Lawrence Zelechowski
East Saint Louis | Save
Larry Zelechowski, born on September 8, 1957, in East Saint Louis, Illinois, passed away on September 3, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. Larry was a loving son, husband, father, PaPa, friend, and “Pops.” He leaves behind a legacy in his business D & L Tree & Lawn Service, which he proudly ran for over 40 years.
He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Leonard and Jeanette Zelechowski, and his beautiful daughter, Ashley Zelechowski.
Larry is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rebecca Zelechowski. Becky and Larry were so much more than husband and wife, they were true soulmates in every meaning of the word. They had many memories together from when he was playing baseball in his younger years, to his over the road truck driving days, to camping and fishing, being the best parents together, and the best grandparents, along with everything in between. If there was something to be done, they were doing it together, always.
Larry is also survived by his two sons, Kyle (Lauren) Zelechowski and Jacob (Haleigh Gordon) Zelechowski, of Fairview Heights, IL; his grandchildren, Emma, Memphis, Gabriella and Jackson Zelechowski of Fairview Heights, IL; his in-laws, Anita and Bart Hyde of Boulder City, Nevada, and his sister in law, Kathy Sommers of Belleville, IL.
Larry shared his passions with all of his children, from go-kart racing, motorcycles, boats, and cars to working alongside them in running the family business of trees and lawn care. He was truly the hero all of his kids ran to when they were in need of help, or even just words of wisdom. He was their hero.
Being a PaPa was one of his favorite titles. He was always the one looking forward to seeing how pretty Emma was when she would get all dressed up for her many dances. He loved when Memphis would come out on the jobsites and work with them, knowing that he was teaching his grandson everything he knew in the business. Gabriella was PaPa’s best friend, as he was hers. They would run errands together, each trip ending with their favorite thing, candy and pizza! And Action Jackson was always looking forward to sleepovers at PaPa’s, watching movies and eating Chic-Fil-A. His grandkids kept him young, and they always looked forward to the funny faces PaPa would constantly make. PaPa was the one putting up bunny ears or sticking out his tongue in pictures.
Larry also had so many people that he took in as “Bonus Kids and Bonus Grandkids”. Everyone knew his heart was as big as his personality. He really never met a stranger. Larry treated his children’s friends as his own, and his love for them was well-known. He was always willing to lend a hand no matter who needed it. Larry was truly one of the good guys.
Larry had a very special relationship with his daughter, Ashley. He was her biggest fan, always. He encouraged her to do her best, stand up for what she believed in, and never let anyone dull her sparkle. They were true partners in crime, always up to mischief. She was Daddy's Little Girl.
Larry had many friends and he held those friendships dearly. He was only ever a phone call away to anyone of those friends. He was always laughing and joking. He always told all of his friends they would never be unemployed as long as he owned his business and he held that promise. Larry helped so many people in so many ways.
Larry will be missed dearly and his death has left a hole in our hearts. We take comfort in knowing he is with Ashley gardening in heaven. We love you Pops.
We invite friends and family to join us in celebrating Larry, September 13, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Steamfitters Local 439, 1220 Donald Bailey Drive Caseyville, IL 62232.
Kassly Mortuary, Ltd.
