Lawrence William Joseph Mazzoli

Lawrence “Larry” William Joseph Mazzoli, 79, of West Chester, PA and formerly of Lansdale, PA passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024 after a long illness. He was surrounded by the love of friends and family, all of whom are comforted to know he is at rest.

Born in Philadelphia in 1945, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Janette (Gregonis) Mazzoli.

Larry was an avid gardener with the greenest of thumbs, and he enjoyed spending hours in a backyard overflowing with plants. He loved travel and adventure, and in the last few decades of his life traveled to many countries including The Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Alaska, and several countries in Africa, where he felt a deep connection to the culture and wildlife. He also spent many happy hours on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, where he traveled each summer with his family and friends. 

Larry served honorably in the US Navy and received several National Defense Service medals during the Vietnam war, one for helping to evacuate a Vietnamese orphanage before it was bombed. He went on to earn his Master’s Degree and worked as a teacher in Special Education, helping the neediest children throughout Montgomery County.

He loved wine, whiskey, science, Philadelphia sports teams, orchids, crossword puzzles, and gossiping with his neighbors. In his seventies he started work on a science fiction novel, a daily outlet for his wild and eccentric imagination. 

Larry was the loving father of Missy and Jessica Mazzoli, in whom he instilled a taste for adventure, a healthy distrust of authority, and a commitment to helping those in need at all times. They will cherish the many happy memories with their dad.

Larry was the brother of Lawrencine Mazzoli. He was predeceased by his siblings; Eugene Mazzoli and Joseph Mazzoli.

A private memorial will be held for close family and friends. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Special Olympics of Pennsylvania https://specialolympicspa.org/