Larry was born in the state of Washington and lived in Sedro Woolley with his grandparents until the age of thirteen; then he moved to Eureka and lived with his father, step-mother and brothers. He attended Eureka High School and participated and excelled in many sports. He was also a member of the Student Council.

As a young man, Larry took up boxing. He had thirty-five fights and was undefeated in all, including a Golden Glove event in Oregon.

Shortly after high school, Larry met and fell in love with his soon-to-be bride, Judy Kooyman. They were married on November 25, 1956, and raised their three children in Eureka.

Larry had several jobs during his life including: pulling green chain at the mill, working at Johnny’s Boat landing, and 35 years of service with AT&T (Pacific Bell). He celebrated his retirement at age 50 with a gathering of friends, co-workers, and family at OH’s in Eureka.

After retirement, Larry and Judy enjoyed their time at the home they built in Willow Creek. Larry loved the outdoors and watching the local wildlife. He also enjoyed playing golf with family and friends. He and Judy took many golfing trips with their friends, and Larry was very proud of the hole-in-one he made at the Willow Creek Golf Course.

Larry went on several other memorable trips with Judy; which included trips to Hawaii, Panama Canal, Niagra Falls, Alaska, New York, Nashville, New Orleans, and Yellowstone to name a few.

Judy was the love of Larry’s life, and they were blessed with sixty-one beautiful years of marriage and memories.

Larry was a fun-loving guy who wasn’t shy about sharing his opinions, a joke, or a story or two. He was also a proud grandpa; his grandchildren brought him tremendous joy. He also cherished the time he was able to spend with his great-granddaughters.

Larry was preceded in death by his grandparents Joseph and Jenny Pizzuto; his parents, Tony and Elsie Pizzuto, step-mother Alice Pizzuto; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Earl and Peggy Kooyman; and his daughter, Debra Pizzuto.

Larry is survived by his wife, Judy; his daughter, Sherry Nissen (Jeff); his son, Dan Pizzuto (Jenice); grandchildren Kris Morse (Natalie), Michael Pizzuto, Angela Combs (Sean); great-granddaughters Brielle and Lyla; brothers Gerald Pizzuto, Mike Pizzuto (Alana), Del Pizzuto, and Terry Pizzuto (Gayle); brother-in-law Les Kooyman (Wally).

The family would like to thank the palliative team (Dr. Mahoney, Natalia, and Chaplain Larry) for their exceptional care. They also express their appreciation for the staff at Evergreen Lodge. Your support meant so much to the family.

If you’d like to do something to honor Larry’s life, you may make a donation to the charity of your choice in his name.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Larry Pizzuto’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.