Larry was born on August 10, 1945 at St. Agnes Hospital in Catonsville, Maryland.  He was the last of 6 children born to Marie and Enrico Ventura.  Enrico was born in Sicily, Italy and came to the United States in his early 20's with his 2 brothers and never returned. Larry joined 2 older brothers (Henry and Michael) and 3 older sisters (Connie, Josephine. and Rosalie).

When Larry was 3 years old the family moved from inner city Baltimore to Hamilton.  He attended St. Dominic's for first grade and then transferred to public school for the next 7 years.  His high school years were spent at City College where he graduated in 1965.

As a young man, he developed a love of shooting pool and enjoyed it throughout his life.  He later taught a class of five women how to shoot at the BYKOTA Senior Center.

Larry's first job was selling snowballs at Walther Gardens across from his childhood home.  He later worked at L. Gordon Paper Box Factory.

In October, 1962, Larry met Julia at a Halloween Party sponsored by St. Dominic's CYO (Catholic Youth Organization.).  Shortly after, Larry was at a Christmas Eve mass with his friend John.  He told John "I am going to marry her" -- and on May 17, 1969 he did!  May 17th of that year was also "Preakness" at Pimlico.  A number of Larry's buddies said they were going to the races, but they didn't.  All of them came to the wedding.  It was a beautiful sunny day and a great start to a wonderful married life!

Julia and Larry lived at Wellington Gate Apartments on Northern Parkway for 2 years.  Then on to a row home on Belvedere Avenue for the next 5 years.  Larry's job changed and he began his career with "Baltimore Stationery" where he excelled in office furniture sales for the next 30 years.  For at least 8 of those years he achieved sales of over one million dollars per year.  He won money and trips as a bonus.

Larry always wanted a corvette and in 1975 one was advertised in the Sunday paper.  It was a beautiful car--a 1964, candy apple red, convertible.  Julia and Larry bought it for $2,400!  The prior owner said they were expecting a baby and needed a family car.  Larry only had $10.00 on him and Julia did not have any money with her.  Larry asked the guy if he would hold the car for $10.00 and they would go get the money.  Julia and Larry borrowed the money from Larry's brother (Henry) and went back and got the car.  That car was Larry's pride and joy!  Since there was no garage on Belvedere Avenue, the car was kept under a canvas cover whenever not in use.  After another 5 years, they moved to Shrewsbury PA to a house with a garage. Guess which car got the garage?

The next move was to Timonium on Cinder Road.  A lot closer for work but no garage.  The canvas cover was back.  When Larry turned 40 (1985) they moved to their current home on Midridge Road also in Timonium (one car garage).  YES, the corvette got it!   It stayed the sole occupant until 2024 when the car was sold.  Larry and Julia were the owners for 49 YEARS !!!

In January 2020 Larry was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia.  That began his slow decline.  On August 27, 2024, Larry was moved to an assisted living in Cockeysville by the name of Commonwealth.  He spent 5 weeks there and had to go to St. Joseph's Hospital to be evaluated and to get control of his meds for 4 days.  From St, Joe's, he proceeded to Stella Maris for his final days.

He cherished all of his family and the many friends he made over the years.  Larry and Julia spent many, many good times together!  They traveled to Europe and visited their friends, Joe & Lissa, in Germany, England, France and Scotland as well as Hawaii.  They skied (out West), on the East Coast in MD, PA, NY and Vermont.  They also skied in Austria and Canada. Just hanging out and having fun together.

Two days after Julia and Larry retired in May 2003, they drove for 6 weeks across country on Route 66.  It started in Chicago and ended in Santa Monica, California!

Wishing FAMILY and FRIENDS would last forever, but it doesn't work that way.  Enjoy today for tomorrow may never come!

A Memorial Mass celebrated by Fr. Lenin Suarez will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 100 Church Lane, Cockeysville, Maryland 21030 on Friday, October 25 beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please remember Larry with memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association , 502 Washington Avenue, Suite 300, Towson, Maryland 21204

Please remember Larry by signing his guestbook.