Lawrence Charles DeBellis

March 16, 1948 - March 6, 2017
Lawrence Charles DeBellis


Larry passed away on Monday March 6, 2017 from complications that occurred during a heart procedure. Larry was an incredibly devoted family man who truly loved his family, friends, and life. He loved going on cruises with his wife, Teresa, the beach, and NASCAR.

He was born March 16, 1948 in Fairmont, West Virginia. He married his lifelong love, Teresa Wasarovich, also of Fairmont. They have two children, Larry Joe and Mary Jo. In 1980, the family relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina. Later in 1997, after Larry Joe and Mary Jo had families of their own, Larry and Teresa moved to Wilmington, North Carolina. Larry retired from a 47 year career in the tire business in June of 2014. He last served as a manager for Aspen Tire of Wilmington.
Larry and Teresa are members of St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Larry is an active member of the American Legion Post 10 where he served as one of the “chefs” for many of their events. Both before retirement and after, Larry and Teresa owned and operated L&T Coins, participating in many coin shows throughout North Carolina and the southeast.

Larry is survived by his immediate family: his wife Teresa DeBellis; their son and daughter-in-law Larry Joe and Jenn DeBellis of Olympia, Washington; their daughter and son-in-law Mary Jo and Greg Skinner, grandson Patrick Skinner, and granddaughter Sophia Skinner, the love of his life, of Raleigh, North Carolina. Larry was the third of five children. He is survived by his sister Eileen Akers of Charlottesville, Virginia; his brother Joseph DeBellis of Fairmont, West Virginia; his sister Margaret Arcure of Fairmont and her children Matthew and Nicholas and grandchildren Lucca and Isabella; and his brother Robert and Denise DeBellis of Fairmont and his daughter Laura Skapik.

Larry is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kitty Sypolt of Melbourne, Florida and her children and their families – Sheila and Mike Bensey and their children, Mary Beth and Daniel Thornton, Drew Bensey, and Matthew Bensey; and Sherry Herman and her son, Shane Herman.

Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Larry was a better person for it. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

A Celebration Service will be held on Sunday, March 12 from 1:00 to 3:30 at the Wilmington Funeral Chapel at 1535 South 41st Street in Wilmington, NC.

A reception will be held at the American Legion Post 10, 702 Pine Grove Drive in Wilmington, NC 28409 immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to American Legion Post 10.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking ” Post A Condolence ” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, N.C. 910.791.9099


Purchase Flowers

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • March 09, 2017
    Deborah Kandare lit a candle:
    Lit since March 9, 2017 at 3:48:29 PM

  • March 10, 2017
    Mary Lockfaw says:
    I am still in shock. He left us way too soon. I will miss him so very much. My thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful wife, Teresa, and family.

  • March 10, 2017
    Fran Wade says:
    Dear Teresa and Family, I was just devastated to hear that Larry had passed away. It was just a few months ago that we all met up again at our 50th HS Reunion in Fairmont. We had so much fun and it was so great to see him again -- the last time he attended one was in 1992! You two were such happy little lovebirds and I know he adored you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and if there is anything I can do for you please let me know. I have some photos from the reunion I can email you if you didn't get them in the past. Just send me your email address. Stay strong -- Larry would want that --- and please keep in touch. Love Frances (Testa) Wade

  • March 10, 2017
    Chuckie and Judy Runewicz says:
    Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Larry will be missed dearly and hos memories will always be treasured...... 0

  • March 10, 2017
    Rick Marcozzi and Jane Marcozzi says:
    Sorry to hear about Larry he was a good guy he lived close to where I grew up our best to the family