Lawrence Howard Evans, Jr.

Lawrence “Larry” Howard Evans, Jr passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, September 25, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born on May 8, 1953, Larry was the son of the late Lawrence Howard Evans, Sr and Doris (Capanna) Evans. Larry was a proud lifelong resident of West Chester, PA.

Larry graduated from West Chester Henderson High School in 1971, where he was a standout three-sport athlete, playing football, wrestling, and lacrosse. He continued his football career at West Chester University. Larry’s love of athletics and his commitment to the West Chester community remained constant throughout his life.

Larry was a longtime volunteer firefighter with Fame Fire House, where he was a lifelong member. He also enjoyed playing competitive fast-pitch softball with his close friends and coaching LAFA football. Professionally, Larry worked for many years at West Chester Electric and later for A. Duie Pyle, where he managed the company’s Parkesburg warehouse.

Larry met his wife, Deborah (Cosgrove) Evans, while they were in high school, and the two married in 1977. Together, they raised their two sons, Sean and Stephen, who quickly became the center of Larry’s world. As a father, Larry devoted himself wholeheartedly to his family and took great pride in watching his boys grow.

His love of sports naturally led Larry into coaching and mentoring young athletes throughout the West Chester community. He was one of the founders of the West Chester Youth Wrestling program and spent more than 15 years coaching youth wrestling. But his true passion was lacrosse. Larry coached in the West Chester Youth Lacrosse program and coached the Chester County team in the Keystone Games. For the past four years, he volunteered as an assistant coach at West Chester Henderson, continuing to share his knowledge, enthusiasm, and love of the game with another generation of athletes.

Larry truly loved life and was someone who consistently put others before himself. He enjoyed working out, spending time outdoors, and, most of all, spending time with the people he loved. Summers at his favorite place, Ocean City, New Jersey, held a special place in his heart, as did saltwater fishing.

Larry was especially grateful for his family. He adored his two daughters-in-law, Courtney (Sean) and Jordan (Stephen), and cherished the time he spent with them. Over the past six years, Larry found a new and immeasurable joy in watching his four grandchildren—Colby (6), Blakely (6), Grayson (2), and Brooke (2)—grow. Whether they were playing on the beach or in the yard, Larry treasured every moment with them. His grandchildren became, as his sons had been before them, the love of his life.

Larry is survived by his wife, Deborah Evans; his sister, Susan Gabriel; his children, Sean Evans (Courtney), Stephen Evans (Jordan); and his four grandchildren, Colby, Blakely, Grayson, and Brooke.

Larry leaves behind a legacy of love, family, friendship, service, and a lifelong commitment to the West Chester community. He will be deeply missed by all who have had the privilege of knowing him.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitations on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380, and on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 10:00 am - 10:45 am at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc.; 410 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380; followed by his funeral service at 11:00. Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society 

This obituary is protected against unauthorized reproduction or redistribution without the funeral home's or family's consent.