Lawrence R. Tanoury

Utica, NY - Mr. Lawrence R. “Larry” Tanoury, age 70, passed away peacefully on Saturday January 10, 2026, at the Wynn Hospital, Utica, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Utica on July 9, 1955, Larry was the son of the late Anthony and Betty (Blair) Tanoury. He was raised on Meeker Ave. in South Utica, attending Sunset School, Hughes School, UFA and JFK. A patriotic man, Larry went on to serve in the United States NAVY.

Larry was raised in a very big family and enjoyed nothing more than big family holidays and get togethers, where of course his charisma shined as he had to be center of attention.

Larry was also very civic minded from a young age. He first ran for Mayor of Utica at 23 years old. At 25, Larry was elected to the Utica City Council and served multiple terms. He also served many local community boards throughout his life as a volunteer. A lifelong member of the Democratic Party, Larry believed fiercely in fighting for the common, working family and giving a voice to those without one.

Larry also prided himself on being independent. He was a well known entrepreneur that owned many restaurants and other businesses in the Utica, Massachusetts and Florida areas. Having moved to Florida in 2004, Larry enjoyed spending time at St. Petersburg Beach and on the casino boats in the Tampa Bay. He moved home to be closer with family in 2024.

Larry was a true optimist. Despite living a life full of trials and tribulations, Larry had an extremely deep love for his home city of Utica. His favorite song was always “It’s a wonderful world” by Louis Armstrong. No matter what was happening in the world, Larry always saw the good.

Larry was a lifelong parishioner of St. Louis Gonzaga church in Utica.

Larry is survived by his children who he was extremely proud of, Anthony and Jessica Tanoury of Greenville, SC, Lawrence Tanoury, Jr. of New Hartford, and Tanya and Robert Wilkinson of Utica; four grandchildren, Anthony and Henry Tanoury of Greenville, SC and Robert and Riley Wilkinson of Utica; three brothers, Joseph (Stephanie) Tanoury, Anthony (Shelley) Tanoury and Jeffrey Tanoury; two sisters, Mary Ann Loy and Laura (Dean) Cross; many nieces, nephews and extended family that he deeply loved and cherished. He leaves the many friends he’s made throughout life that he cherished. He was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Betty (Blair) Tanoury; his brother, Christopher Tanoury and his sister Ellen (Tanoury) Goncalves of Ludlow, MA. He was additionally predeceased by his special aunt, Sadie Tanoury.

In keeping with Larry’s wishes, there will be no public services. Larry’s favorite saying was “we’re here for a good time, not a long time.” Therefore, his only wish was for everyone to love and cherish each other, and appreciate the true beauty in the world.

Funeral arrangements are with The Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave. Utica Online sympathy www.scalaroefaro.com.