Obituary of Lawrence A. Firth

Olean- Lawrence A. (Lolo) Firth “Loving husband, father, grandfather & uncle” Lawrence A. (Lolo) Firth, 85, of Olean, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Sunday, December 11, 2022 at Bradford Ecumenical Home in Bradford, PA. Larry was born on January 27, 1937, in Jamestown to the late Clyde and Gertrude (Barnes) Firth. He was formerly married to Gloria Hansen Lattin. On December 10, 1981, he married Beverly Firth who predeceased him on August 7, 2022. Larry was a graduate of Sugar Grove High School and went on to serve in the US Marine Corps from 1954 through 1958, where he trained as an electronics technician. He was given an honorable discharge as a Corporal, but never, ever gave up his crew cut. Larry was employed by The Burroughs Corporation as a computer repair technician. In 1977, he purchased Capital Office Supply in Olean, which he operated until his retirement. Both careers required astonishing daily mileages and he ran any number of work vehicles into early retirement, keeping him on very friendly terms with several car dealers. His sometimes habit of crafting a work route to hit the best diners and restaurants at prime time for their individual specialties may have contributed to shortages in homemade pies, Texas hots, prime rib, and good coffee; as well as making many a car cry for an extra oil change. This was sometimes known as Navigating by Diner, and was a hit with his children when they would ride along. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Olean where he was somewhat infamous for standing at a comfortable parade rest during services, rather than sitting in the pews. Larry enjoyed riding motorcycles, hiking, camping, and canoeing with friends, and later, his son. His penchant for finding the wettest or muddiest part of a trail to fall into was a long tradition on hikes. He returned to distance running later in life, often leaving in his dust younger runners who were shocked to be bested by this former Marine. He enjoyed travel, whether near or far, and a favorite phrase was, “Let’s see where this road goes.” He also enjoyed breakfast gatherings at various local diners, often as a motorcycle destination, or a time to catch up with his First Baptist men’s group. Larry was an avid reader, and his reading topics were vast, varied, and never predictable, ranging from woodworking and electrical repair to astrophysics, geography and geology. He found it difficult to pass a broken or ailing machine without repairing it, often “adopting” them just to see them work properly again. Larry is survived by 2 daughters; Jennifer Firth and Faith Maier, a son; Aaron Firth, and their mother; Gloria (Gene) Lattin. A stepson; Robert (Sylvia) Delaney, 5 grandchildren; Richard, Jeffrey, Kelli, David, and Jack and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and loving wife, Larry was predeceased by; five sisters, Dorothy Nelson, Ethel Anderson, Georgia Wirtner, Alice Walker, and Lois Brady; and a brother Frank Firth In keeping with Larry’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bradford Ecumenical Home or First Baptist Church of Olean. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 E. State St., Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com