Changing of the Guard

by Paul Beckman

Lawrence “Lucky Larry” Lombardi, 62, left to be with our Lord on May 8. Loving husband of Mary Lombardi for forty years who passed suddenly while hooking up a new tank to his beloved eight-burner gas grill. Besides his wife he leaves behind brothers Jimmy and Tommy and their wives and five nieces and nephews. He was active in little league, girls soccer, Meals on Wheels and homeless advocacy. Lucky Larry loved life, the New York Yankees and the Giants. He was the proprietor of Lucky Larry’s Package Store for over thirty years and made hundreds of friends, one of which, Timmy Nolan, will be buying the store. Out of respect and love for Larry he will be keeping the name.

Timmy will be doubling the wine section and naming it Lucky’s Wine Cove and promises to give the same fine service that Larry did over the years. He will be keeping the same schedule. For his first month he wants to honor Larry by giving a 10 percent discount on all beer, wine and liquor (excluding pints and half pints). He is also instituting a delivery service. In addition, in keeping up with the times, you’ll be able to fax or email your order and have it waiting at the new drive-through window being installed. Beginning in two weeks there will be wine and bourbon tastings and a weekly drawing for a bottle of Tito’s Vodka. “My goal is to do Larry proud,” Timmy says.

Larry will also be deeply missed by his weekly poker game buddies, Tony L., Tony M., Skinny Joe, Salami Sal, and the Horowitz brothers, Herb and Murray.

Services for Larry will be at Our Lady of Perpetual Agony Church at 10 a.m. Saturday with, calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Timmy Nolan will be closing Lucky Larry’s for the funeral and will re-open at 1 p.m. for a “Have a glass of beer for Larry” memorial.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Mary Lombardi Mason Jar Fund.

Burial will be at the Pearly Gates Cemetery right after the funeral service.

THE END

— — —

Paul Beckman was one of the winners in Queen’s Ferry Best of the Small Fictions (2016). His stories appear frequently in print and online. His flash story collection, “Peek” from Big Table Publishing weighed in at 65 stories and 117 pages and website is www.paulbeckmanstories.com