Larry Wentz, ran insurance firm

LARRY WENTZ had a problem when it came to fashioning his annual family Christmas greetings.

The problem was how to get everybody on it because Larry had 13 children and 13 grandchildren, and, being a devoted amateur photographer, he had pictures of everybody.

Needless to say, he used small type.

Lawrence H. Wentz, who ran an insurance firm founded by his father in 1936, died Monday after a courageous fight against prostate cancer. He was 70.

Larry was a youth coach who was active in the Police Athletic League, where he coached baseball. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of baseball statistics. He also coached baseball at St. Hilary of Poitiers in Rydal and touch football at Holy Angels Parish.

Larry was a man of many talents besides photography, which he used to chronicle the lives of his extended family. He discovered an artistic talent late in life and enjoyed studying sculpture at the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial.

He also liked to sing, and did so at family gatherings and parties.

Larry was a dedicated baseball historian. He was founder and president of the Dick Littlefield Club, made up of baseball fanatics who honor the memory of the major league pitcher who played for nine teams in the '50s.

"He knew all about baseball history," said his daughter, Veronica. "His baseball knowledge started with the old A's. He could tell you all about the A's. But he was also a big Phillies fan."

Larry was born in Philadelphia to Lawrence J. and Lillian Wentz. He graduated from St. Helena's Parochial School, La Salle College High School and Notre Dame University.

He was the first baseman on La Salle's 1955 team, which won the city championship by beating Olney High, 2-1, at Connie Mack Stadium.

He became president of Kindt, Kaye & Wentz, his father's insurance firm, in 1987. He was still working there when he died.

He served as a first lieutenant in the Air Force from 1960 to 1962.

Larry was also an avid traveler. He and his wife, the former Llewellyn "Lou Ann" Kelly, visited Europe and also trekked as far as the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Hawaii, as well as all 50 states.

"He was extremely optimistic and personable," said his daughter. "He loved life, he loved kids, and he enjoyed being with family and friends."

He was also active with the Notre Dame Alumni Club.

Besides his daughter and wife of 48 years, he is survived by five other daughters, Mary, Majella, Hope, Rebecca and Julie; seven sons, Macolino, Peter, Matthew, Edward, James, Jerome and Joseph; and 13 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Lawrence Kelley Wentz, in 1981.

Services: Funeral Mass 11 a.m. tomorrow at St. Helena Church, 5th Street and Godfrey Avenue. Friends may call this evening at 6 at the John F. Fluehr Funeral Home, 3301 Cottman Ave. and at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow at the church. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheltenham.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Helena Grammar School, 6101 N. 5th St., Philadelphia 19120; La Salle College High School Scholarship Fund, 8605 Cheltenham Ave., Wyndmoor, PA 19038; or the John H. Neeson Scholarship Fund of the Notre Dame Club of Philadelphia, c/o James Voelker, 204 Fringetree Drive, West Chester PA 19380. *