Obituary of Lawrence R. Christopher

Lawrence R. Christopher, age 80, of Rome, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2013, with his loving family at his side. As he had hoped, he worked at "The Warehouse" right up until 13 days prior to his passing. Larry was born on April 27, 1933, in Ilion, NY. He was the last child of the late Joseph S. and Johanna Sullivan Christopher. He attended Rome Schools, graduated from St. Aloysius Academy in 1951, and attended St. Mary's Church. Larry proudly served in the US Navy. He was awarded the United Nations Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and other medals for his service in the Korean War. After his military service, Larry joined the business started by his father, J.S.C. Sports Equipment Co., also known as the Family Sports Mart on North George Street in Rome. Many Romans found the perfect fishing lure, ice skates, or a baseball mitt for Little League at the Family Sports Mart. When the sports season began, each team member got a uniform, hat, or jacket lettered by Larry. At the end of the sports season, the team members got trophies engraved by Uncle Joe. At the time of his passing, Larry still owned and operated the Family Sports Mart, primarily engraving trophies and plaques for our local community. He was a member of Lee American Legion Post 1794, Veterans of Foreign Wars Rome Post 2264, and the American Ukrainian Veterans and Men's Club. Larry is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Anne and Louis Daniello II, and Kelley and Charles Kotary Jr. of Rome; a son, Lawrence R. Christopher Jr. of Rome; his companion of 24 years, Roberta "Bert" Clark of Cape Vincent; a sister, Joann Derrick of Rome; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Louis III, and Christopher Daniello; many, many nieces and nephews; his Siberian Husky Ralph; and of course his "second family" at the "Ukie" Club. He was predeceased by four sisters, Mary (Willard) Snyder, Marguerite Williams, Patricia (Carl) Armstrong, and Eileen (Buddy) Rankey; two brothers, Francis (Esther) and Joseph (Patricia) Christopher, as well as brother-in-law Leo Derrick Sr. Larry loved animals, the outdoors, fishing, gardening, and particularly his weekends "up north" in Cape Vincent. Everyone who spent time with him will miss stopping by the warehouse for a Utica Club with "The Old Man in the Alleyway" (his self-description in later years). He had a special quality that always made you feel welcome! A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, November 2, 2013, at St. Peter's Church. Burial will be at a later date in St. Peter's Cemetery. Per Larry's wishes, there is no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to an animal charity of your choice.