bates
March 12, 2009
Words cannot express the sadness we feel for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time...GTS forever!!!
John Hunt/Bunting Bearings
March 12, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jerry cialkoszewski
March 12, 2009
The greatest memory of Larry for me was a time long ago he helped me catch my first fish when I was 5 yrs old Sincerely Jerry Cialkoszewski
Eric Hite
March 12, 2009
I will miss you terribly, my friend! You were, and always will be, a one-of-a-kind! Save some space on stage for the rest of us when we see each other again! May Holy Angels forever guard thy rest.
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