Larry Joe Beitz, age 89, of Leesburg, Florida passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. He was born June 17, 1937 to the late Joe and Arline Beitz, in Garden City, Minnesota (we think). On June 25, 1960 he married Gertrude (Cathy) Beitz, with whom he lovingly spent the past 66 years, and together raised their family in Rochester, NY. Soon after retiring from Kodak in 1991, they relocated to Leesburg, FL to enjoy the year-round sunshine, boating, and golf. 

Larry was a father, husband, grandpa, U.S. naval serviceman, friend, and everyone’s favorite neighbor. With his children, he was a patient drivers-ed teacher, waterski instructor and shared his love of bowling, and fixing cars with them. Nearly every summer, he drove his family out to Buyck, MN to spend time with family, break out his guitar around the campfire, and host lively end-of-summer fish fries.

You could count on Larry for anything: a ride when you were stranded, a babysitter when yours cancelled, an oil change when you were overdue. He loved happy hour, striking up conversations with strangers, and making people laugh, which he did easily, often, and all the way through the end of his life. 

Larry was an optimistic, dependable man who loved his family more than anything (though fishing was a close second). He never missed a daily crossword puzzle, a Syracuse basketball game, or a day of work. His selflessness and willingness to go above and beyond to help anyone—with a house project, a loan when you were in a bind, or thoughtful advice—was admirable. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

He is predeceased by his parents Joe Beitz, Arline Beitz, his brother Dougie Beitz, his daughter Sandy Beitz, and son in law Kenny Kuhn.

He is survived by his wife Gertrude; siblings Bonnie Beitz and Shirley Cheney (Mitch); his daughter Sue Kuhn, Sharon Donald (Mike), and Steve Beitz (Pam); his three grandsons John Gillard (Rachael), Aaron Kuhn (Stephanie), Ryan Kuhn; his two granddaughters, Emily Reyst, Alexa Kopytko (Nolan); two great grandsons Mason and Max Gillard; great granddaughter Aspen and many nieces and nephews.

Celebrations of life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a charity of your choice or to Cornerstone Hospice.

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