Lawrence (Larry) Howard Coy

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lawrence Howard Coy (Larry Coy) on December 18, 2020, at The Californian of Santa Barbara, where he had lived for several years. Larry was 76 years old.

Larry was born on leap year, February 29, 1944, in Santa Barbara. He spent his childhood in Santa Barbara, including at the Trout Club on San Marcos Pass where he developed a deep love of nature. He was in the first graduating class of San Marcos High School, where he was a gifted athlete, and graduated from UCSB with a degree in Sociology in 1966. From 1966-1968 he and his wife, Susan, were Peace Corps Volunteers in Venezuela, where he became fluent in Spanish, a language he loved and continued to speak the rest of his life. His first child, Adriana, was born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1968. His second child, Matt, and second daughter, Amy, were born in Santa Barbara.

Larry was a probation officer and director of the Juvenile Hall in Santa Barbara, counseling and guiding many young men and women. He later became a Realtor and property developer, selling property throughout the state of California, and frequently volunteered at the Santa Barbara Visitor Center before retiring due to health issues.

Larry leaves his loving children, Adriana (Tim) Stavish, Matthew (Dani) Coy and Amy Lee Coy (John, dec.) Bardi; his former wife and longtime friend Susan Scolastico; his grandchildren, Anthony (Aubry) Coy, Bradley Coy (dec.), Dylan Stavish, Allison Stavish, and Bennett Coy; his great-grandson, Alexander Coy; and his sister, Cathy (Don, dec.) Adams and her two daughters, Laura and Heather.

Larry’s family would especially like to thank the wonderful staff of The Californian of Santa Barbara skilled nursing facility, where he was kindly cared for in the last years of his life until his passing. 

Larry was a kind, caring, and creative man, known for his innovative ideas, sense of humor, and ability to weather difficult situations with grace. He was much loved and will be very missed by friends and family.