Lawrence L. Osiecki

Larry’s LegacyLawrence Leonard Osiecki – born January 30th 1944 to Leonard and Anna Osiecki. Larry grew up in Hamtramck, Michigan, and attended Cass Tech before graduating from Hamtramck High School. Afterward, Larry enlisted in the navy as an electrician’s mate and was stationed in Key West, Florida on the USS Powers, a navy destroyer. He served two years before being medically discharged from the navy, and then enrolled at Western Michigan University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1966. While at Western, Larry became a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.Upon graduation, Larry embarked on a European adventure, skiing in the Alps and touring Austria, Germany, and Paris. In 1967 he moved back to start a job on the west coast of the US. Larry returned to the Motor City in 1968 where he met Maureen Agnes Burns on a blind date. They were married in April 1970, and in 1972 moved into their home in what was a new development called Highland Lakes in Northville, Michigan.Larry and Maureen welcomed their first child, Lawrence Leonard Osiecki II – affectionately called “Larry O” – in March 1973. In November 1974 their second child, Matthew Joseph Osiecki, was born. For the next 20 years Larry dedicated his life to raising his boys. He coached little league soccer and baseball. He spent vacations driving to places like Gettysburg PA, Virginia Beach VA, New York City, Boston MA, Wawa Ontario CA, and wherever Matt and Larry had travel baseball and soccer games.Larry and his family spent many wonderful summers up north, camping at Lakes of the North near Gaylord Michigan and celebrating the 4th of July on Lake Skegemog. Larry loved the outdoors, and was happiest when sailing or canoeing on Swann Harbor Lake; riding his bike around Northville, the Detroit river front, the many parks of Oakland County, or Mackinac Island; or golfing with friends and his sons.Larry O and Matt followed in their father’s footsteps, graduating from Western Michigan University. In 2001, Larry O married Lisa Johnson. Larry’s first grandchild and namesake – Lawrence Leonard Osiecki III, known as Tripp – arrived in May 2006. Two years later, Larry’s second grandson, Reid Sidney Osiecki, was born. In March 2008, Matthew married Theresa Sywak. Then in May 2012, Matt and Terri welcomed Alexandria Grey Osiecki, Larry’s third grandchild.Larry loved being a grandfather, and together with Maureen, they orchestrated many adventures and traditions for their grandchildren. Some of his favorites included canoe rides on the lake, biking all over metro Detroit, ice cream at Guernsey’s, the model train museum in Commerce, visits to the Detroit Zoo and Toledo Zoo, and driving through the Wayne County holiday light show. He loved to use his skills as a woodworker to build hand-crafted gifts for them. And he enthusiastically set up his model train during the holidays and showed his grandchildren how to run the track.Larry and Maureen frequently spent time with a group of friends who became life-long companions. Their many adventures included trips up north and monthly excursions to the theatre, thus generating the moniker of “The Theatre Group.” Larry and Maureen made treasured memories and celebrated holidays and birthdays throughout the years with these valued friends. Larry also developed close relationships with people he worked with, and friendships that spanned across different cultures. His upstanding character and loyalty earned the respect of many.Larry faced many physical hardships during his adult life. However, he continued to fully live his life despite these limitations. He approached every day head on with a courage and spirit that amazed those who knew him. Larry will lovingly be remembered for his competitive spirit, his sense of humor and quick (unforgettable) laugh, and his unwavering commitment to his family and friends.Larry left his earthly home on November 28th 2016 and we’re sure he’s kicked backed somewhere sipping on a rum and coke.