Lawrence “Grandad” Carter of 3 Eldorado Dr., Trumansburg passed away at Cayuga Medical Center on the evening of Monday, May 16, 2011, at 91 years young.

An only child, Larry was raised by his mother and uncle who instilled a deep-seated love of family which guided him throughout his life. Larry, affectionately known as “Grandad”, was loved by everyone who knew him.   With his tremendous faith and everlasting unconditional love for family, Grandad inspired those close to him with an unquenchable thirst for learning, taking college classes at age 90.  A natural teacher of positive life lessons, he embraced every moment of every day with a keen appreciation for even the simplest joys of life. His innate gift of connecting with children made Grandad the perfect Santa Claus to many youngsters, and earned him the esteemed position of first-on-the-call-list, top-notch babysitter for grandchildren and great-grandchildren. While in his care, little ones were taught how to play chess and to appreciate movies both modern and classic, with Avatar and Star Trek as top features. By his example they learned that when an animal is wounded and weak, like St. Francis and Grandad, we scoop it up close to our hearts and nurse it back to health. He also shared with those close to him the joy of writing, drawing cartoon characters, and painting. The valuable lessons were endless for both young and old. Whether you called him The Great Patriarch, Funny Gramps, Old Man, Colonel Sanders, Santa, Grandaddy-O, Dad, or Daddy-his gentle, loving soul left an indelible imprint on your heart.

Grandad was a devout member of the St. James Parish in Trumansburg. At his hometown parish in Constantia he served as Church Lector and eagerly volunteered for church activities without hesitation. Grandad’s diverse interests allowed him to connect easily with people, including fellow licensed ham radio operators, those who marveled at his original model train exhibits, and co-workers at New York City Transit and Mid-State Telephone.

Grandad was preceded in death by his loving mother, Marion. He is survived by Stella Carter of Wurtsboro, NY. He leaves a legacy of four daughters, Janina (Tom) Kelly of Westbrookville, NY, Fran “Pucci” (John) McCarthy of Ontario, NY, Laurie (Pat) Miller and Lisa (Dave) Gorton of Trumansburg, NY;  10 grandchildren, Tammie (Joe) Fredell, Tricia (Tim) Bennett, Tina (Jim) Umhey, Allyson (Shawn) Ryan, Scott (April) Miller, Matthew (Kelly) Skeval, Michael Gorton, Christy (Dan) Reynolds, Kaitlyn Miller, and Ritchie (Maria) Scott; 12 great-grandchildren, Brandon, Kelly, Kyle, Kerissa and Brianna Bennett, Cassie, Jordan, Kara and Andrew Fredell, Clare Umhey, Lily Ryan, and a baby boy on the way. Each will strive to share Grandad’s lessons of hope and love with others. A common mantra for Grandad was “It’s a beautiful life and family is so important; the good Lord has truly blessed me.”

The family will be present to receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, May 27^th at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 17 Whig St., Trumansburg. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. John Tokaz, OFM Cap. at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 28^th at St. James Church. Prayers of Committal will follow at St. James Cemetery.

Floral arrangements will be graciously accepted. Those who wish to remember Grandad in the form of a contribution are asked to kindly consider Foodnet Meals on Wheels, 2422 North Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, DC 20090-6231.