Lawrence Thomas Zaleski

Lawrence Thomas Zaleski, 84 of Amherst, passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024, following an extended illness.

Born on September 29, 1939, in Elyria, Ohio, Lawrence had been a resident of Amherst for 51 years, having moved from Elyria.

Lawrence, affectionately known as Larry, proudly belonged to the inaugural graduating class of Lorain Community College leading to a 30 year career as a Manufacturing Drafting Engineer for Ford Motor Co., Avon Lake, until his retirement in 1997.

He was a devout member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in South Amherst where he was a Eucharistic Minister and member of the choir. He loved life, especially the unborn and served as past president of the Lorain County Right To Life group. An advocate for children, Larry was proudly appointed guardian ad litem for the Lorain County Voices for Children program.

He was an avid golfer and fisherman while enjoying numerous hobbies including r/c airplanes, boating, woodworking, handyman and anything outdoors. He was a passionate Cleveland sports fan and could always be found from noon to three listening to Rush Limbaugh. Larry had a keen sense of humor and always enjoyed a good joke.

Survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon (nee Henning) Zaleski of Amherst, Lawrence leaves behind a legacy through his children: sons Daniel Lawrence Zaleski of  Cleveland and Aaron Matthew Zaleski of Grafton; daughters Rebecca (Scott) Stephens of Amherst and Linda Zaleski -Turley of Amherst. He will also be remembered fondly by his 7 grandchildren: Aidan, Ryan, and Collin Turley; Savannah and Caroline Zaleski; Sam and Luke Stephens. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Pat Zaleski of Pennsylvania.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Wanda (nee Jalowiec) Zaleski, and his brothers, Bob and Gerald Zaleski.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, OH 44089. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 333 S Lake St, South Amherst, OH 44001, where Reverend Tim O'Connor will officiate. Interment will follow at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Amherst.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Parkinson Foundation of Northwest Ohio, 150 West South Boundary  PBM #202, Perrysburg, OH 43551 or Lorain County Right to Life,

P. O. Box 207, Elyria, OH 44036-0207.

Expressions of sympathy and online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.