Lawrence Earl "Larry" Startzell

Lawrence Earl Startzell, “Larry,” 92, of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones, on October 5, 2026.

Born May 23, 1934, in Punxsutawney, PA, he was the son of the late Jacob Ralph and Bessie (née A.) Startzell.

In 1952, at the age of 18, Larry left his hometown for the big city of Philadelphia to pursue a career in the plumbing trade. He received his vocational education through Murrell Dobbins Vocational School and the Philadelphia Master Plumbers Association, laying the foundation for a long and successful career. Larry went on to dedicate 49 years (1960-2009) to Madsens, Inc. in Broomall, PA, where he built a career and many lifelong friendships. 

Beyond his professional work, Larry was passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise with future generations of tradesmen. He served as an instructor at the Philadelphia Suburban Plumbing Apprenticeship School from 1976 to 1980, before becoming Assistant Director (1980 to 1988)and ultimately School Director (1988 to 1992). Through these roles, Larry helped educate and mentor countless aspiring plumbers, leaving a lasting impact on both his profession and those who learned from him.

A true outdoorsman, Larry found great joy in hunting, fishing, gardening, and woodworking. His appreciation for nature and the outdoors was an important part of who he was and the legacy he leaves behind. He was a lifelong, active member of the West Chester Fish, Game, and Wildlife Association and devoted 47 years, from 1978 to 2025, to serving as a Pennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE) instructor. His passion and extraordinary dedication to passing along his knowledge of hunting, conservation, and outdoor safety placed him among just nine instructors in the state of Pennsylvania who continued serving at age 90 or older. In his spare time, Larry could often be found tending to his garden or working in his garage on one of his many woodworking projects. 

Above all, Larry will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his willingness to share his knowledge, and the many lives he touched throughout his 92 years.

Larry was the beloved husband of the late Susan B. (née Sharkey) Startzell; loving father of Cheryl Axsom (Charles) of Houston, TX, and Dawn Dodsworth of West Chester, PA; adoring grandfather of Justin (Josephine), Kate (Jarrod), Kelly (Michael), Larry, Jackie, Matthew, Ashley, Brynn, and Daniel; proud great-grandfather of Brayden, Henry, Samuel, Warren Michael, John Graham, and Hayden Blair; and caring father-in-law of Robin Startzell.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Larry Startzell and James Startzell; his daughter-in-law, MaryRita Startzell; and his siblings, Jim and Marabell.

A private celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Larry’s name to the West Chester Fish, Game & Wildlife Association.P.O. Box 3534West Chester, PA 19381.