Lawrence R. Papini – Roscoe

We mournfully announce the passing of Lawrence R. Papini, 87, of Roscoe. He was born April 5, 1934 and died Sept. 13, 2021. He was the son of the late Ray and Ida Benedict Papini. His father emigrated from Italy in 1912, and his mother was a first-generation Benedict from Brownsville. Larry was the loving husband of Jessie Lou Petrick Papini of Roscoe, his high school sweetheart, for 65 years. Larry graduated from California Community High School in 1952. Before receiving his high school diploma, Larry established himself as one of the best all-around scholastic athletes in California. He earned honorable mention on the 1951 Associated Press All-State football team. As a basketball player, he was named to the 1951-52 All-Section 5-A first team. In baseball, he was recommended to play in the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph All-Star Game. In 1951, he was one of three area players chosen by major league scouts to play in the All-West American Legion Game at Forbes Field. In 2013, Larry was inducted into the Mid Mon Valley Sports Hall of Fame. He continued his basketball and baseball career at California State Teachers College. Larry had been sought by several major league clubs including the Pirates, Dodgers and Reds. He signed with the Boston Red Sox and was sent to the Bluefield, W.Va., team in the Class D Appalachian League. By turning pro, he gave up his amateur status and went on to complete his education at California State Teachers College. In 1956, Larry began his career in education as a mathematics teacher at California Community High School, where he served as a coach in football, baseball and basketball (boys and girls). He taught for 41 years and retired in 1997. Larry was active in his community and served as a Roscoe council member. He was a longtime member of the former St. Joseph Catholic Church of Roscoe and recently attended Mass at St. Peters Catholic Church of Brownsville. Larry was the oldest of his siblings, Joyce Huffman (Bob) of Williamsburg, Va., and Kenny Papini (Dianna) of Rockville, Md. The Papinis were the parents of five children, USA Col. Ret. Larry Papini Jr. (Marsha) of California, USA MSgt. Ret. Jay Papini (Jean) of Somerset, Jan Papini-Sckena of Centerville, Jodi Lien (Pat) of Winter Garden, Fla., and USAF Maj. Ret. Jennifer Lukas (Mike) of Rostraver. Larry loved his 11 grandchildren, Melynda (Joe) Girdwood, Dr. Sarah and Jacob Sckena, Dr. Jamie Rae and Anthony Papini, Lt. Patrick (Jill), Connor (Jenn) and Jessica Lien, Larry and Gabriella Papini and Wyatt Lukas; and adored his four great-grandchildren, Joseph, Zander, Xavier and Jordyn Rae. Larry also had many nieces and nephews that he truly cherished. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, at MELENYZER FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 1008 Furlong Ave., Roscoe. A Mass will be held at St. Peters Catholic Church in Brownsville at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021.