Club Receives Donation in Honor of His Service Legacy

Last month, our organization mourned the loss of Larry C. Coolidge, an exemplary Sertoman whose commitment to Service to Mankind spanned many decades with the Powell Sertoma Club.

Larry was known far and wide for his selfless dedication to service. Whether it was feeding those in need through holiday dinners or raising funds to support and showcase the Powell, Ohio, area with the Cruize-In & Pig-Out Car Show, Larry made sure that nothing stood in the way of taking care of the needs of his club’s community.

“I still remember when, as a member of [another club], we decided to build a new Sertoma Club in Powell,” shared Past Club President Joe Schneider. “Not knowing anyone in Powell, one of the first people we contacted was Larry and the rest is history.”

In addition to his work with Sertoma, Larry was active in local government and business.  Friends shared that he served on the city’s Planning and Zoning Board, the Historic Review Board and other city commissions. He was also a successful businessman whose company was a cornerstone to Powell.

In a Facebook post marking his passing, Ohio State Representative Brian Lorenz noted, “He showed up. He volunteered. He gave his time, his talent and his voice to make Powell stronger, friendlier and more connected. His leadership touched generations, and his love for this city was obvious to anyone who met him.” Lorenz also shared this touching tribute on the Ohio House floor.

The club and Larry’s friends are not alone in honoring him. The Powell Area Realty Association (PARA) recognized Larry as an icon of their community: “a caring, compassionate man whose heart was filled with kindness, joy and a constant desire to make the world a better place.”

In recognition of Larry’s passion, PARA made a gift of $3,400 to the Powell Sertoma Club, enabling them to continue the work Larry cherished and further extend his enduring legacy of Service to Mankind.

“Please use this gift to help carry on the tradition Larry began so many years ago – feeding those in need and reminding our community what generosity really looks,” PARA said in a letter to the club.

In addition to serving as a charter member, Larry was a past president and treasurer of the Powell Sertoma Club and two-time Presidential Growth Award recipient from Sertoma International. All of us on the Sertoma staff join the Powell Sertoma Club and Larry’s loved ones in mourning this great loss while celebrating all that he contributed to our organization, his community, and the world.