Obituary of Larry Eugene Zaborowski

Larry Eugene Zaborowski March 31, 1937 - March 16, 2010 Larry Eugene Zaborowski, LZ, Papa, age 72 of La Porte, Texas succumbed to his battle with lung cancer March 16, 2010. He was at home with his wife of over 50 years, Rita (grandma), his children, Karen Korn, Shari Davis, Janet Zaborowski, Larry Zaborowski, Jr. and Sam Zaborowski. Most of his fifteen grandchildren were also present when he passed away peacefully. Larry was born in Houston on March 31, 1937 to John and Mae Zaborowski. Larry grew up in the Heights, before it was the place to live, with his five siblings. He grew up doing various jobs such as picking cotton, selling ice cream bars from his uncle’s horse-drawn wagon, and helping in the garage owned by his father. No doubt this is where he learned all the invaluable advice about cars that he passed on to his children. He met Rita and depending on whose story you believe it was love at first sight. They were married on September 7, 1957. They soon moved to La Porte where they reared their five children. Larry’s first and only employer for over forty-five years was the local Chevrolet dealership. Larry began his career with Jay Marks as a Parts Manager and soon became Service Manager. He continued in that capacity for 19 years and then moved to the sales department. For the next 17 years he worked as a salesman where he accumulated so many Salesman of the Month awards, that was eventually excluded him from the competition. It was once said that LZ did not so much sell you a car, rather he allowed you to buy one from him…sometimes. Larry was not only competitive when it came to financial reward but certainly on the golf course as well. Those who have played with him can attest to his tenacious spirit. He did regret never having the opportunity for his fourth hole-in-one. The trophies for his first three were proudly displayed in his office. Larry was fastidious about all aspects of his life from his starched blue jeans and blue work shirt to every inch of his property, otherwise known as “the compound”. His lawn boys, his grandsons, knew all too well what it would take to please Papa when it came to yard work. Papa taught his children and his grandchildren the pride that comes from hard work and a job well done. He was disciplined in his work ethic and his work-out ethic. He took great pride in the fact that he was on the track everyday at 5:30 A.M. to run his five miles, followed by swimming and biking at the La Porte Recreation Center. His dedication and discipline were recognized by the fitness center. Larry was a man of few words, the many lessons learned by his children and grandchildren were taught by example. Larry had his own code by which he lived, built on integrity, charity and discipline. He was extremely proud of the life and family that he and Rita had built together. When asked what he wanted his grandchildren to remember about him he said “I would hope that I have been an example. That’s all.” He was survived by his wife of more than half a century, Rita and his children, Karen and Jake Korn, Shari and Richard Davis, Janet Zaborowski, Larry Zaborowski, Sam and Clare Zaborowski and Lyn Garner. He is also survived by his fifteen grandchildren: Tyler Davis, Dan Korn, Erin Davis, Kaitie Korn, Zack Davis, Becky Korn, Beau Davis, Jake Davis, Laine Korn, Kayla Zaborowski, Garrison Zaborowski, Grayson Zaborowski, Georgia Zaborowski, Sammy Zaborowski, and Max Zaborowski. Larry is also survived by his brother-in-law, Rev. Donald Schwarting, three of his siblings, two brothers and a sister and many loving nieces and nephews. In lieu of traditional remembrances, the family has requested that donations be made through St. Mary’s Catholic Church to the Larry Zaborowski Scholarship Fund. St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 816 Park Street, La Porte, Texas 77571 (281) 471-2000.