Lawrence "Larry" G. Brandon

Lawrence “Larry” G. Brandon, 80, of West Chester, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, author, orator, futurist, community activist, runner, educator, businessman, and deacon, died Feb. 20, 2017 at the Chester County Hospital.

Larry was born at home in Brewster, NY, the youngest of four children. He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1957 and holds a Masters degree from Temple University.  Larry enjoyed a long and illustrious career in the insurance industry beginning at the USF&G Companies in Baltimore prior to joining the American Institute for CPCU (Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters) and the Insurance Institute of America in Malvern, where he retired as Chairman in 2001.

Among the many awards Larry received were the Franklin Award for outstanding achievement and contribution to the insurance industry and he was named a “Game Changer” by Leader’s Edge in their 100 year anniversary edition as recognition of his work and vision in shaping the insurance business and its leaders.

Larry was active in his community wherever he lived.  In 1978, in West Chester, he co-established Brian’s Run, a fundraising road race that continues to this day.

He authored three books, two on the future of the insurance industry, Sound a Clear Call and Let the Trumpet Resound. Upon his retirement, he reflected on what he had learned and published Pathway to Progress.

He was an avid runner for 45 years.  He amassed two significant running streaks of not missing a day, one that extended for ten years and another for over fifteen years, running in airports, hotel parking lots, and even ships at sea.

He was ordained a Permanent Deacon 44 years ago this month and served parishes in Catonsville, MD. and West Chester, PA. where he touched many lives.

He was devoted to his family. He and Dolores “Dutchie” W. Brandon (nee White) were married for almost 60 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by children Joseph (Colleen), Gerard (Trish), Robert (Bridget), Mary Quirk (Pat), John (Kathy), Christine, and Helen Patterson (Jay), 22 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren, and his loyal dog, Sligo.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith, & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc., 410 N. Church Street, West Chester, PA 19380; 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com.

His Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 1:30pm at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 15 E. Pleasant Grove Rd., West Chester, PA 19382. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 12:30pm.

His body has been donated to science.

Memorial donations in Larry’s memory may be made to St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, at the above address and/or Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, 19380.

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