Lawrence "Larry" Spillman

Lawrence “Larry” Spillman, age 76, of Newtown Square, PA, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Monday, January 9, 2023.  Larry bravely lived with Parkinson’s disease and squamous cell skin cancer for several years.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Lawrence J. Spillman, Sr. and Grace (née Grassi) Spillman.

Larry was a proud patriot who served in the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1966 – 1968, serving for a period on two different ships - the USS Fox and the USS Benner - during the Vietnam War.

After returning home, he attended St. Joseph’s University and earned his Bachelor’s Degree by taking evening classes while working full time during the day and raising a family.

Anyone who knew Larry knew he was an avid outdoorsman.  Over the years, he enjoyed hunting during archery season and open season.  He was also an avid fisherman – fishing the waters of rivers, bays, and the ocean.  In his retirement, he loved his annual fishing trips to South Carolina and the Florida Keys with his brother, Eddie.  He also loved taking his grandchildren fishing in Ocean City, NJ while on family vacations. Larry was as comfortable on the water as he was on dryland. 

During the late 70’s and mid 80’s, Larry and his family spent their summer weekends on Cherokee Avenue in Riverdale, DE, along the Indian River.  Larry and Dee’s summer place was next door to his parents, which was intentional.  Every summer weekend was full of family, friends, crabbing, swimming, and cold beer!

Larry was also a fantastic griller.  There were many summer Sunday dinners by the pool cooked on the grill, while listening to the Phillies and served on the outside deck.  There may have been an adult beverage or two included. 

Grandkids loved going to DeeDee and Pop Pop’s home on Sunday’s because it meant swimming and most likely ice cream!  Larry loved his family, and his grandkids especially, who stole his heart.

Larry was the faithful husband of over 50 years to Dolores (née Buchanan) Spillman, who preceded him in death in 2022.  He was the loving father of Kristine Adams (David Adams) and Lori Martin (Josh Martin).  He was the proud grandfather of Laura, Isabel, Quinn, Gavin, and Ella.  Larry is also survived by his sisters, Maryellen Buchanan (John) and Kelly Spillman; and his brothers, Dennis Spillman, Eddie Spillman (Gerri), and Michael Spillman (Trisha).  He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation, Saturday, January 14, 2023, 9:00 – 10:30 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA  19073, followed by his Funeral Service, 10:30 AM.  Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Larry’s memory would be appreciated to Wounded Warriors, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS  66675, www.woundedwarriorproject.org, or to Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA  19111, www.foxchasegiving.org.