Larry Pakkala, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport, CT. He was 72 years old. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Larry was the youngest of five children of Matti and Jennie Pakkala. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Carole, daughters Christina Spizzirri and Lauren Tarzia, grandsons Lucas Spizzirri, Nicholas Tarzia, and Christopher Tarzia, and siblings Eric Pakkala, Don Pakkala, Carolyn Smith, and Vaughn Pakkala.

Larry’s career as a certified golf course superintendent was a reflection of his devotion to excellence. He graduated from Downy High School in California and attended Cerritos College before earning his degree in Turfgrass Management from The Pennsylvania State University, where he met Carole. Larry's storied career began with an internship at Philadelphia Country Club, which led to Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Merion Golf Club. His first Head Golf Course Superintendent role was at Bermuda’s historic Mid Ocean Club. After almost 5 years in Bermuda, he moved his family back to the U.S. as the Head Golf Course Superintendent at St. Andrews Golf Club under professional golfer Jack Nicklaus.

Larry had a transformative 25-year tenure as the Head Golf Course Superintendent at Woodway Country Club in Darien, CT. Larry spearheaded Woodway’s golf course and clubhouse redesign and also established the course as an Audubon sanctuary. Larry's commitment to excellence was recognized with the prestigious Sherwood A. Moore Award for his contributions and advancement of turfgrass management. He also served as president to both the MetGCSA and the Tri-State Turfgrass Research Foundation.

Upon Larry’s retirement from Woodway, he worked at The Plant Food Co. as a fertilizer salesman supplying golf courses. However, Larry remained eager to be back on the course and joined Silvermine Club, in Norwalk, CT, as golf course superintendent before settling with his wife in Long Boat Key, FL.

Beyond the greens, he championed causes close to his heart, dedicating himself to research and charitable organizations like the Lions Club, Yale Eye Research, Tri-State Turfgrass Research, and the Audubon Society. He lived with purpose, blending hard work with heartfelt care for people and the world around him.

Larry lived a life of kindness and generosity that touched everyone he met. His final act of altruism, donating his organs to New England Donor Services, will allow others to live more fully, just as he did.

Larry’s legacy of leadership, kindness and generosity will forever inspire all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held in Connecticut in Spring/Summer 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Inclusive Together, a nonprofit founded by his daughters to advance neurodiversity, disability and inclusion. Contributions can be made through Inclusive Together's GoFundMe page that can be found at inclusive2gether.org.

“I have a tee time booked in heaven on the grandest course of all. And we’ll go golfing once again, chasing that little white ball.”

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