First Posted: 8/6/2008
Lawrence M. Hoover, Clarks Summit, died Tuesday, July 29, at the Lackawanna County Health Care Center. He was the widower of Annabel Lenz Hoover, who died in June of 2007.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, June 26, 1925, he was the son of the late John and Estelle Hoover. He moved briefly to Illinois as a toddler after his father died, then on to Rhinebeck, NY where he spent his youth with his grandparents and mother. He graduated from Rhinebeck High School in 1943, then went to RCA Institute of Technology in New York City for a year. He volunteered to serve in the Armed Forces but was declared 4F. Not to be dissuaded from serving his country and as a member of the greatest generation, he then enlisted in the Merchant Marines and served as a Radio Officer on various freighters. He crossed the Atlantic many times with the constant threat of U-Boat attacks. After discharge in 1946 he began to work for what is now Lockheed Martin, at first intermittently, then steadily until his retirement in July, 1989 as a Sales Engineer.
Music was one of his passions and he was an accomplished violinist and first chair for the Poughkeepsie, NY Symphony Orchestra during the 1950s. He also sang for many years with the Catholic Choral Society and Scranton Singers Guild among others. He was a craftsman who built everything from fine furniture to violins and spent untold hours toiling in his workshop. His skill was legendary with those who knew him. He was extremely involved in his church, Trinity Lutheran in Clarks Summit. He designed its renovation, even creating a miniature to present to other Parishioners. He built the cross that hangs in the church to this day. He was a choir member for many years and through his efforts, the church acquired the pipe organ that is still utilized. He was also a member of the Church Council for years.
Larry was involved with meals on wheels for many years as a volunteer, delivering meals to the elderly, even in inclement weather.
He is survived by his son, Mark, and his wife, Karen, Lake Wallenpaupack; a daughter, Peg Polard, Gilbertsville; grandchildren, Jessica and Kevin Hoover and Anthony Polard; two nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by a brother John Eugene.
A memorial service was to be held in the Trinity Lutheran Church with services by Rev. George J. Mathews Jr., pastor. Arrangements by the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Memorials may be sent to the Trinity Lutheran Church, PO Box 544, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. To sign the online guest book, visit .