ROXBURY - Larry Blakeslee, 80, died Sunday, March 19, 2017, in Stamford.

He was born Jan. 16, 1937, at Grand Gorge, the son of Samuel and Maude (Layman) Blakeslee.

An obituary is, in many ways, the last bit of bragging we can do to tell others how wonderful someone that you love was in life. Larry Blakeslee was someone that most people would think a "wonderful" man.

Always a colorful character, Larry used to wow his high school peers with his never-ending energy and an old yellow car. He joined the Army right after graduation and spent a year in Korea.

He married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Mead, then went on to father three children who grew to always mind their manners, put others first and take their shoes off before walking on the carpet. The last part was important once he and Sylvia moved to Venice, Florida, because sand will ruin a good vacuum.

Larry always tried to help those in need. This was most obvious in his later years when he not only became a regular volunteer at the Salvation Army, but even at a cat house.

His hobbies were art, garage sales, fishing and eating good food.

Though he always had more than enough love for everyone he met, he kept some extra on the side for Sylvia; his kids, Dawn (Shultis), Todd and Darren; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He will be sorely missed.

Calling hours will be 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 25, with a memorial service to follow at 4 p.m., at Miller Funeral Home in Roxbury, officiated by the Rev. Richard Dykstra.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Larry Blakeslee may be made to the Jay Gould Memorial Reformed Church, Roxbury.