Larry Nate Loveless told his final tale early in the morning of Sept. 28, 2021. A true “townie”, Larry was born on November 21, 1943, and was brought up on the rough and tumble streets of Skaneateles, where he raised hell for nearly eight decades. He was a 1961 graduate of Skaneateles High School, which continued to haunt his children as they all passed through the same hallway’s years later. Larry was described in the yearbook as “promising…droll…dexterous,” which really did describe him accurately.
After graduation Larry embarked upon his college education at Paul Smith’s College in the Adirondacks, with hopes of spending more time hunting and fishing than actually in class. Much to everyone’s surprise he caught the greatest trophy of his life, Jan Paula Prentiss, who one night needed a ride home and Larry was lucky enough to have a car. He somehow convinced her to become his wife and the two of them enjoyed 47 years of wonderful, and sometimes questionable, adventures together until Jan’s passing in 2010.
Larry was the third generation Proprietor and “chief cook and bottle washer” at The Krebs Restaurant in Skaneateles, which he operated side-by-side with Jan until his retirement in 2010. He was often spotted running around town in his chef whites or spinning tales at the end of the bar with a cold Budweiser in his hand. Larry claimed he never worked a day in his life because he loved his job so much, however there were many witnesses to the contrary whenever a dish hit the ground.
When not at the restaurant Larry had a true zest for life. He was an unflappable life-long fan of the New York Yankees, the Montreal Canadians and the Green Bay Packers. If you still owe him a few dollars from one of your bets, go buy yourself a beer. If he owes you, he’ll tell you that you should have collected sooner.
Larry’s family and friends are left knowing that at some point you were all characters in one of his many stories, all of which are mostly true. He also personified the phrase “open door policy” and it didn’t matter if you had lint in your pocket or a billion dollars in the bank. He truly enjoyed entertaining you all. Larry held court in many locations throughout his time with us. Some of his favorites include poolside with his beloved crew in Aruba, the Skaneateles American Legion, The Ukrainian National Club (even though nobody in the family claims to be Ukrainian), Fishin’ Magician Charters in Sodus Bay, the mountains of Montana, Skate Creek Hunt Club, his very own Humidor Hill Rod and Gun Club, around his table for Thursday night pitch, and of course up in Bear Swamp at The Colonial Lodge, Snyder’s Barn or Camp Pee-Wee. In his absence someone will need to take over beer can and garbage pickup on the Ridge Road.
Larry and Jan both enjoyed giving back to the community. They supported and were deeply involved in many local programs including the Skaneateles Christmas Baskets, Youth Hockey, the Sons of the American Legion, the Skaneateles Fireman’s Field Days and so many more that his kids have completely lost track. At the very least he made his famous cheese and macaroni (in that order) for any event at a moment’s notice.
Larry was also a member of the Skaneateles Masonic Lodge 522 and has served many duties for the Masonic fraternity throughout the years. These include past master of the Skaneateles Masonic Lodge, past patron of the Skaneateles Order of the Eastern Star, district deputy of the Second Onondaga District, past director of the Syracuse Royal Order of the Jesters, past high priest of the Charles H. Platt Royal Order of the Jesters, and a member of the Tigers Shrine. If you happen to stop by to grab ice from his still operating Krebs ice machine, don’t forget to drop a dollar or two in the bucket for the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.
Larry leaves behind his three children, Lori (Glenn) Gray of New Orleans, LA; Kim (Steve) Seabury of Old Chatham, N.Y.; Frederic (Racheal) of Newark Valley, N.Y. He is also survived by his six adoring grandchildren who he loved to brag about as long as they didn’t abuse his golf cart. Bryce (Deanna) and Killian (Lindsey) Gray, Maris and Baden Seabury, and Lily (Jack) and Erich Loveless. He also leaves behind his lifelong sidekick, Richard Snyder and his family. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Jan, as well as Laura L. Loveless (mother), Elnathan J. Loveless (father), Frederic W. Perkins (Uncle), Eloise B. Perkins (Aunt), and his faithful Aruba beer cooler, Coleman.
Services will be private, however a celebration of Larry’s Last Call will be planned at a later date, as one last opportunity for Larry to buy you a drink and serve you a fine meal.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to either the Shriners Children’s Hospital (shrinerschildrens.org) or the Masonic Medical Research Institute (https://mmri.edu).
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
