Lawrence Vincent Sarni, 89, of Mystic passed away Sunday, February 6, 2011 surrounded by his family.
He was a loving husband to Mary (Moran) Sarni for 66 years, and a devoted father to Elaine and her husband, John Huyette, MD of Springfield, PA, and Catherine Sarni and her husband, Gene Swain of Colchester, CT. He was the beloved grandfather of John, Elizabeth, and Catherine Huyette.
Born in San Mango Sul Calore, Italy, Larry was the son of Alfred and Louise Sarni. He grew up in New Jersey and Rhode Island and graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He served in the United States Army and was later Post Commander of the American Legion in Naugatuck, CT.
Larry then went to work with the US Rubber Company. In 1949, with four associates, he founded the Griswold Rubber Company, which produced sponge rubber products used by the automotive, footwear, and computer industries. In 1970, he became president of the company until his retirement in 1986 and continued to engage in consulting work for many years. He served on the Boards of Directors of the William W. Backus Hospital, Norwich Financial Corp, and Connecticut Bank and Trust Company.
Larry found time for a variety of interests. He was an original founder of Pautipaug Country Club where he served as a member of the Board of Directors, as well as president. He spent many summers pursuing his passion for golf, which he shared with his brothers Vincent Sarni of Rector, PA and Naples, FL and Robert Sarni, MD of East Greenwich, RI, partnering in many Member-Guest Tournaments throughout the country. He was known for his winning smile, competitive spirit, and love of the game. He was a loyal fan of the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, and UConn women’s basketball.
Larry was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church in Norwich for many years and most recently of St. Patrick Church in Mystic. He will always be remembered as a dedicated family man and gracious member of the community.
His family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Thursday from 4-6pm. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 12noon at St. Patrick Church, 32 East Main Street, Mystic. Burial will be private in St. Patrick Cemetery, Old Mystic.
Donations may be made in Lawrence Sarni’s memory to the Backus Hospital Development Fund, 326 Washington Street, Norwich, CT 06360 (on-line at backushospital.org/support ) or The Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 100, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.
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