Lawrence (Larry) Michael Adaska

STOW - Lawrence (Larry) Michael Adaska, 71, of Stow, Ohio passed away peacefully April 16, 2025, at his home with his wife, Terry, holding his hand as they have so many times in their marriage.

He was born in Cleveland on April 29, 1953, arriving fifteen seconds before his twin brother, Jerry, and that fact became a rivalry joke between the two of them for their entire lives. The family grew to five children ending up in Stow where they all attended school and where he spent a significant part of his life. Fellow classmates might remember his antics on and off the field in full costume as the mascot of his high school team, the Stow Bulldogs.

Larry loved music and playing rhythm guitar which led him to join many bands. From the Street Band in the late 60s, to the Greenery Reunion Band in the 90s. According to his best friend, band mate, and brother-in-law, Tom Barkis, "He was the best rhythm guitarist ever!"

He started his career at Altieri's Pizza in Stow and that love of food preparation and providing excellent service led to he and Jerry opening Larry and Jerry’s Corkscrew Deli on Route 59 in Cuyahoga Falls, Larry and Jerry's on Front Street, Larry and Jerry's on Hudson Drive, Larry and Jerry's in North Canton, then later Larry and Jerry's Grille and Pub in the Merriman Valley. Eventually they had a hand in the opening of most of the Rockne's franchises that included their menu creations that are still being used today. His ethic of service extended to developing loyal staff members by setting the example of how one treats people - the way they desire to be treated. He preferred to work quietly in the back of the house, while Jerry, who was more gregarious, worked in the dining room.

Larry developed a philosophy of inward peace while having the ability to spread his energies outward to the communities in which he lived and worked. For instance, dressing up in costumes and going to children's hospital wards to entertain kids, or the time he and Jerry participated in Stow's birthday celebration where they made a 175-foot-long sub sandwich, and charged attendees $1 an inch in order to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There are so many stories and examples of his contributions that we would have to write a book to share all of them.

He later pursued a variation of his love of food service by working at Atlantic Food Distributors for over 17 years before retiring. His position as sales manager gave him the ability to excel in customer satisfaction that resulted in enlarging his vast number of people he considered friends, especially his incredible boss, Stan Manolakis, whom Larry appreciated and admired, but above all, respected immensely.

Among his interests were playing golf, particularly with his long-time friend, Jim Leone, running, including a few marathons, and taking mini-vacations, and one day trips with Terry.

Larry adored his son, Michael, from his marriage to Susie Adaska, and was texting him daily up to his last days asking if there was anything Michael needed. He always made time in his life to spend quality time with his son. The restaurant business is known to be hard on a marriage and family as being successful meant being on site for many long hours. Larry finally learned after several years to balance his work and personal life. After his restaurant career ended, he later married his long-time friend, Terry, who became "the love of his life." This time, with less work stress and more normal hours, they were able to establish a relationship that merged perfectly with each other's outlook on life. It was a marriage full of unconditional love, respect, joy, and a deeply connected partnership.

Larry's long bout with cancer necessitated a great deal of time spent with medical visits and treatments. However, through the kindness, caring, and support that was shown to him, he and Terry actually looked forward to spending time with all who were involved with his care. A special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Andrew Haas, (Larry's trust in you was unwavering), his staff, and the "angel" nurses and volunteers in the infusion center at Barberton Summa Hospital for their extraordinary contribution to assist Larry every step of the way during his journey.

Larry was the loving husband of Terry L. Adaska; father of Michael Adaska; son of Shirley (Hochheiser) Adaska Giammarco (deceased) and Edward Adaska (deceased); stepson of Rico Giammarco (deceased); brother of Jerry Adaska (deceased), Robert Adaska (deceased) (Pam), Wendy and Julie Adaska (Tallie); half-brother of Irwin Palchick; uncle of Barry, Emily (Dustin), and Athena; grand-uncle of Jaden; nephew of Joyce (Hochheiser) Norr, Stanley (deceased), and cousin of Jeremy and Deborah. He will also be missed by all of Terry's family, many friends, and last but not least, his fur baby, Gabbie.

Per Larry's wishes, there will be no funeral service. Those who knew him know he was not one to be fussed over. He cherished each individual relationship and wanted people to remember him through their own personal shared experiences. His life was all about wanting to give rather than to receive.

To honor his character, we ask that all who wish to participate can donate to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation , 383 Main Avenue, 7th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society , P.O. Box 22324, New York, NY 10087.