Lawrence "Larry" Wayne Geresy

Lawrence (Larry) Wayne Geresy of Bellaire, MI and St. Petersburg, FL passed away January 15, 2022, in Traverse City, MI under the care of Hospice of Michigan. He was born February 9, 1935 in Gary, Indian the son of Steve Geresy Jr. and Leona (Bulza). Larry moved to Bangor, MI with family and excelled as an athlete. He followed that up with continuing his education at Michigan State University where he was a member of the MSU baseball team and earned a Bachelor Degree in Education. He went on to Western Michigan University and earned his Master’s degree in Administration. At age 31 he became principal at Ottawa Hills Public Schools, Ottawa Hills, OH. The following year he became Superintendent and held that position for 22 years. The GERESY FIELD at Ottawa Hills is recognition of his excellent leadership.

Larry was a “man for all seasons”. He was a golfer, fisherman (held the state record in Michigan for a small mouth bass), and a hunter. He moved to Lake Bellaire, in 1988 where he loved entertaining, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Penny (Rogers), sister Dorothy (Rich) Randall of Portage, MI, children Steve (Debra Lawrence) Geresy of West Chester, OH, Scott Geresy of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Stephani (James) Shivers of Avon, CT, Becky (Alistair) Robinson of Atlanta, GA, Gordie (Donna) Bamford of Spotsylvania, VA, grandchildren Mallory and David (Hanna, Liah) Geresy; Jonas and Jacob Shivers; Alec and Pennie Robinson; Zach, Lexie, and Julie Bamford. He was also dearly loved by the Brooke (Nick) Tibbe-Erminio Family and the Shellee (Lonn) Ensing Family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Pennie (Bamford), and brother Don Geresy.

There will be a celebration of Larry’s life April 30, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Church in the Hills, Bellaire, MI with the Reverend David Ramage officiating.
A family Celebration of Life will be held in Cincinnati, OH July 2, 2022. (Steve Geresy) fishnteach88@hotmail.com

Memorial gifts may go to Special Olympics, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, Autism Alliance of Michigan, 26913 Northwestern Hwy Ste 520, Southfield, MI 48033 or Grass River Natural Area, PO BOX 231, Bellaire, MI 49615.

Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.