Lawrence J. Sarno

Lawrence J. Sarno, of Waverly, died unexpectedly Thursday morning.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Ralph and Mary Sarno. He was a wonderful father, caring companion, loyal friend and determined entrepreneur. He was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School. He was an Army veteran and the owner of Sarno and Son Formalwear. He was a member of the Rotary Club of the Abingtons, the Lithia Valley Horsemen's Club and the R.O.M.E.O.S.

Upon returning from the Army, he worked alongside his father, Ralph Sarno, who taught him the ethics of business and the trade of tailoring. These lessons are the foundation for Sarno and Son Formalwear. With his dedicated team, the business grew to a 14-store chain and later into a wholesale distributor. His son and daughter continue to grow the business today on the principles Larry taught them.

In his retirement, Larry found time to pursue his passions. He was often called a "Renaissance Man." His hobbies and interests included painting western art, opera, raising fancy pigeons, traveling, history and horseback riding.

Surviving are a son, Mark Sarno and his wife, Jo Ann, Dalton; a daughter, Nancy de los Rios and her husband, Jose, Dalton; two sisters, Grace Phillips, Florida; and Ann Brown, Scranton; a brother, Carmen Sarno and his wife, Nancy, North Carolina; four grandchildren, Erika and Emily Sarno and Santiago and Tomas de los Rios; and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Church of St. Benedict, Newton Ransom Boulevard, Newton Twp. Interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery in Scranton.

Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Church of St. Benedict and Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Memorials may be sent to the America Heart Association , 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231, or Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 18th St., Northwest Washington, DC 20006.