Loren R. Pitkin, Jr.

Loren R. Pitkin Jr. (“Larry”), 79 of North Syracuse, N.Y. passed away peacefully on May 19, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer, while being blessed to spend his last days at home with his family. Larry was born on July 17th, 1944 to Loren R. Pitkin Sr. and Isabell Pitkin. Larry is survived by his wife and best friend Kathleen (“Kathy”) Pitkin, his son Brian J. Smith (Nicole), daughter Amanda (Christopher) Weingarth, and two grandchildren Sophia and Henry Smith, for whom he loved so much. Larry was preceded by his daughter Sarah M. Smith.

Larry grew up in Watertown, New York and attended General Brown High School; soon after graduating he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Larry married Kathleen in 1980, happily building a life together filled with love, support and an open-door policy to anyone in need. Larry and Kathy celebrated their 44th anniversary on May 17th, two days prior to his passing, and over the last 44 years you could count on one hand the number of times he was away from his loving wife, as his favorite pastime was spending time with Kathy.

Larry had an uncanny way of making people smile. He was a lifelong entrepreneur, starting his own business in the branded specialties arena long before it was fashionable. If you ever had the pleasure of meeting Larry, you were drawn to his charismatic personality and the way he would make you laugh. He instantly become your friend, while unselfishly lending a helping hand without ever asking for anything in return. Larry was consistently watching out for those around him, a father-figure to so many, and you could always count on him giving sound advice or just being a good listener.

He was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren, and there was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his family. He had a love for fixing things, with no task too big, frequently spoke of his long-lost 1966 GTO convertible, loved action movies, and of course Hershey kisses. Larry was a member of St. Margret’s Catholic Church, and a supporter of children’s cancer non-profits, such as Camp Good Days and Special Times and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

A visitation will be held Saturday June 15th, 2024, at St. Margaret’s Church located at 200 Roxboro Rd, Syracuse, NY 13211 from 9AM to 10 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM. Entombment will follow at Oak Wood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made in Larry’s name to Hospice of Central New York, www.hospicecny.org or the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York, www.wish.org/cny.

To leave the family an online condolence, please visit the Sears Middleton Mathewson Funeral Home’s website at: www.searsmiddletonmathewson.com

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