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tree
planted in memory of Laurence E. Birkbeck
Obituary for Laurence E. Birkbeck
Laurence “Larry” Birkbeck, born on July 8, 1935, to the late Ward and Grace (Mackey) Birkbeck, passed away on May 28, 2024 after an extended period of declining health.
He graduated from Orrville High School in 1954 and went on to serve his country with distinction in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959.
After his military service, Larry returned home and landed at the Gerstenslager Company. He started as a press operator and worked his way up to Parts Inspector until his retirement in 1998 after nearly four decades of dedicated work.
In his youth, Larry was a two-sport athlete as a member of the Red Riders' basketball and baseball teams. His love for sport never waned, as he took to the Riceland golf course greens as an avid golfer in his later years. Ever the devoted fan, Larry cheered tirelessly for the Orrville Red Riders, the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians).
Larry leaves behind his beloved wife, Patricia (Van Zile), his two sons, Mike (Suzanne) Birkbeck of Canton and Matt (Linda) Birkbeck of Orrville, and three grandchildren—John (Skyler) Birkbeck of Columbus, Mason (Breanna) Birkbeck of Ashland, and Elizabeth Birkbeck of Orrville—along with a great-grandson, Boone James Birkbeck of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ronald “Ronnie” Birkbeck.
A private graveside service for family members will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery, where Larry will be laid to rest.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the Orrville public safety forces, as well as the kind folks at Aultman Orrville Hospital and Aultman Hospital in Canton, for the care and compassion shown to Larry in his final days.
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