Casto, Larry Lee, 70, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida passed away on December 2, 2021, at home surrounded by family. He was born in Buckhannon, West Virginia, grew up in Painesville, Ohio, and moved to Florida in 1980. As a young man, Larry was a fierce competitor in the drag racing industry, winning numerous local and regional titles throughout the state of Ohio. He was also a well-known concert promoter in Cleveland during the city’s rock-n-roll heyday, bringing in bands and talent from as far away as Europe to help fuel their music careers. He later spent the majority of his life as a general manager representing luxury automobile brands. During his 40+ years in the automobile business, he mentored many young people to help them learn the ropes and begin successful careers in the industry. Larry was passionate about giving back to the community and was involved with numerous charitable organizations. He was also an avid lover of pets and an advocate of animal rescue. Larry is survived by his significant other Monique of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, daughter Gina (Kevin) of Hudson, Florida, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, mother Mavis of Largo, Florida, brother Colin (Bonnie) of Beck Row, England, sisters Gerry (Leo) of Macedonia, Ohio, and Theresa of Painesville, Ohio, and two fur-babies, Molly and Leo. He was preceded in death by his daughter Larissa (James), sisters Linda and Yvonne, and father Kenneth.
Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home - Tarpon Springs
St Ignatius of Antioch Roman Catholic Church
Reinaldo Montalvo
December 7, 2021, 1:54 pm
Rest in peace my dear friend. I will always remember your great sense of humor and your way to look at life! Thanks for all the fun times we shared, and for the memories that will last a lifetime….
Kayla Maujean
December 7, 2021, 2:07 pm
I love you and miss you so much dad. You’re dearly missed. until we meet again my angel. You’re with your baby girl now( my mom) ❤️
Susan Phillips
December 7, 2021, 2:42 pm
Monique,
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. I had no idea Larry was ill. I will be praying for you and the family. Please reach out if there’s anything at all I can do for you.
Susan
Debbie DePergola-Hitchcock
December 7, 2021, 2:43 pm
I am Soo sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Monique and his entire family.May he rest in peace.
Michelle and Mara Utterback (Crown Eurocars)
December 7, 2021, 2:56 pm
To my G.M., mentor and mostly friend (when you weren’t trying to throw me over the skyway lol) words can’t say what you meant to myself and Mara. A gentle man, man of wisdom, patience when needed and very stern when needed also. Always willing to give as much as possible and never expected anything in return but loyalty. You definitely have earned your wings and truly are an angel. You are missed greatly and loved by all that knew you sir. Prayers are sent to your family from mine may they find peace in the comfort of each other in this time of sorrow. RIP
Junior Henry
December 7, 2021, 3:01 pm
My deepest sympathy to the family members of Larry Casto one great man
One of the world’s greatest boss any employee would like to have the henry household sends its deepest sympathy in time of grieving
Bob Fiorito
December 7, 2021, 3:11 pm
I am deeply saddened to learn of Larry’s passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to Monique and his entire family. As a corporate representative of Jaguar/Land Rover North America, I had the honor and privilege of working with Larry over the span of many years. His professionalism and cooperative nature helped us to have a mutually profitable relationship. Over time we became more than just business associates, and was proud to be his friend. Under Larry’s expert guidance, the dealership achieved the highest award given to retailers known as “The Pride of Jaguar “ for many years in a row. Larry will be missed by all those who knew him. Rest In Peace my friend!
CELESTE Snyder
December 7, 2021, 4:55 pm
RIP LARRY. YOU WILL BE MISSED. TIME TO REST. TELL DEB (LOWE) HELLO. CELESTE (LOWE) SNYDER.
Cookie Harrison
December 7, 2021, 6:52 pm
I’m sorry that I couldn’t be there for you and Mavis.
Arne Larson
December 7, 2021, 6:57 pm
Sad to hear that Larry is gone. He was a good friend and fellow RHS 69er. We had lots of good times at Manners and the Spare Room in Painesville. Never forget that ’67 Hemi Plymouth his dad bought and let him get started in racing.
Trudian & Junior Henry
December 7, 2021, 8:53 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good man who was very thoughtful of others. My husband, Junior, says he was the best boss. He cared about his employees and made them feel valued. He will truly be missed and we are grateful for getting the chance to know him before he left this world.
Lester Snyder
December 8, 2021, 1:03 pm
Larry and I were not only classmates but best friends growing up. I thought enough of Larry that I had him serve as my best man at my wedding 51 years ago. We lost touch when he relocated to Florida only seeing each other a couple times after that. It saddens me to hear this news. My deepest condolences to the family.
Bruce and Tammy Benz
December 8, 2021, 2:07 pm
Our prayers and love to Monique and Larry’s mother, siblings and children. From reading his life story, he lived fully and embraced life with tenacity and commitment. He has left a great legacy.
Love Bruce and Tammy Hitchcock Benz
Tom schmidt
December 8, 2021, 3:25 pm
Hi Monique so sorry to hear about Larry. I talked to him not so long ago. I truly enjoyed working with him. We tackled alot of problems together Tom Schmidt
Nancy Thomas
December 8, 2021, 5:17 pm
Monique and family, I was so very sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. I have nothing but the fondest memories of Larry from our years of employment together at Crown. He really made you feel special. Larry was always smiling and quick to offer assistance whenever needed. He did mentor so many of our young staff who fondly remember him. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Heaven now has another beautiful soul!
Gary Maujean
December 9, 2021, 12:13 am
I’ve known Larry for almost 30 years. He was a wonderful family man that cherished his daughters and his grandchildren Kevon, Kayla, and Amanda. If one of them told Larry they wanted to go around and world 🌎 he would do everything in his power to make I happen. Another Angel has earned his wings
Linda and Paul Tillotson
December 9, 2021, 4:51 am
So sorry to hear of Larry’s passing.
Paul & I were high school classmates of Larry, and I attended elementary school with him. He once surprised me with a gift of pretty winter gloves while his Mom waited nearby. So kind.
Paul and Larry loved those muscle cars of the late 60’s. Manners was a favorite hang out spot where the cars rumbled
on weekend nights in Painesville.
Paul worked with Larry when we first moved to Florida. He kindly entertained us at his lovely home, a French restaurant, and a local yacht club.
Always the gentleman.
Many fond memories of a special man.
Our sincere sympathies and prayers to his family and loved ones.
May he Rest In Eternal Peace.
Linda & Paul Tillotson
Dominick Salmeri
December 9, 2021, 1:39 pm
So sad to hear the news of Larry’s passing. I had both a working relationship with Larry and Bonny & I had a personal relationship with him since the mid 1980’s. We enjoyed some good times. I had lost touch with Larry since he retired, which was also sad for me. I send heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest in Peace Larry!
Michele Mihalich
December 9, 2021, 7:22 pm
You and Aunt Joyce made our childhood visits to Florida so memorable. Always so welcoming, generous and kind – and who could forget the “car wash” in the garage of your new home hiding my parent’s first Mercedes -complete with a big red bow on top! I just wish I had more time with you.
Love you…
Willie Edmonds
December 9, 2021, 8:59 pm
To the family stay strong & positive through this hard moment of life. Mr. Casto’s spirit is alive and well & forever with you all. His presence will be missed but will forever be close by.
Amanda
December 9, 2021, 9:22 pm
I love you so much dad, i will never forget you. I love how we would always say “happy easter” when it was thanksgiving. You have absolutely made my life better!❤️
George Iacono
December 9, 2021, 9:56 pm
Larry: I am going to miss our talks. You and Monique made my after Thanksgiving get together one I will never forget. Friends with the leadership, trust, loyalty and caring that you gave me is hard to find. As promised I will keep in touch with your mom and treat her with the kindness that you gave my mom. Always George
Larry&JoAnn French
December 10, 2021, 9:27 pm
So sorry to hear of Larry ‘s passing. I have known Larry for 25years [customer and friend].
Larry was super to deal with always respectful, and a first class gentleman.
Our sincere condolences to his family.
Mike and Phyllis Weber
December 11, 2021, 1:45 am
Monique and family,
We had the pleasure of meeting Larry in 2008 as customers of Crown Mercedes. He was always a pleasure to speak with. He was a gentleman and we liked him as a person very much. He was a hard worker and the best at his job as General Manager. He always had a smile and time to stop and say hello to customers and people working with him. We had the pleasure of meeting you Monique at Dwayne’s 80th birthday party. We will remember Larry for his love of life and love for you. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Mike & Phyllis Weber, St. Pete Beach, Florida
Kitty pooke
December 11, 2021, 8:57 pm
Dear Monique and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Larry. i just met him once, but i have heard what a good and caring partner he was, as well as father and friend. The one time I saw him was Thanksgiving three years ago. My then 15 year old grandson had been ill and he was having a difficult time. He was impressed with Larry’s sports car. Larry offered to take him for a ride. I was thrilled because it was one of the first times he had gotten out of the house. After the ride, he cane back in excitedly. He still talks about it. (There was talk of speeding in the experience!) It was a snd as lol act of kindness, but it meant a lit. Thinking of you and your family. Kitty Poole