Larry Kraszewski

It is with tremendous sorrow we announce the passing of Larry Kraszewski on November 30, 2023. Larry was born on December 30, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan. He and his family moved to Thousand Oaks when he was a year old. Larry grew up tinkering with cars which eventually steered him to his career as an automotive technician. He was a lifelong ASE Certified Master Mechanic. Larry took great pride in his profession and was always finding ways to expand his knowledge. He met his wife Holly in high school, and they married in 1979. Larry and Holly went on to have two sons, Travis and Kyle. As a family they enjoyed many boating trips and watching their sons play various sports. Larry played many years of men’s and coed softball through the Conejo Parks and Recreation. He also enjoyed working on his race car, converted from a 1968 Chevelle. He once set the track on fire at L.A. County Raceway.

Larry owned his own repair shop, Camarillo Auto Service for 28 years. He closed it down during the recession in 2010. Many longtime customers were so sad to see him go. He then went on to work at Silver Star Chevrolet in Thousand Oaks, eventually becoming the shop foreman. He loved helping the mechanics, especially when there was a difficult diagnosis. He had great patients and loved the challenge, which made him a great diagnostician. Larry did indeed have oil running through his veins. After being laid off during Covid, he started a new job at Alexander GMC as the Service Director. Within six short months he had the techs certified, they were OSHA compliant, and revenue was up. Larry brought his wisdom, talent and drive to his new position.

 Later in life, Larry took up biking. Sometimes even riding his bike to work in Westlake from Moorpark. He and Holly joined The Elks Club in Thousand Oaks and enjoyed volunteering for the weekly BBQ. Larry became a master at cooking the tri tips and ribs over the wood fire pit.

Larry’s greatest joy was his grandchildren. Nana could spend all day taking them places, but when Papa came in the room, it was all about him. He was always at their music recitals, karate demonstrations, and volleyball and soccer games. Our yearly boating trips to lake Mead are some of our best memories.

In January 2021, Larry was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Six months later, he was diagnosed with a very rare disease called Amyloidosis. Between the diseases and treatment, it was extremely hard on him physically and mentally. But Larry never gave up hope or the fight. He was finally making his way towards remission when he ended up with a respiratory infection. Larry continued to fight to the end even though his doctors gave up. As a result, issues were missed. 

Larry leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Holly. His son Travis (Barbara), his son Kyle. His beautiful grandchildren Bailey, Ally, Connor and Teagan. His sister Carol Sharp. His brother in law Terry Curson (Pauline). His nieces and nephews Paige, Bryce, Shane, Cheryl, Brian and Robin. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Connie, his brother Bob and his nephew Erik. A Celebration of Life was held March 23, 2024 at the Thousand Oaks Elk’s Lodge.

Larry, you have taken a piece of my heart with you. Keep it safe until we meet again.

 THE BREATH OF LIFE GOES BACK TO GOD.