Lawrence Andrew Abend

Lawrence Andrew Abend, 87, passed away Thursday, October 12, 2023, in Brunswick. He was born June 13, 1936, in Cleveland, to the late Lawrence and Mary (Sandor) Abend. Lawrence married the love of his life, Eva Charlene Abend, on June 16, 1956. Larry (as he was better known) and Char loved the Lord and were members at Grace Baptist Church in Brunswick. They served the Lord together in many ways over the years. Larry was a gifted accordion player, and played with Mike Guzay and the late Gene Kenny while Char sang along in The King's Chords gospel music group. Together they ministered in numerous churches in the local area as well as out-of-state. Larry was a loving and devoted husband to Char, caring for her selflessly throughout her life. Additionally he was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to many. Larry was employed for over 48 years in the retail food broker industry and retired from the Kroehle-Fodor/Leeper Company in Cleveland. Larry was very well known throughout the Cleveland area supermarket and Discount Drug Mart industries. Larry's memory will be cherished by his loving sons, Bryan (Pam) Abend and Brad (Denise) Abend; his grandchildren, Kimberly (Josh) Grusendorf, Melanie (Chris) Allum, Josh (Liz) Abend, Trevor Abend, and Shaina Abend; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Zachary, and Silas Grusendorf and Cecilia Abend; and brother, Wally (Linda) Abend of Englewood, Florida (formerly of Chippewa Lake). Additionally, Larry and Char made many friends at the Willowood Care Center, Brunswick, where they resided, and the family would like to express special thanks to the caring staff team who shared in their lives and showed such kindness over the years. The family will welcome guests from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, October 19, 2023, in Waite & Son Funeral Home, 3300 Center Road in Brunswick. A Celebration of Life service will take place in the funeral home at 11 a.m. Pastor Richard Powers will officiate. Larry will be laid to rest in Eastlawn Memory Gardens in Brunswick. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given in Larry's memory to Grace Baptist Church, 3480 Laurel Road, Brunswick, Ohio 44212. Please leave memories and condolences for the family on Lawrence's online guestbook at www.waitefuneralhome.com