Larry E. Namie 1935-2025

He was born Aug. 11, 1935, in Youngstown, a son of the late Lawrence and Ann Bencinic Namie Sr.

He graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1953 and began working as the first employee at Panelmatic in 1955, where he dedicated 41 years until his retirement in 1996. Not content with staying retired, he then began working part-time for #1 Cochran, formerly Sweeney, Dealership for an additional 25 years, where he was a professional driver and helped in every department including inventory, delivering cars, and even accounting!

Larry was a man of unwavering faith, whose trust in God guided him throughout his life. He lived each day with integrity, kindness and purpose, always putting his family first. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he was someone who made friends easily and was genuinely well liked by everyone who knew him.

With a calm, easygoing nature, he carried himself with a quiet serenity that put people at ease. He never seemed to get angry and had the patience of a saint, always willing to listen, help, or simply be present. He moved through life with a steady grace, content to go with the flow and make the best of any situation.

At work, he was a natural leader who had a gentle way of keeping things on track. A true jack-of-all-trades, he was skilled in mechanical work, technical systems, and numbers-there seemed to be nothing he couldn’t figure out. When something broke, he was the first person anyone called. Like a real-life MacGyver, he had a talent for fixing things with creativity and skill.

Outside of work, he found joy in tending to his garden, growing fruit trees and vegetables with care. He also had a deep connection with animals, especially horses and dogs. Animals responded to him in a way that was hard to explain-he just had “it.” His love for both nature and animals was matched by his strong faith.

He was a longtime member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and also attended Church of the Rock. His life was a living testimony of quiet strength, humility and love.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his only daughter, Laura A. (Henry Dilschneider) Miller of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his granddaughter, Jessica (Austin) Milberger of Porter, Oklahoma; great-granddaughter, Caroline Rose Milberger; sister, Shirley (Robert) Lipp of New Middletown; brother-in-law, Ronald Burkett; and two sisters-in-law, Virginia (Charles) Wieland and Rosemary Egnor; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins who will carry his legacy of love, faith and strength.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lerene C. Namie of 63 years; and his daughter, Kathy Namie Beare.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland, followed immediately by a funeral service beginning at 1 p.m., with Rev. Reid Lamport officiating.

He will be laid to rest with his wife in Poland Riverside Cemetery.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences and share your memories.

(special notice)