Obituary of Lawrence A. Lanzi

Lawrence A. Lanzi, 90, formerly of Union Street, passed away late Monday evening at St. Mary?s Hospital with his loving family at his side. Born in Amsterdam on December 10, 1916, he was the son of Luigi and Amalia Marotta Lanzi, who emigrated from Agnani, Italy. At an early age he began working for his father?s business, Lanzi?s Restaurant on the city?s Southside. During World War II, he proudly served his country as a staff sergeant with the US Army Air Corps. He was a mechanic serving Army aircraft in Italy, North Africa, France and the Rhineland. Larry was awarded the Victory, African & European Medals and the French Medal of Commendation. Following his return to Amsterdam, he married his sweetheart, the former Antoinette Gaetano on October 27, 1945. He resumed his career in the restaurant business and later, in 1956, opened the former Lorenzo?s Restaurant, which he operated, along with his family, until 1998. Even then, he continued to assist them with making his famous pasta and serving as ?Ambassador of Goodwill? until 2001 at the family?s Sport Island Pub and Lanzi?s on the Lake Restaurants. A lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, he was a member of its St. Anthony-Holy Name Society and for years, assisted with its annual spaghetti and pasta fagiole dinners. He was a member of the John J. Wyszomerski Post 701 American Legion and the Bigelow Weavers Association. He was a former member of the Columbian Italian American Social Club, the Sons of Italy and for many years was an ardent supporter and sponsor of the City?s Recreation Softball and Basketball Teams. He also served as president of the Montgomery County Liquor Dealers Association and a member of the New York State Liquor Dealers. Larry was a beloved friend to this community and opened his door and heart to anyone in need. That is the legacy that he has left behind. He and his beloved wife, Antoinette celebrated forty-eight years together until her passing on Sept. 28, 1989. Also a sister, Eleanor Mancini predeceased him. His loving family includes his children, Luigi Lesley Lanzi of Mayfield, Lawrence J. Rosemary Lanzi of Amsterdam, Joseph Karen Lanzi of Amsterdam, Anthony Mary Agnes Lanzi of Mayfield, Christopher H. Megan Lanzi of Amsterdam, Amy Mark Cacozza of Saratoga Springs, Patricia Joseph D?Agostino of Amsterdam, Lois Thomas McManus of Freehold, New York and Marybeth John Martini of San Antonio, Texas; his grandchildren, Lorenzo, Luigi, Lucas, Christopher Antonio, Giuseppi, Gaetano, Giacomo, Arianna and Gabriella Antoinette Lanzi; Antonia D?Agostino, Sean, Gianna and Scott McManus; a brother, Herman Lanzi of Sarasota, Florida and sisters, Louise LoBalbo of Ruxton, Maryland and Madeline Duchessi of Amsterdam; many nieces, nephews and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11:15 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church with Fr. Lawrence J. Decker, celebrant. Interment is in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday from 4-8 pm at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, where the Post 701 will conduct a service at 6:30 pm and the St. Anthony-Holy Name Society at 7:00 pm. Contributions may be made to Mount Carmel Memorial Fund, PO Box 699, Amsterdam 12010.