Lawrence J. Basteri, Jr., 78, of Lowell, MA, transitioned from mortal life to eternal life on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at home with his loving wife by his side.
He was born in Boston, MA, the son of Lawrence J. Basteri, Sr. and Mady (Martini) Basteri.
He graduated from Somerville High School and received his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) from Fitchburg State University.
In addition to his beloved and devoted wife of 35 years, Dr. Cynthia A. (Gendall) (Onoroski) Basteri, he leaves two sons, John D. Onoroski, and Joseph P. Onoroski, and three grandchildren.
Before entering the field of education, he managed and operated a restaurant in Weirs Beach. He was also involved in the trucking industry. But Larry’s true passion was his role as a teacher. Larry, or "Mr. B.” as he was affectionately known, was a long-time educator for the Tewksbury Public School District. His roles included, shop and engineering teacher, Applied Arts Department Chairperson, teacher mentor, and Internship Coordinator. In addition, he was the long-time golf coach and was described as “legendary” upon his retirement. During his retirement, Larry served as a tutor for children in the Tewksbury Public School district who were homebound.
Larry was a devout Catholic and served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at the Shrine of St. Rita and Immaculate Conception Parishes, both in Lowell, Massachusetts. He also served on the Board of Directors for Able to Serve, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help those in need of immediate assistance. His daily posts on Facebook always included, “Thank you for the day Lord, and all you have given me.”
Larry was a longtime member at Long Meadow Golf Club in Lowell, MA, where he participated in numerous tournaments and league play. Larry was also a Metro Boston ASA Umpire for many years. He attained the status of the National Indicator Fraternity, a prestigious title reserved for those who have been assigned and officiated at three national softball championships. Other activities included serving as president of the Board of Directors for Property Management of Andover, cooking and gardening.
Larry found intense joy and happiness interacting with his three grandchildren Adam, Gabriel and Lilith Onoroski. They in turn were mesmerized by those interactions.
In addition to his wife and two sons, he leaves his siblings Robert Basteri and his wife Rafaella, Elizabeth Nasson and her husband Robert, Judith Basteri, Kathleen Crowley and her husband Thomas, and Christine Maestri and her husband David. He was predeceased by his two brothers Stephen and Richard. Larry also leaves his mother-in-law Dorothy A. Gendall, brother-in-law John F. Gendall, Jr., Christine Callahan, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
The family would like to give special thanks to the long-term care team at Right at Home, and also the hospice team at Ascend Hospice.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876. A funeral procession will begin on Monday, November 6, at 9:00 AM from the funeral home followed by his funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, 3 Fayette Street Lowell, MA 01852. Burial will take place in St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury, MA 01876. Donations may be made in Lawrence’s memory to the Immaculate Conception Building Fund, 3 Fayette Street, Lowell, MA 01852 or Able to Serve, New England, by using Go Fund Me at this link: gofundme.com/f/abletoservene.
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Meeting ID: 878 6871 0629
Passcode: Lawrence