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Memorial Keepers(1)
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Tom O'Toole
Lawrence's Child
Lawrence "Larry" John O'Toole
August 30th, 1934 - April 6th, 2025
August 30th, 1934 - April 6th, 2025
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Jim Duncan
Larry O'Toole was 2 years ahead of me at Loras College. Bit I didn't meet him until years later at a gathering of Loras alumni in Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Times building at First and Spring streets. My best guess is that it would have been in the 1970s. It turned out we both lived in Orange County and eventually we both had sons who attended Servite High School in Anaheim. Larry and I got together for lunch or coffee, and it was always the well organized Larry that set them up. I began to look on him as a wonderful guru who had wit and wisdom - he read the Wall Street Journal and knew stuff. At one point we included another Loras alum in our meetings, Art Cook (rip) who was my classmate. One time Art and his wife Pat hosted us, including Larry and Joan, to a long ride around Mission Viejo Lake, with food. That treat included Pat Wallace, another of my Loras classmates, who came down from Castro Valley and joined us for the weekend. Through all this, I came to really appreciate Larry as a gifted human being, both intellectually and spiritually. Yes he was unassuming and always seemed to have his eyes closed when a picture was taken of him - or was looking away from the camera - but there was no one steadier, more sincere and genuine than Larry O'Toole. My wife Katie and I were fortunate to attend both Larry and Joan's funerals, which were, like Larry and Joan, lovely - events that we will long remember. God bless all of Larry and Joan's progeny. And in the spirit of Irish humor, may God twist the ankles of their enemies so that Larry will be able to identify them from afar. (Of course, the joke doesn't work because Larry didn't have a single enemy, I would on it.)
Nancy Ann
Some would say fate. Some karma. I say divine intervention. That was the day my sister noticed a guy minding his own business at the Diamond Grille and remarked that he was "kinda cute". Little did he realize the impact those two little words would have! "Kinda cute" eventually led to September 13 1958, the day Lawrence John O'Toole was permanently grafted to the Hauber family tree. He was the new green shoot that quickly grew into the stalwart branch supporting us all through many decades. This union between Joan and Larry was an epic romance lasting 65+ years , a rarity in itself. "Kinda cute" also had a trickle down affect and blest me with the finest brother in law ever. As a shy, introverted 18 year old, Larr invited me to be his special guest at my first Toastmasters meeting. Intimidating? You bet! But his calm presence was the catalyst needed for me to stand, introduce myself, and make a feeble attempt at humor. That resulted in him being the recipient of many feeble attempts through the years! It didnt matter how topsy-turvy life became or regardless of circumstances, the "No Vacancy" sign never surfaced; neither did "Chef is ill." During such times I was fortunate to be recipient of his wisdom which was always tempered with common sense. One could write volumes about Larry O'Toole and the rich legacy he so painstakingly built, but he would not approve and it would only delay the inevitable goodbye. But take heart! This is not goodbye. He is in a place now where there are only happy tears and he would admonish us: Dont cry for me down here And now, I lift my glass and toast Laur and Bessie's pride and joy: To Lawrence John O'Toole, the finest Irishman since St Paddy himself: THANK YOU for gracing my life . Until we meet again. Love, Nancy Ann
Dennis O'Keefe
Jot & Lot, You are forever in my heart! Friendship, mentoring, data sharing, a bit of Blarney and many warm memories. My parents were members @ St. Joachims and each passed on @ Hoag. I prayed to JMJ to be with Larry for a holy death! May God sooth your hearts with warm loving memories that will last until we all are reunited. With Christ's love, Dennis
Stephanie Watson-Wallace
Uncle Larry-He was a calm, steady presence. His dry sense of humor was perfectly timed and at times, epic. You would think he was not paying attention to the nonsense around him and then a *zinger* from him. He loved deeply and would jokingly say, Joanie-“your family” is on the phone or at the door. He was quietly observing everything. He would leave most things up to Aunt Joan yet he did not hesitate to speak on certain things. I clearly remember two of these times, where his love, grace and support meant so much. I never saw him mad. Not once. He had a way of lowering his newspaper and looking over his reading glasses that let you know he was serious (the look). He had the investigative tool of asking questions that he already knew the answer to-down to an art. You knew if he showed up and was asking questions that you were busted. No doubt we gleaned this from him and our own parents and used it while rearing our children. I am comforted that he was a staunch believer in Christ. When grief pops up and passes through, I’m reminded that this is just goodbye for now. I love you.
Weldon Watson
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your Dad, Lawrence O’Toole. It seems so odd calling him Lawernce, he was always Big Lar. In today’s world we have few men we can look up to and know we can consistently trust them. He was one of those very few. I regret I didn’t get to spend more time with him. I respected your Dad with the same level of respect I had for my own Dad, very few others have earned that level of respect. Your Dad was always so gracious, I loved his sense of humor, I love how he was so knowledgeable about so many topics, yet he was never a bragger. I appreciated his wisdom. He was a REAL man! Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I am sorry we have lost contact, I think of you two often. I pray that God soothes your aching hearts. JOT AND LOT did a fine job. They have a wonderful legacy. Weldon
Tom O'Toole
Lawrence John O’Toole of Newport Beach, CA passed away on April 6, 2025 at the age of 90. Larry was born on August 30, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois. He was a 1952 graduate of St. Rita High School in Chicago and graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa in 1956 with a degree in Economics. Larry was drafted into the U.S. Army immediately following college and served his time in Korea in the First Cavalry Division. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, Larry married Joan Ann Hauber, of Dubuque, Iowa on September 13, 1958. Searching for a warmer climate, they moved to Southern California soon after. He was a family man and husband of 65 years. Larry is survived by his two sons, Lawrence J. O’Toole with Christy O Harris and Thomas P. O’Toole with Jennifer Palazzo; and three granddaughters, Madison, Grace and Chloelle O’Toole. Larry excelled in his Real Estate career becoming both a licensed Broker and a licensed real estate Appraiser and certified as a Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI). He was a long time member of the American Legion and a devout Catholic, volunteering to bring communion to the sick for many years. He loved his granddaughters, his 100% Irish heritage, listening and dancing to Swing music, walking around the neighborhood and reading American History and Economics. His quick wit, business savvy, and dry sense of humor will be greatly missed by friends, family and all that knew him. Services are schedules for 10am May 5, 2025 at Saint Joachim Catholic Church located at 1964 Orange Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 Reception to follow at 11:30am at the American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 located at 215 15th Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663 Donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation www.parkinson.org
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