Lawrence M. Hoover

Lawrence M. Hoover, of Clarks Summit, died Tuesday afternoon at the Lackawanna County Health Care Center, Blakely. He was the widower of Annabel? Lenz Hoover, who died in June 2007.

Born June 26, 1925, in Baltimore, he was the son of the late John and Estelle Hoover. As a toddler, he moved briefly to Illinois after his father died. He then moved to Rhinebeck, N.Y., where he spent his youth with his grandparents and mother. A 1943 graduate of Rhinebeck High School, he attended the RCA Institute of Technology in New York City for a year. He volunteered to serve in the Armed Forces but was declared 4-F. Not to be dissuaded from serving his country and as a member of the greatest generation, he then enlisted in the Merchant Marine 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, N.Y., Symphony Orchestra during the 1950s. He also had an outstanding voice and sang for many years with the Catholic Choral Society and Scranton Singers Guild, among others.

He was an amazing 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 and his work. 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. He was a choir member for many years, and through his efforts, 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.

Surviving are a son, Mark, and wife, Karen, Lake Wallenpaupack; a daughter, Peg Polard, Gilbertsville; three grandchildren, Jessica and Kevin Hoover and Anthony Polard; two nephews and a niece.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, John Eugene.

A memorial service will be Friday at 11 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, by the Rev. George J. Matthews Jr., pastor. Arrangements, Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit.

Memorials may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 544, Clarks Summit, 18411.