MY FATHER

Lawrence "Larry" Steffen

Apr 21, 1947 - Jan 18, 2024

 

In memory of a life richly lived, Lawrence "Larry" Steffen, born April 21, 1947, in Philadelphia, PA, passed into eternity on January 18, 2024. A cherished father and adored grandfather of Remington and Rose, he is remembered for his unwavering dedication as a Credit and Collections Manager at PREIT.
 
Celebrated for his generous heart and gentle demeanor, Larry's legacy is one of relentless hard work, impeccable integrity, and genuine warmth. His passions ranged from the tranquility of gardening to the classic tunes of Frank Sinatra and the humor of Mr. Bean, each reflecting facets of his multifaceted personality.
 
Larry's passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who knew him, yet his enduring spirit continues to be a source of inspiration and comfort.

In Philadelphia's embrace, a titan was born,
In April's spring of '47, a legacy dawned.
Gentle of heart, yet fierce when the need arose,
Defender of family, against life's throes.

A father who balanced the weight of the world,
Two jobs he held, his dedication unfurled.
For his daughter's dreams, he journeyed through night,
His son's homework checked by the morning light.

In the backyard stood a fig tree, a symbol of his care,
Through winter's harsh embrace, he was always there.
Not for the fruit alone, but for love of growth and life,
A reflection of his heart, amid toil and strife.

His laughter a melody, Sinatra's tunes in the air,
Mr. Bean's antics, joy spread everywhere.
When family was threatened, like a lion he'd stand,
A protector, a guardian, with a powerful hand.

No matter the fatigue, or the challenges he'd face,
His family came first, in his heart, a special place.
Patience personified, with a son who tested his might,
Yet, love never wavered, in the darkest night.

Through secret emails, his wisdom he'd impart,
Mentoring in business, from his heart to my heart.
Though forces tried to sever our bond with their might,
His guidance and love never left my sight.

His legacy lives on, in each step I take,
In my resolve, my actions, for my family's sake.
In Remington, in Rose, his spirit burns bright,
A beacon of love, strength, and guiding light.

With each triumph and trial, his memory I'll honor,
His values, my compass, as I journey yonder.
A titan among men, in heart, in deed,
In our legacy, his spirit, an eternal seed.

Dear Dad,
 
I write this with a heavy heart, reflecting on the loss of my father. His absence leaves a void not only in my life but in the lives of his grandchildren, Remington and Rose.  Yes, he had grandchildren (which his obituary did not mention), and even though he never met Rose, he congratulated me on her birth in a secret email.
 
Though circumstances kept them apart, their grandfather's presence was felt through the stories I shared and the love I know he had for them. Remington, who had the chance to be held by his grandfather, will cherish those moments forever.
 
Unfortunately, Rose didn't have the opportunity to meet her grandfather, a reality that brings profound sadness. My father's love reached us in subtle ways, even amidst challenges. His warmth and affection were evident in the emails he sent, filled with love and longing.
 
I deeply regret the distance that certain circumstances created between us, a distance that I tried tirelessly to bridge. In this moment of grief, I also feel the need to express a difficult truth. The absence of my father in our lives was not a choice made out of lack of love but rather a consequence of complex family dynamics.
 
To my beloved father, know that you were, and always will be, deeply loved and missed. Your memory lives on through us, and your grandchildren will grow up knowing the kind of man you were.
 
Jacquelyn, Remington, Rose, and I will hold onto the love you shared with us, even in the briefest moments. Remington and I will carry your last name on, and we will work relentlessly to make it great in your honor.
 
With tears in my eyes and pain in my heart, I never knew Christmas Eve 2015 was the last time I would hug my dad, or the last time you would hold your grandson. I love you dad… if there is any good in me, it came from you. I hope you’re proud of me, and I hope I can be half the man as you.
 
-Maverick Steffen
 
 
 
 
 
P.S. when I was Remington’s age, you took me to the dentist. You promised if I was a good boy, you would take me to the playground afterwards. I never really got to go to the playground as a kid, and so I was so excited.
 
However, it rained the whole day and the playground was soaked. You told me, I wouldn’t have any fun because it was so wet. But I begged you to take me anyway, and you did, and frankly it was miserable! The slides didn’t work, there were puddles on the swings. Afterwards you took me to Perkins. It was one of the best days of my life.
 
P.P.S. Over the years, anytime my family and I would pass near Woodhaven Road, I always drove past the house hoping to see you. I knew you always worked outside, in the garage, or in your garden. I wonder if Remington and Rose were in your life if you could’ve had more time. I wonder a lot. Goodbye bye, Dad.
Remembering a cherished life, Lawrence "Larry" Steffen, born April 21, 1947, in Philadelphia, PA, passed away on January 18, 2024. A devoted husband, father and grandfather to Remington and Rose, he was renowned for his dedication as a Credit and Collections Manager at PREIT. Loved for his kind heart and gentle spirit, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, and warmth. An avid gardener, and fan of Frank Sinatra and British televison, his unique blend of interests and passions touched many. His absence leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his memory continues to inspire.
 

In Philadelphia's embrace, a titan was born,
In April's spring of '47, a legacy dawned.
Gentle of heart, yet fierce when the need arose,
Defender of family, against life's throes.

A father who balanced the weight of the world,
Two jobs he held, his dedication unfurled.
For his daughter's dreams, he journeyed through night,
His son's homework checked by the morning light.

In the backyard stood a fig tree, a symbol of his care,
Through winter's harsh embrace, he was always there.
Not for the fruit alone, but for love of growth and life,
A reflection of his heart, amid toil and strife.

His laughter a melody, Sinatra's tunes in the air,
Mr. Bean's antics, joy spread everywhere.
When family was threatened, like a lion he'd stand,
A protector, a guardian, with a powerful hand.

No matter the fatigue, or the challenges he'd face,
His family came first, in his heart, a special place.
Patience personified, with a son who tested his might,
Yet, love never wavered, in the darkest night.

Through secret emails, his wisdom he'd impart,
Mentoring in business, from his heart to my heart.
Though forces tried to sever our bond with their might,
His guidance and love never left my sight.

His legacy lives on, in each step I take,
In my resolve, my actions, for my family's sake.
In Remington, in Rose, his spirit burns bright,
A beacon of love, strength, and guiding light.

With each triumph and trial, his memory I'll honor,
His values, my compass, as I journey yonder.
A titan among men, in heart, in deed,
In our legacy, his spirit, an eternal seed.

 
Dear Dad,
 
I write this with a heavy heart, reflecting on the loss of my father. His absence leaves a void not only in my life but in the lives of his grandchildren, Remington and Rose.  Yes, he had grandchildren, and even though he never met Rose, he congratulated me on her birth in a secret email.
 
Though circumstances kept them apart, their grandfather's presence was felt through the stories I shared and the love I know he had for them. Remington, who had the chance to be held by his grandfather, will cherish those moments forever.
 
Unfortunately, Rose didn't have the opportunity to meet her grandfather, a reality that brings profound sadness. My father's love reached us in subtle ways, even amidst challenges. His warmth and affection were evident in the emails he sent, filled with love and longing.
 
I deeply regret the distance that certain circumstances created between us, a distance that I tried tirelessly to bridge. In this moment of grief, I also feel the need to express a difficult truth. The absence of my father in our lives was not a choice made out of lack of love but rather a consequence of complex family dynamics.
 
To my beloved father, know that you were, and always will be, deeply loved and missed. Your memory lives on through us, and your grandchildren will grow up knowing the kind of man you were.
 
Jacquelyn, Remington, Rose, and I will hold onto the love you shared with us, even in the briefest moments. Remington and I will carry your last name on, and we will work relentlessly to make it great in your honor.
 
With tears in my eyes and pain in my heart, I never knew Christmas Eve 2015 was the last time I would hug my dad, or the last time you would hold your grandson. I love you dad… if there is any good in me, it came from you. I hope you’re proud of me, and I hope I can be half the man as you.
 
-Maverick Steffen
 
 
 
 
 
P.S. when I was Remington’s age, you took me to the dentist. You promised if I was a good boy, you would take me to the playground afterwards. I never really got to go to the playground as a kid, and so I was so excited.
 
However, it rained the whole day and the playground was soaked. You told me, I wouldn’t have any fun because it was so wet. But I begged you to take me anyway, and you did, and frankly it was miserable! The slides didn’t work, there were puddles on the swings. Afterwards you took me to Perkins. It was one of the best days of my life.
 
P.P.S. Over the years, anytime my family and I would pass near Woodhaven Road, I always drove past the house hoping to see you. I knew you always worked outside, in the garage, or in your garden. I wonder if Remington and Rose were in your life if you could’ve had more time. I wonder a lot. Goodbye bye, Dad.