Lorenzo, “Larry”, D’Orazio, a man who dedicated his life to the love and joy of his family, passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2014, one month shy of 93. His last moments were peaceful; his wife Rose, his daughter Nina, son Carl, and family members were by his side.
Larry lived the true American dream. Born and raised in the mountains of Cansano, Italy, he immigrated to Brooklyn, New York in 1937 at the age of 16. Soon after arrival, he met and fell in love with his wife Rose. The couple married in 1946 and would spend the next 67 years together – exemplifying the true meaning of life-partners. In 1991, Rose and Larry made Oxford, New York their new home.
Larry had a passion for life. His long and successful career began as a trackman with the New York City Transit Authority and culminated 30 years later, after ascending the ranks to Line Supervisor. Even at the age of 92, he could proudly recite the precise elevation of nearly every curve in the New York City Subway system. Larry was also an accomplished electrician and welder and a veteran of the Second World War.
Larry was also passionate about the game of baseball and specifically, his New York Yankees. Those that discussed the game with him immediately recognized his keen baseball intellect often citing exact pitches thrown during at-bats months and even years before. Larry loved to reminisce about watching “The Great DiMaggio” patrol the vast centerfield in old Yankee Stadium or the whereabouts of every secret entrance into Ebbets field.
Larry’s passion for nature and the environment was also robust. He derived great joy from his winter routine of daily cross-country ski excursions and nurturing his annual vegetable garden in warmer months. Larry also spent many an afternoon casting his rod from the numerous fishing piers in Brooklyn. Perhaps none more important, Larry eagerly awaited the return of his beloved swallows each and every spring and spent hours admiring their graceful flight patterns.
Most of all, Larry was passionate about loving and caring for his wife and family. Armed with his trusty harmonica or accordion, Larry taught every generation that the true meaning of life was making time for joy, happiness and laughter each and every day. He imparted life lessons with his classic and masterful storytelling abilities. His repertoire of jokes will never be forgotten. And for his family, Larry’s generosity knew no bounds. Finally, and above all else, Larry’s true love – his wife Rose – was the purpose behind his days and he epitomized what it meant to be a devoted and loyal husband. Larry’s proud and remarkable legacy will live on forever in the hearts and memories of his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.
Family and friends may pay their respects at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main Street, in Oxford on Friday, March 7th from 3-6 PM. A mass celebrated in his honor will be held on Saturday, March 8th at 11 AM at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Oxford. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Emergency Medical Squad, P.O. Box 172, Oxford, NY 13830. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.