Larry Frank De Lorenzi

Larry Frank DeLorenzi - 82 years old Born in San Francisco, CA. Lived there from 1937 to 1963, lived in Pacifica, CA from 1963 to 1973, then moved to Stockton, CA from 1973 to 1997, after that moved to Sacramento from 1997 to 2012 and finally in Elk Grove, CA from 2012 to present. Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses 61 years, on March 21, 1959 Larry served, willing, in the congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses in the San Francisco Mission & Sunset Congregations, the Pacifica Congregation, the Stockton Central & Morada Congregations, the Sacramento South Point & Vineyard Congregations and the Elk Grove Parkside Congregation. Married to Darlene for 64 years, on February 18, 1956 Had 4 children, Billy, Debbie, Laura and Kim 8 grandchildren & 6 great-grandchildren The morning before he died he attended a Zoom British museum Bible Tour with us. Later he watched a morning worship and listened to original songs from jw.org throughout the morning. Then he had a ‘through the window’ visit from dear spiritual friends. Later, Debbie & Dave were able to have a nice video call with Dad. He thanked them for the beautiful handmade card that they had sent. They cherished this conversation and his appreciation, very much, because they were in Utah and unable to travel to California. In the evening, he attended the mid-week meeting via Zoom with his wife and daughter Kim. That night, we gathered around his bed, held his hands. Zeb, his son-in-law, prayed for him and for us, Dad said Amen out loud. Mom kissed him, told him good night and made a kind suggestion to help him be more comfortable. Laura kissed him good night too, told him she loved him and he told her that he loved her too. After that, Kim read the Daily Bible Text to him. Then in the wee hours of the morning, he was talking in his sleep, Kim got up to see what he needed and he said “I’m reading the (Bible) Text.”. This happened just a few hours before his death. Such a treat to know this! A spiritual man to the end, a rock, a pillar! Larry had been suffering for a couple of days and we were working on getting tests scheduled for him, to find out what was wrong. He never got to get those tests, so we don't know the exact cause of his death. During the last two days he was in a lot of pain and discomfort but, amazingly, right up until the very end, he was talking, expressing his thoughts and feelings. Very early in the morning, moments before he died, he said to Kim, "I'm an invalid". She tenderly and lovingly told him, "Yes Dad, but you are very loved and respected by many people". After that he started letting go. Kim called for us, we came running and we held him until he took his last breath. He just relaxed peacefully and stopped breathing, no struggle, no indication of pain, so we think his heart just stopped. As they say, 'by natural causes'. Mom said he’s in the ‘sleeping car’ now, on the 'train' going to paradise. We are all very sad, but also very relieved that he is not suffering anymore. Jehovah‘s hand has been with us from the beginning. Even at the very end, the man that came to pick up Larry, was one of his brothers, as one of Jehovah's Witnesses! Such a warm final touch and reassurance that our spiritual brother would take good care of him. We were encouraged to say a final prayer with him and then off he went, on his final car ride. So many blessings in such a difficult situation! We are so grateful he was here, at home, with us and we had the privilege to show him the love, kindness and respect he deserved. Well see him soon! With all our hearts, Darlene, Kim, Debbie & Dave, Laura & Zeb