Lawrence "Larry" Kaczmarek

Lawrence “Larry” Kaczmarek, 72, of Ravenna, passed away at home, peacefully in his sleep after a 3 year battle with cancer, on Sunday, December 17, 2023. He was born in Cleveland on December 31, 1950 to the late Bernard and Sophie Kaczmarek. A graduate of Cuyahoga Heights High School, he went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Cleveland State University in Eastern Art History and Religion.

Larry began his insurance journey in 1978 with Prudential, where he met his lifelong friend and business associate Don Salvador. In 1988, he founded Kaczmarek Insurance Services, where he specialized in small employer and

individual health insurance. His wife, Darlene, joined him in the business in 1994. Together, they grew the business and business partner, Debbie Boop, joined them in 2015. Larry was a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters, where he earned several awards including, Legislative Excellence Award, Distinguished Service Award, Harold G. Wetzell Award for Public Speaking and the Presidential Citation. He was also a member and past president of the Northeast Ohio Health Underwriters.

Larry loved his Cleveland Indians/Guardians and was a 30-year season ticket holder. An avid hunter and fisherman, he spent many years at his cabin in southern Ohio with his hunting buddies, Lou Drouhard and Mark Hine, and decades fishing with his dear friends Greg Svetina and Captain John Oravec.

Many people will remember the annual Fish Fry he held for more than 30 years. Larry was also Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #555 in Ravenna for 16 years.

He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ronald and David Kaczmarek.

Larry leaves his loving wife Darlene (Watson) Kaczmarek; sister Diane (Pat)

Gnuschke; sister-in-law Anne Kaczmarek, and nephew Colonel David Kaczmarek, who was like a son, amongst many nieces and nephews.

In honoring Larry’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  Visitation will be THURSDAY, December 28, 2023 from 2:00-3:30PM and 5:30-7:00PM at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.   A Celebration of Larry’s life will follow at 7:00PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in his name, to the USO, PO Box 96860 Washington, DC 20077 or uso.org, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org.

Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.