Larry R Wright

With grateful hearts, the family of Larry R. “LW” Wright announces his passing on May 30, 2026, after a period of declining health. Born in Akron, OH on May 23, 1942 to Ernie Wright and Leona Wright (nee Dobson), Larry was a lifetime resident of the Stow-Kent area. He fondly spoke of his first job, working for the Record Courier, delivering papers to the homes and businesses along West Main Street.

As a boy, he was active in Boy Scouts, which led to a lifelong affiliation with the organization, including cheering on two Eagle Scout grandsons. He spent his early years enjoying time at both his grandparents’ farms in Kent and Brimfield, recalling train rides, checking local gas wells, and often being “up to no good” with his many cousins and young uncles. Mechanically minded, he built Soapbox Derby cars, rolling them into competition on Derby Downs.

Larry graduated from Stow High School and attended Kent State University, where he studied industrial design. As a teen, he began working with his father at the family contracting firm, Wright Heating. Larry married his high school sweetheart, Mary Brust, and set out to grow the business and his family. Active in many organizations and boards through the years, Larry enjoyed his involvement in the Portage County Shriners, Rockton Lodge #316, The Martin L. Davey Chapter of the Isaak Walton League, the Robinson Memorial Foundation (now UH Portage), Twin Lakes Country Club, the Rotary Club of Kent, and the United Methodist Church of Kent. He also served on the Board of Directors of Hometown Bank.

To the very end, he was known for his warm personality, integrity and pleasure in a good conversation or joke. He was also notorious for his creativity; whether it be figuring out a service problem that stumped the team, fabricating toolboxes (including large workboxes for Davey Tree trucks), or other utilitarian projects from sheets of steel. His silly drawings often popped up on the last page of legal pads, envelopes or notes, usually accompanied by the date and weather of the day.

Larry was also a fan of baseball, history and travel, particularly steam trains, and especially looked forward to his bi-annual fishing trip to Manitoulin Island with his sons-in-law and special friends. He was an avid collector of “treasures” to display and discuss, including antique sleds, toy cars, tractors, tobacco cans, and old tools. He enjoyed coming prepared with those tools and oddities for a good game of “Guess what this is?” at any party or gathering.

Larry leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Mary; along with daughters, Rebekah (Mike) Kulis and Rachel (Fred) Slippy. He took pride in his grandson, Will Kulis, joining him in the family business as the 4th generation; his grandson, Garrett Slippy, for his adventures both as an aviator and outdoorsman; and his granddaughter, Katie Kulis, for her commitment to education and helping others. In addition, Larry leaves a sister, Carol (Steve) Bragg of Woodstock, GA; brother-in-law, Charles (Janice) Brust of Edinburg; one niece, multiple nephews, and many cousins. He maintained long relationships with his work family, both past and present, deeply proud of their skills, dependability and commitment. Larry’s gentle manner also encircled his trusted advisors, friends, fellow contractors, and longtime customers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bissler & Sons. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 A.M. THURSDAY, June 25th, at the United Methodist Church of Kent, 1435 E. Main St, with Rev. Robert Machovec officiating. Immediately following the service, family, friends and associates are cordially invited to the Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center, 215 S. Depeyster St., to continue in fellowship and to honor a life well- lived. Memorial contributions in Larry’s name may be made to Building Fund at The United Methodist Church of Kent, the U.H. Portage Foundation, or the Kent Rotary Foundation. 

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.