Lawrence John Storch June 21, 1939 – November 16, 2025

Lawrence “Larry” John Storch, a deeply loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and treasured friend, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Oscar Casper Storch and Anne (Neugebauer) Storch.

Larry’s life was defined by unwavering devotion to his family and quiet service to his community. A proud graduate of Wheeling Central Catholic High School in 1957, Larry was an all-rounder, receiving numerous academic honors and awards and playing on the basketball team. Serendipitously, it was there that he met the love of his life, Francine Frohnapfel, and thus began a partnership of love that blossomed and strengthened over 70 wonderful years – and is still defined by deep love. Francine and Larry were married in 1961, the year after he earned his associate’s degree in electrical engineering from DeVry University (and later, he proudly completed his bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix in 1996).

After brief stints in West Virginia and Northern Virginia, where their household was blessed with the arrival of Mark, Tim, Kirt and Paula, Larry and Francine moved to Columbia, Maryland where their house on Mid Summer Lane was the fulcrum of the neighborhood for 56 years, before Larry and Francine recently moved to Raleigh, North Carolina.

Larry worked for 36 years with Honeywell and Wang Laboratories in computer installation and software and management support until his retirement in 1996.  However, it was as a pillar of the community where he really excelled. He found great joy working as a handyman throughout Columbia. Exceptionally gifted with tools and machinery, Larry’s talent was legendary; he was known to swap out entire automobile engines – often in a single day -right in his front yard. Larry even utilized his handyman skills by volunteering through the church for Habitat for Humanity. Whether it was fixing a roof, repairing a fence, or assembling a bicycle, he embodied true neighborly spirit.

Larry was devoted father who attended all of his children’s sporting activities including football, basketball, soccer, wrestling, track, field hockey and lacrosse. He coached countless of his children’s teams, often in sports he had never played. He continued this love and commitment even into the next generation as Larry attended many of his grandchildren’s activities.

Larry had many a pastime: He loved to cook, making dinner and especially sweets: pancakes, cookies, homemade ice cream, and other treats especially for his grandchildren, although he was often caught sneaking a few himself. He was always game to travel, whether it was exploring many of the nooks and crannies of North America with his close friends from high school, or internationally to Europe, Thailand or especially Kenya where he went multiple times to visit his daughter and checking in on his grandsons. And, last but certainly not least, he was a fierce and loyal Baltimore Ravens fan, never missing a broadcast.

Larry was a 56-year member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Wilde Lake and dedicated many years to singing in the church choir

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of over 64 years, Francine P. Storch (Frohnaphel) – a partnership that lasted over 70 wonderful years. He is also survived by his sister, Carole O’Dwyer of Texas. He was the devoted father of four children: Mark  Storch of Elkton, Maryland; Tim (Paula) Storch of Garron Ferney, Carrigaline, Cork; Kirt (Sheri) Storch of Raleigh, North Carolina; and Paula (Kurt) Tjossem of Nairobi, Kenya. His legacy continues through his eight grandchildren – Alexandria Storch, Niamh Storch, Emerson (Jason) Flanagan, Chase (Maddie) Storch, Christian Storch, Caden Storch, Luca Tjossem, and Keifer Tjossem – and his great-grandson, Shepard Flanagan.

Larry will be deeply missed by his family, friends and everyone whose life he touched. His children and grandchildren will continue to share his stories and live the values he embodied.

May he rest in peace.  

His funeral will take place in Columbia, Maryland.