January 13, 1940 – September 24, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and former husband, Larry G. Shaver, who departed this life on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at the age of 85.
Larry was a cherished member of our family, remembered for his expansive library and lifelong love of learning; his passion for fine wine; his fascination with the history of the American West (as both a devoted reader and author); and his joyful, ever-growing menagerie of animals. A collector at heart, he gathered everything from baseball memorabilia and model airplanes to fossil replicas depicting human evolution. Larry was never at a loss for conversation and was, in every sense, “the most interesting man in the world.”
Born on January 13, 1940, in Marshalltown, Iowa, Larry grew up on a farm that nurtured his love of the outdoors and wilderness. Raised in Butler, Missouri, where he attended high school, he was an academic scholar and standout track-and-field athlete specializing in hurdles.
Larry graduated from the University of Missouri in 1962 and began his career as a CPA with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. After more than a few grain-silo inventories, he joined Avon Products, where, over a 30-year career, he rose from internal audit to international sales manager, covering territories across Europe, Asia, Brazil, and Australia.
Through his travels he developed a deep appreciation for fine wine and built a remarkable collection. He served as president of the Princeton, N.J., chapter of Les Amis du Vin and later became a certified wine specialist. After retiring, he loved meeting fellow wine aficionados while working at The Wine Gourmet in Daleville.
Animals were a constant thread in Larry’s life. If he could have returned to school, it would have been to study zoology. Over the years he owned, trained, studied, and cared for a vast assortment of creatures: owls and birds of prey – Howard and his trained falcons Spiro and Zoro; an exotic toucan named Sam; the affectionate parrots Charlie and Sunshine; and a home that always included beloved dogs. His menagerie also included a pet monkey, Suzie; tarantulas and snakes; Matilda the monitor lizard; and even an alligator named Sarge.
Larry will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, for his family and for all of God’s creatures, will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
He is survived by his former wife, Patricia Shaver (with whom he remained the very best of friends even after their divorce of 20 years); his daughter, Robin Shaver Brienza; his son-in-law, John Brienza; and his grandson, Michael Brienza.
He was predeceased by his parents, Edna and Robert Shaver; his sister, Patricia Lemon; and his son, Steven Shaver.
A celebration of Larry’s life was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at Oakey’s East Chapel in Roanoke. Friends and family gathered to share memories, offer condolences, and honor Larry’s remarkable journey.
Memorial contributions in Larry’s memory may be made to The League for Animal Protection, P.O. Box 561, Fincastle, 24090. Condolences may be shared with his family by visiting www.Oakeys.com.
