Lawrence J. Quarry

Lawrence (Larry) Quarry of Manns Choice, PA, passed away at home, at the age of 90, on July 5, 2024. His wife of 64 years, Patricia, and family were there to hold his hand and comfort him as he moved on from this world.

Born at home, in Lebanon, PA, Larry was the eighth child (of 12) of Ralph and Anna (Kristovensky) Quarry. Born during The Great Depression, work was part of his life from the earliest age. At the age of 4, he used to tag along with his older brothers delivering newspapers. After graduating from Lebanon Catholic High School in 1952, he went to work at the Hershey Chocolate factory in Hershey, PA. Finding that factory life was not for him, he volunteered to go into the US Army in 1954. As part of the Armed Forces Police, he was stationed in Washington, DC. It was here that he found a job that suited his interest and he became a Washington DC fireman in 1958. He served as a DC fireman and drove all types of fire trucks for 20 years, retiring in 1978. To escape the hectic, urban sprawl the family moved to the open, quiet spaces of rural Pennsylvania, in Manns Choice. It was in this setting where he found his true calling in life, when he became a grandfather. This was so life-changing that "Pop-Pop" became his primary form of address.

After retiring to the quiet life, he became a gentleman farmer, cultivating a large vegetable garden, chopping firewood, and fixing up the 19-century farmhouse. Pop-Pop's country home hosted many gatherings over the years. The extended Quarry clan would gather for family reunions, culminating in bon fires and hayrides. Lawrence loved watching sports on TV, especially hockey and football. He offered sanctuary to relatives effected by the Three Mile Island incident in 1979. He never hesitated to help when help was needed. When grandchildren were young, he would tirelessly entertain them reading to them, giving tours around the farm, playing in the playroom, and four-wheeler rides. He patiently listened to baby-babble and to which he responded with genuine interest, "I'll be darned."

Washington DC was good to him, for this was where he met his wife, Patricia (Chambers). They were married May of 1960 and had five children: Jennifer wife of Ron Kaszubski, of Bedford; Kendra wife of Gerald Mowry, of Manns Choice; Kimberly wife of Mike Huizinga, of Carrolltown, TX; Peter Quarry husband of Donna, of Weston, FL; and Keith Quarry husband of Mary, of Elizabethtown, PA; nine grandchildren: Kristen Mowry (Matthew), Brenna King (Bill), Hunter Mowry, Brian Kaszubski (Sarah), Rachel Wood (Brian), Mathew and Jacob Huizinga, Hanna and Malina Quarry; five great-grandchildren: Megan Howard, Devan Howard, Lily Zabala, Bella King, Camden Kaszubski; along with two step-granddaughters: Danielle and Amanda and four step-great-grandsons: Brady, Evan, Austin and Trey; siblings: John Quarry (Barbara), Agnes Bering (Joseph), Ann Beattie (Raymond), Delores Dishong and numerous nieces and nephews and God children, and many others who will miss Pop-Pop dearly. Lawrence is preceded in death by one granddaughter- Meagan Kaszubski; two brothers: Ralph Quarry and Cyril Quarry; five sisters: Mary Ann Blouch, Christine Bruno, Rita Leo, Lucille Kent, Patricia Quarry-Cox and two infant sisters.

A viewing and visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, July 10, from 2-4 PM at Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes, Schellsburg. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 11 at St. Thomas Catholic Church. A committal service will follow Mass at Schellsburg Cemetery, Schellsburg.

Being from a large family, private ownership of something was probably hard to come by. It is speculated, as a result of this, Larry had a tendency to put his initials, LJQ, on coolers, tools, and other items. What is for certain, the man, father, Pop-Pop, left an indelible mark on those with the privilege to know him. LJQ will be on our hearts and in our thoughts, until we meet again. May God bless Pop-Pop and welcome him home.

A special thank you to the caretakers Kendra and Grance Hospice.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.geiselfuneral.com/. Arrangements entrusted to Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes, Schellsburg, Pennsylvania.