Lawrence "Larry" R. Crowley

Lawrence Richard Crowley, 58. An entrepreneur, community leader, non-profit organizations activist, family man, and one of faith, Lawrence “Larry” Richard Crowley was called home by his heavenly father on Father’s Day, June 20, 2021. He was born and raised in St. Petersburg to Elaine and Fred Crowley on October 26, 1962. Larry was a devoted husband to Judi Crowley for 25 years and a loving father to Sara and Carson. He graduated from Seminole High School and the University of Phoenix with a degree in Business Management and attended the University of Florida. It was there he met lifelong friends and fraternity brothers from Delta Chi. Larry loved being a part of Gator Nation, attending and flying others to Gator football games as he was an accomplished private pilot for more than 25 years. In 1985 his love of business and entrepreneurship began and the first of many businesses, Carpet and Tile Master opened its doors and in 1995 with encouragement from his wife, Judi, he evolved it into a granite company. Larry had a love for travel and after a few trips to Brazil and Italy searching for a source of supply, Larry and his partners started Cutting Edge Granite. It had several locations throughout Florida and was considered one of the largest granite companies in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. He continued to network all over the world making unforgettable connections and memories. In addition, he and his partners owned and operated a laundromat, payphone business, Häagen-Dazs ice cream stores, and developed award-winning “Traditions Homes” in Seminole, FL. He also developed and patented Invisablock, a stone cleaning product. Larry ran Four Winds Aviation and was a founding member of a national business consortium named Rockheads, which continues to operate. Additionally, Larry opened a flight school named Kitty Hawk Academy. This was an international pilot program, bringing students from China to the United States to become certified pilots. During his last few years, Larry could be found working alongside his coworkers at Stoneworks, and even during his battle with cancer, Larry never stopped consulting and mentoring his numerous colleagues and friends, encouraging them to become the best person they could become. In public service, Larry had a long list of accomplishments starting with City Commissioner, Vice Mayor and Mayor of South Pasadena, board member and president of the Boys and Girls Club of the Suncoast, board member and president of the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg West, and served on the University of Florida Advisory Board of the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center. Larry urged many to become pilots, he was part of the young eagles program and was often seen in the Florida skies commanding his Twin Comanche airplane. He loved road biking, snow skiing, fishing, and scuba diving, and open water, with his craft docked behind the landmark two-story house on a portion of Boca Ciega Bay. He built much of the home on his own. He loved to travel with his wife Judi and spending time with his accomplished children. His daughter, Sara is also a pilot, and his son Carson the kicker for Northside Christian High School football team along with the soccer and lacrosse teams. He was very proud of them. He is survived by his wife Judi Crowley; children Sara and Carson Crowley; parents Fred and Elaine Crowley; siblings Michael Crowley and Cathy Driscoll; along with in-laws Jolene Crowley, Doug Driscoll, and Dawn Einfeldt. Larry’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 17th at Northside Baptist Church, St. Petersburg at 3pm followed by a Celebration of Life at South Pasadena City Hall from 5:30 until 9pm which will include a flyby commemorating Larry’s piloting activities. In place of flowers, contributions can be made in Larry's name to the new Boys and Girls Club and Salvation Army partnership in St. Petersburg, FL. Contributions for the Boys and Girls club of the Suncoast 4625 East Bay Drive. Suite 103 Clearwater, FL 33764 or online at http://www.bgcsun.org/give-a-gift