Larry was born in San Francisco to Giovanni and Nella Dini. The family home was in Oakland where he attended Our Lady of Lourdes School and Oakland High, and where he forged friendships that lasted an entire lifetime. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army and served honorably in Korea. Upon returning to the States, he attended the University of San Francisco. Larry was married for nearly 60 years to his high-school sweetheart, Lynn Dealey. Lynn and Larry settled in Walnut Creek where they lived their lives together, lovingly raising three sons and helping to raise two grandchildren. Larry was a superior handyman. As soon as he bought the Walnut Creek house, he set about making improvements. He did the landscaping, built fences, poured patios, constructed raised beds and a wishing well, and added two bedrooms and a poker shed, all in the same good shape today as the day they were built. To say that he was house-proud is an understatement. He took pride in a job well done and passed this on to each of his sons.
Early on, Larry was a salesman for Kraft Foods with a territory that included much of the North Bay Area. For most of his career, though, he was the manager of several supermarkets in Walnut Creek, including Lo-Ray’s, Ralph’s, Lucky’s and Lee’s Food Bowl (in El Cerrito & San Pablo) where he was respected by employees and employers alike.
As a boy, Larry’s big Italian family often vacationed at Clear Lake and the Santa Cruz Mountains which instilled a love of road trips, long and short. Larry was an excellent driver and was comfortable towing travel trailers and ski boats, much to the enjoyment of his family and friends. Whenever hiccups occurred along the way, he went with the flow. He was a quiet, humble, even-tempered guy and quite the perfectionist. When the spirit moved, he was witty and charming. Larry was a good cook, but he was a world-class eater to which many photos attest.
Following Lynn’s death in 2012, Larry spent less time out of the house, though he still loved day trips to the Sacramento River sloughs, to the Napa Valley, and to the coast with his family. He was generous to all, especially to his kids and grandkids. As his health declined, he was cared for by his youngest son, Robert, whom he loved dearly. After a long illness, he died at home in his sleep. He was deeply loved and will be missed.
Larry was preceded in death by Lynn, by his son Christopher, and by his brother George. He is survived by his sons Michael and Robert, his son-in-law Kelly Johns, sister-in-law Paula Dealey, by his grandchildren Jenni (m. Joey Mateas) and Jason, and by his great-grandson, Xaious. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Larry to Suncrest Hospice Care, 1777 Bothello Way, #240, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.
Memorial services will be held at Queen of Heaven Cemetery at the St. Cecilia Chapel on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 10:30am with committal following at 11:30am at the Risen Christ Columbarium.
