Lawrence L. "Larry" Dimore's Obituary
Lawrence L. Dimore, lovingly known by many names—Catfish Larry, Mr. D, Gramps, Lar, Pops, and Sammy—passed away peacefully at home on May 21, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family, after a courageous and strong battle with cancer.
Born on June 1, 1943, in Syracuse, NY, Larry was the son of the late Veronica (Desimone) Wereley and Salvatore Dimore. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Enterprise from 1962 to 1966.
After his military service, Larry spent many years working in flooring installation for two local companies. In 1986, combining his entrepreneurial spirit and passion, he opened Sammy’s Sports Cards, turning his lifelong love of sports and collecting into a successful business venture.
A true sports enthusiast, Larry was a devoted fan of the San Francisco Giants and especially admired his idol, the legendary Willie Mays—The Say-Hey Kid. He loved bowling, watching horse racing, playing poker and slot machines, and spending time on the water fishing and boating (though he humorously never referred to himself as “captain”). Above all, he cherished sharing his love for sports cards with his son and grandchildren—a hobby that became a family legacy.
Larry’s favorite holiday was Super Bowl Sunday, which he celebrated annually with friends and family, a square board, and a party— always full of love, laughter and good food.
He deeply loved his family and had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and his longtime group of adopted grandsons from the Eastwood neighborhood. You all meant the world to him.
In addition to his parents, Larry is predeceased by his beloved wife, Marilynn (Dacey) Dimore; his brother, Leonard Wereley; his sister, Patricia Richer; and his second father, William Wereley, Sr.
Larry is survived by his children, Gina (Sam) Furco, Marilynn (Bill) Mathers, and Samuel Dimore; his brother, William (Heidi) Wereley; grandchildren, Jeremy, Justin (Briana) Mathers, Alanna, Jacob, and Dante Furco, and Austin Dimore; and his great-grandchildren, Jace, Charli Mae, and Mariana Mathers. He is also remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Linda McHugh, NP, and the entire oncology team at the VA Hospital, as well as Dr. Michael Mix from Upstate Cancer Center. Your compassion and care meant the world to Larry and his family.
A funeral service in celebration of Larry’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by burial with Military Honors in Assumption Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry’s memory may be made to: The DAV Transportation Network for local veterans, payable to DAV Syracuse, 800 Irving Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210 or The Patriots Food Pantry C/O VFW3146 Auxiliary 2000 Lemoyne Ave. Syracuse, NY 13208.
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