Laurence J Moquin

Laurence John Moquin May 21, 1927 – April 18, 2023

Laurence "Larry" Moquin, 95, of Sun City Center, Florida, passed away April 18, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Laurence Louis Moquin and Anna Schumacher Moquin on May 21, 1927. Followed by his Stepmother Mary Ann Birg. He grew up in Detroit, MI with his two sisters, Janet and Lucille working on his grandmothers family farm, having fun with cousins and neighborhood friends, and riding horses.

From 1944 – 1947 Larry served in the Merchant Marines and the United States Coast Guard where he was honored with Awards & Decorations. After serving his country, Larry couldn't wait to move to Miami, Fla where he found a job as a Dance Instructor at Arthur Murray Studio and a Bell Boy at the Sun City Hotel. Little did he know a feisty beautiful young woman from Baltimore Md., Mary Pfarr was staying at the very same hotel, with her family and friends. When he saw her walk in, he nudged his buddy and said, "Look at her, that's the woman I'm going to marry her!"

He was determined to win her heart and shortly they married and had five children. Larry was blessed with fixing things and had a knack for electrical work. So he accepted an opportunity to work for RCA Whirlpool. Ten years later he became the proud business owner of "Larry's Appliance Service". Even while running a successful business Larry always found time for his wife & kids. Every summer we would pile into the paneled station wagon and visit family in Michigan and Baltimore. He loved being a family man, playing football with his sons and neighbors. He especially took pride in sharing his knowledge of growing vegetables and fruit with his daughters. But most of all, he enjoyed making people laugh with sharing funny stories and corny jokes.

His hobbies included bowling, crossword puzzles and…horse racing! Which soon became a family hobby we all loved. When it came time for him and Mary to retire they found the perfect place – Sun City Center, Florida. They both looked forward to daily trips to the pool, entertaining in their home and adventurous Cruise Ships with their beloved friends in the Sun City Center community, they will always be treasured memories for the two of them.

He was a devoted father and grandfather who created a nickname for everyone. From his son Larry affectionately known as "Bud" to his granddaughters known as sweet pea. He looked forward to visits from his grandkids and instilled in them a love for family life. He had an amazing memory and told entertaining stories, sometimes with a hint of exaggeration. Even in his last few days, he told stories from his life, and he had a dream where all of us took him to the Kentucky Derby winning thousands of dollars. He liked that dream. And so did we.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; children, Larry (Tammy), Sharon, Lynne (Greg), Lauren, Glenn (Krista). Grandchildren; Tammy, Tommy, Larry Jr., Alex, Katie, Glenn Jr., Misty (Loren) Bement, Chris (Stephanie), Shannon, Hope (Mark),Tyler(Gabby). Great Grandchildren: Giovanni, Sergio, Gianni, Austin, Ayden, Shae, Aidan, Kilee and Harley. His two sisters: Janet Cable and Lucille Setter, as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a Memorial Service Friday, May 12th from 12:00 – 1:30pm at Bayside Community Church 9505 Moccasin Wallow Rd. Parrish Fl. follow by Military Honors at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72 Sarasota Fl. at 2:30. Afterwards all are invited to join us for a Reception at Sun City Community Center. 4:30 – 6pm.

*The family would like to thank the Nurses and Caretakers at 'Right At Home. Their support for both our father and our mother gave the family peace of mind. They truly cared about our Dad and the well-being of his wife, our mother. We will forever be grateful. And with special gratitude for the Hospice team at Sun City Center, Ruskin, Fl. They were exceptionally comforting to our father. We'd also like to thank our family and friends for their support and prayers.