Obituary of Lawrence W. Linvill

Lawrence W. Linvill, of Riddle Village, Middletown Twp., Media, PA died Saturday, June 15, 2019.

The life of Larry Linvill was inexorably tied with Linvilla Orchards; from his birth, to co-ownership and running the outside operations to his retirement from Linvilla.  It all started early in his life as he formed a close companionship with his father while learning the intricacies of produce production (farming), and the complexities of mechanical equipment.  He formalized his agricultural passion by earning an M.S. from Penn State University.

Throughout his adult life Larry utilized his agricultural education and experience to better the lives of his local community. Larry served as both a member and an officer of many local agricultural professional organizations.  Among them were a 48-year membership and past president of the Delaware County Agriculture Extension Board; development board chairman of the Delaware County 4-H Club; Chairman of the State Board Committee, Pennsylvania Council of Cooperative Extension Associations; and past president of the Chester and Delaware County Fruit Growers Association. 

Larry dedicated his life to his family and his community. He was a  member of the Middletown Township Business and Professional Association for 50 years, serving as president in 1976 and a past Board Member and committee chairman of the Red Cross of the greater Delaware County branch.  In 1982, he consulted pro bono for the International Executive Service Committee to improve crop yield for the people of Tunisia, Africa.  He actively participated in the Rotary Club of Concordville for over 60 years, serving as president in 1972. He earned his Eagle Scout and remained active in the Valley Forge Council for over 60 years having earned the Silver Beaver and Wood Badge Awards.  He became District Commissioner and District Chairman of the Minquas District and Scout Commissioner of Valley Forge Council. 

Groups he participated in included American Society of Horticulture Science, American Civil Liberties Union, Middletown Township Land Conservation Conservancy, 707 Forum of Nether Providence, treasurer of Media AARP chapter, treasurer of the Middletown Senior Citizen Association, and life member of the Penn State Alumni Association.   He belonged to the Unitarian Church of Delaware County and served as the building and grounds chairman.

Larry and Esther Linvill moved to Riddle Village Retirement Community in 1996, but retired life did not stop Larry from actively participating in many Riddle Village projects and standing committees that improved the life of residents.   He served as president of Riddle Village Council in 2005 and  co-chair of the Autumn Fair 2006.  He participated in and brightened the lives of fellow members of the Computer Club,  Financial Group, Environmental Committee, and  Duplicate Bridge Club.

His greatest pleasure, aside from family, club and service activities, was traveling around the world with his favorite traveling partner, his wife of 68 years.  Together, they toured over 85 countries, including a three-month cargo ship cruise around the islands of the South Pacific  .  Additionally, they participated in over 60 U.S. and 5 foreign Elder hostels and visited all 50 states since moving to Riddle Village.

While Larry always stayed active during his life, his greatest passion was his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. From his consistent humbleness and compassion for everyone around him, his children and grandchildren learned what it meant to be a well- loved, extraordinary person.

FAMILY:

Loving Husband of Esther Ranchil Linvill

Children: David L. (Cynthia Strailey) Linvill of Savannah, GA, Kenneth A. Linvill of Custer, WA, Deborah Linvill (James) Toth of West Chester, PA and Brian T. (Maria Kanters) Linvill of Henrico, VA

Grandchildren: Jonathan D. Linvill. Stephen L. Linvill, Kevin W. (Stephanie J. Hendrexson) Toth and Gregory J. (Samantha J. Siegmann) Toth

Great Grandchildren: Emily L. Toth and Chelsea J. Toth