Obituaries

Larry G. Tahner, 73

March 19, 2025

Larry G. Tahner, 73, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Francis and Anne (Sokalsky) Tahner. Larry grew up and completed high school in Medford Lakes, NJ. He graduated from Gettysburg College in 1973. He was a member of the ATO fraternity where he made many cherished lifelong friends.

His career was in the airline industry, working with inventory management for Eastern Airlines, Rolls Royce, and American Airlines. Over the years he called many cities home, including Arlington, Miami, Tulsa, Dallas, Los Angeles, Queens, Grand Canyon, and Gardiner, MT, finally retiring to Lancaster in 2016. In his younger years he was a foster parent to troubled youth in the dependency system.

In retirement that devotion to mentoring led him to volunteering with the Literacy Council of Lancaster-Lebanon and as a sponsor with the Discovery Recovery ministry through his church. Larry’s life-long passion, however, was traveling, meeting folks along the way, and sharing stories of each other’s journeys. His extensive mug collection is a colorful record of the far-flung cities and countries he visited.

He was an active member of Grace Baptist Church of Lancaster. He is survived by sister, Nanette Miller; brother-in-law, Thomas Miller; nephew, Matthew Miller; and his many cousins. He will be missed by all, including his ATO brothers who acknowledge that Larry was the glue that kept them connected these fifty-six years.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 11am at Grace Baptist Church of Lancaster, 1899 Marietta Ave. Lancaster, PA 17603.

Watch the tribute video

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page

Condolences to the Family

April 09, 2025

Larry was a wonderful friend to my cousin, Hank Graybill, an ATO at Gettysburg, who passed away in a car accident his sophomore year at college. Throughout the years Larry kept in touch and visited the family. He became a dear friend of Hank’s brother, Steve and Steve’s wife, Sue. Hank and Steve and my Aunt Jackie and Uncle Henry Graybill must be having a grand reunion right now. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Sally Moore Jamieson (class of “72 at Gettysburg)

April 08, 2025

Larry my friend, your time with us was much to short. It seemed as if you were a flaming match. Always one more trip to take! I (Mike) met Larry at Eastern Airlines in 1979. He was the buyer of Rolls Royce parts and I was one of the guys who needed them. I had the privilege of leading Larry to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ during our time in Miami. I married Denyse in 1980 as she came into the friendship circle down south. He loved to get a group together for an intense game of Risk. It became a life long journey as Denyse and I moved back to St Louis and he seemed to have moved and lived just about everywhere else. As Larry traveled the world, he occasionally fit us into one his many, many trips and also to visit us in St Louis. He saw our kids grow up as we grew older. He was our brother and was considered a part of our greater family. He had a big heart. He always wanted to know what was happening here. We will miss your smiling face and your visits. Our entire family is saddened by your passing. See you heaven our brother!
Mike and Denyse Woody

March 29, 2025

I knew Larry for 55 years starting at the ATO fraternity where Larry was a sophomore and I was an outside advisor. Larry was my best man in my wedding. We both loved travel and playing cards. He will be missed.
Dean Jerome

March 27, 2025

From when I was a kid and the countless games of UNO nights and attending some of my sporting events, to having pizza game night with my children, New York trip to see the Rocketts and attending my kids sports games. Larry has made an impact on my life and my children. Very thankful you where apart of out lives. Rest in peace! We will miss you?
Rochelle, Ryan, Trent, Kadance, McKayla and Chase

March 26, 2025

Ooh Mon ami Larry, what a surprise! a man of heart and kindness! I’ll never forget your support and assistance during the courses. Thank you for everything you taught us. Aurevoir Mon Ami. Repose en paix
Roger

March 26, 2025

Larry was a long time wonderful friend from Riverside Baptist Church, Miami , Florida. He worked with college kids, was in our singles group and loved people all over the world. He fostered needy kids and loved to sit and talk and hear your story. His last days on earth were physically painful but now he is safe in the arms of Jesus and is pain free. We will miss you Larry.
Love from Neil and Pat

March 25, 2025

Larry was a great all around person and a great mentor to myself and many others. I will always be grateful for the advice that he gave me as a teenager. Because of Larry I was able to travel around the country doing and seeing things I never would have been able to do. He will be missed by many. Rest in peace my friend. Robbie B.

March 25, 2025

Larry was the Sunday School teacher for a class at Riverside Baptist Church (Miami, FL) where my husband and I met. We owe our opportunity to meet to him. He had a beautiful and energetic passion for the Lord and it was reflected in everything he did. We have not been in touch for many years but he has always held a cherished place in our hearts. Praise God he is in the presence of his Savior.
Martha and Stephen Kerr

March 24, 2025

I am so sorry about your loss. I was on a few trips in Europe. He was a very informative traveler. I am sure he will be missed by you and many others.
Ray Thorne

March 23, 2025

Larry was the reason that I got to see the Grand Canyon and Bryce and Zion National Parks.When I first met him, it was like I knew him for years. He always asked about my family and genuinely cared. I will miss him.He was a great person.
Jennifer

March 23, 2025

Larry was a lovely human being and a dedicated volunteer at the Literacy Council. He will be missed by the staff and students.

March 22, 2025

Larry has made his greatest travel and left us with many loving memories. His enthusiasm and brightness will shine in my heart forever. Cousin Sheree

Services: Tuesday, April 08, 2025; 11:00 AM; Grace Baptist Church of Lancaster; 1899 Marietta Avenue; Lancaster, PA 17603
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >