With great sadness, we announce the passing of Lawrence J. Karam on December 19 due to complications of COVID-19. Larry leaves a large family who grieves at this loss. Born in Brooklyn, NY on May 17, 1930 to Wadad Jamate and Nassib Karam, he married Johannah McGuire in 1952 and raised six children. During this time, Larry served in the Korean War and returned home to earn a business degree from Brooklyn College through the GI Bill while he and Johannah began raising their "brood." Eventually, they moved "out on the Island" to Plainview, New York. Lawrence pursued a career in purchasing and operations and his family followed him, moving to Smithtown and then Malverne, NY. As a toy industry executive, Larry moved his family to Hartford, CT, where he worked for Coleco during the heady time of ColecoVision, Cabbage Patch dolls and the Adam computer.

Larry was lucky enough to have two great loves in his life and married Karen Hartt in 1992.  They shared a great love and special bond for nearly 30 years. Larry and Karen were living the dream; working by day and frolicking the streets and clubs of New York City by night and enjoying extensive travel. Their favorite places were St. Maartin and London. He frequented nightclubs such as 54 Below (the old Studio 54) and could be found trudging through a snowstorm with Karen following a late night in Manhattan. His energy was legend. Following a career in the corporate sector, Larry became self-employed as the owner and operator of Rapid Lube in Danbury. For many years, Larry and son Peter worked side-by-side in this well-known family business.

Since childhood, he was an avid movie fan. He sang songs from old movies and often broke into song at the slightest provocation, even on a phone call. The consummate entertainer, Larry had a passion for poker, pool parties, and holiday gatherings --"Any excuse for a party," he'd say -- a joie de vivre he passed onto his children.

Larry was predeceased by his daughter Lynda Karam and leaves his loving wife Karen Karam; his children: Lawrence Karam (Lorrie), Ronald Karam (Eileen), Lisa Karam (Patrick Nickoletti), Paul Karam (Ella Kuo), Peter Karam (Jocelyne); nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren (with another on the way). He also leaves his sister and best friend Lorraine DiPaolo (Gordon) and his brother Edmund Karam (Barbara). As the family patriarch, we were lucky to have him as long as we did. He was one-of-a-kind and will be missed, always.

Services are private.

Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com