Lawrence B. “Larry” Schoch, 64, of Cazenovia and Rotonda West, FL, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at his cottage on Lake Ontario in Carlton, N.Y., surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on July 26, 1958, in Syracuse, the son of Brewster A. and Marilyn (Miller) Schoch. Larry was a 1976 graduate of Baldwinsville High School. In 1978, he graduated from SUNY Morrisville College receiving his associate’s degree. Larry continued his education, earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in environmental science and Master of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems Degree from SUNY ESF and Syracuse University.
In 2015, Larry retired as an engineering program manager, Seawolf – Non-Propulsion Electronics, at Lockheed Martin after more than 25 years. While at Lockheed Martin, he was a member of the company’s downhill ski team, racing on Wednesday nights at Toggenburg Mountain. For decades, Larry and Carol owned and operated the Beaver River Hotel in the Adirondack Mountains and rental properties in Rome.
Larry was a man of many talents and interests. He was a skilled craftsman and was an engineer in every sense of the word, always with a “design in his mind.” Larry had the ability to refurbish homes, rebuild motors, design solar/ inverter systems, refinish furniture and analyze the schematics of electrical appliances. A labor of love, Larry designed and built their camps in the Adirondacks; he incorporated Adirondack architectural features throughout, from the smallest details, including handcrafted picture and mirror frames, to Native logs for porch framing, and even the chainsaw wood-carved bear in the yard. With his woodworking ability and creative mind, Larry enjoyed making special, personalized gifts for the family – gifts that were once appreciated are now cherished.
A longstanding member of the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society, since 2001, Larry has maintained his NORAC certification authorizing him to operate hi-rail vehicles on the railroad. An avid sportsman, he is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. Larry attended both the Cazenovia First Presbyterian Church and, during the winter months, the Fellowship Church in Englewood, FL.
Larry and Carol had a wonderful life together of nearly 40 years. Within eight years, they relocated six times in three different states, with children in tow. While Carol stayed home raising their children, Larry took care of everything else. They were a team. With Carol at his side, Larry lived life to the fullest. Recreation was a priority. Friendships were important, and friends were many. The fun and good times shared with friends cannot be overstated. He loved fishing and hours were spent on the water, whether in New York or Florida. Larry didn’t discriminate in his choice of boats. He could be found in the captain seat of his pontoon boat, standing at the helm of a center console Florida boat, bombing around in a fishing boat or paddling a canoe. Their marriage was the proverbial “once in a lifetime,” that few are lucky enough to experience. Their relationship was an example of love, respect and commitment. Music was central to their life; you never knew when you might find them dancing in the kitchen or on the boat. Together, they enjoyed time spent at their camp in the Adirondacks, their Florida home, their cottage on Lake Ontario and at their family home in Cazenovia. As long as Carol was by Larry’s side, he was at home.
Larry’s involvement with Nadine, Steve and his grandchildren was exceptional. A constant in their lives, besides teaching them how to do things and spending vacation time together, Larry could be found with a grandchild on his lap driving a boat or a skid-steer, snowmobiling, bouncing on a trampoline, downhill skiing, ice fishing, swimming under the pontoon boat or being pulled on a tube, being launched off his shoulders into the water, flying a kite or engaged in a competitive game of washer board. He was Dad and Papa, and he was loved immensely.
Surviving besides his loving wife, Carol, and his mother, Marilyn, of Pittsburgh, PA; are two children, Nadine (Nate) Bell, of Cazenovia, and Steven Smith, of Cazenovia; three cherished grandchildren, Connor Bell, Leah Bell and Charlotte Smith; three siblings, Stephen (Jamie) Schoch, of Portland, OR, Russell Schoch, of Lynchburg, VA, and Laura Schoch (Robert Cambest), of Pittsburgh, PA; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and very dear friends.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 10 a.m. at the Cazenovia First Presbyterian Church. Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Cazenovia. Family and friends are invited and may call on Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday, June 23, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Michael E. Brown Funeral Services, 2333 Fenner Road, Cazenovia. Memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s memory to the Larry Schoch Environmental Education Scholarship Fund, c/o Nadine Bell at Costello, Cooney, & Fearon, PLLC, 211 W. Jefferson St., Syracuse, NY 13202. This scholarship will be given out yearly to a graduating senior from Cazenovia High School who intends to study environmental science. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc., 342 Main St., Oneida. You may view the obituary and send a message of condolence online at www.ironsidefuneralhome.com.
