Banfield, Lawrence “Larry”, Duane Sr.

Lawrence Duane (Larry) Banfield Sr.

Lawrence Duane (Larry) Banfield, Sr. passed away on the evening of December 8, 2006 surrounded and supported by his adoring family. Larry was born in Ithaca, NY on November 17, 1941. Though hearts are aching, his family is grateful that he has been released from his suffering and that he is at rest. Larry was preceded in death by his beloved parents Lawrence Raymond (12/1993) and Charlene Mae (Wood) Banfield (10/2004) and by his brother-in-law R. Bruce Myers (11/2003).

He is survived by his loving wife Ann (House) Banfield and by his ten siblings James (Peggy) Banfield; Sandra Myers; Connie (Gerald) Evans; Judith Meade; Jack (Nancy) Banfield; Jill (Melvin) Holub; Kathleen (Carl) Haff; Kathryn (Paul) Tunison; Terry Banfield (Karla Nardi); Barry (Tara) Banfield. He will also be missed by his children Jacqueline (Jake) Jacobs; Brenda Banfield (Mike Cooper); Bridget (Kenny) Hancharik; Lawrence (Patty) Banfield Jr.; and by their mother June Voorheis; Ann's children, step-son Jacob Hayes (Heather Carpenter); step-daughter Holly Hayes; and his sister-in-law Lisa Davis; 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also held dear by a wide circle of loving nieces and nephews.

Larry spent most of his working years in the field of restaurant management following an early introduction to that world by way of his childhood experiences of working alongside his parents in the family bakery. He had many adventures and misadventures over the years, especially with his brothers, and the family enjoyed nothing more than a rollicking retelling of the old stories of the antics of their youth. Larry had a great smile and a warm way that drew people to him.

Like his mother, Larry loved words. He was a talented writer with a wry wit about him that appears often in the essays and poetry he created. He was an individual who could see and enjoy the lighter side of life, even as he struggled for years with personal health challenges. Like his parents, he held strong political and philosophical positions, and he always enjoyed a good airing about the failures and follies of the GOP. He valued intellectual exchange, and he loved learning. It was a testament to this love that, in mid-life, he enrolled in college and completed his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism at the University of Kentucky. Larry was a peaceful warrior in life - a very human Human with all the glisten and tarnish that is evident in each of us if we but look honestly at ourselves.

Larry will be missed by his loved ones, as we each remember our individual and unique relationships to him. It is our collective prayer that in spirit he has walked into the welcoming embrace of his parents and of his Creator where he will abide with them in comfort, joy, and peace. May it be so.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Larry's memory may be made to Unity House, 408 East State St., Ithaca, NY 14850 or to Franziska Racker Center, 3226 Wilkins Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.

The family will be present to receive friends on Wednesday, December 13, 2006 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 PM at Trumansburg United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Dr. Jeff Losey. Prayers of Committal will follow at the East Lawn Cemetery, 934 Mitchell St., Ithaca. A reception will follow at the church hall at 4:00 PM.

For additional information, please contact the funeral home at 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley