Lawrence Richard Tibbetts

Lawrence R. “Larry” Tibbetts passed away peacefully after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Fredonia, New York, on August 13, 1943, Larry, the son of the late Russell and Maxine (Olsen) Tibbetts. He was a 1961 graduate of Dunkirk High School. Following high school, he entered the United States Army in 1962, earning an honorable discharge in 1968. During his service throughout the Cold War and Vietnam Conflict era, he was stationed in Kitzingen and Würzburg, Germany, serving as part of the 3rd Infantry Division Artillery Headquarters Signal Corps.

On June 29, 1968, Larry married the love of his life, Rosemary A. Johnston, in Hamburg, New York. Together, they built a life centered around family, sports, and travel. Following his retirement from Niagara Mohawk’s Dunkirk Steam Station, they relocated to Zellwood, Florida to be near their daughters and spent many wonderful years enjoying their retirement.

Larry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished every moment spent with his family. An avid sports enthusiast, he spent many years participating in local basketball, fast-pitch softball, bowling, and golf leagues. He and Rosemary were proud Buffalo Bills season ticket holders for 47 years, sharing decades of home games, tailgating, and watch parties alongside family and friends. In Florida, Larry continued his passion for golf, traveling, exploring new destinations, and dining out across the state.

He held life memberships at the Monnies Club, Conservation Club, Beaver Club, and the Dunkirk WWII Vets Club. In Florida, he was an active member of the Dunkirk Lake Side Club, the National American Legion, and AMVETS in Eustis.

Larry is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Rosemary A. Tibbetts; his daughters, Tricia (Louis) John and Rebecca (Henry) Hamm; his cherished granddaughters, Hailey and Lia John; and his loving sister, Sharon (John) Smolinsky of Buzzard’s Bay, MA. He is also survived by a loving extended family of many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Maxine Tibbetts, his siblings, Shelby Burnham, Catherine Lemiszko, and William Tibbetts.

In lieu of flowers, Larry requested that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society.