Lawrence Patrick Gemmell, 64

October 30, 2014

Lawrence Patrick Gemmell, 64, of Lititz, died Thursday, October 30, 2014 at Lancaster General Hospital.
Born in Philadelphia, Larry was one of nine children of William Peter and Marie Dorothy Gemmell, both deceased. He was preceded in death by a brother, James.
Larry was married to Judie Turner Gemmell, and they celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary in June. Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Melissa Derderian, married to John, Adrienne Kametz, married to Brent, and five beautiful grandchildren, all of whom were the lights of his life. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Vada Sheetz of Lititz; brothers, William, John, and Terrance; and sisters, Dorothy, Constance, Margaret, and Mary. Larry and his entire family were able to enjoy a week together in August at Duck, NC, something that is a treasure at this time of loss.
Larry was co-owner and founder of GemChem, Inc. of Lititz. Plagued by illness for many years, it was a comfort to Larry that Gordon Young, co-owner, and the employees of GemChem were able to sustain and enhance the success of the company in his absence. Larry enjoyed the love and support of many friends and family through his many challenges. This incredible support enabled Larry to maintain his spirit and drive until the end of his life. His family would like to recognize and thank one friend in particular, Jeffrey Keller, who was Larry’s right hand man. A lover of lively discussion, books, and ideas, Larry and Jeff could wile away hours, sitting in the sun. Larry was a life-long learner and to say he was tenacious would be an understatement. That tenacity and love of life helped Larry to overcome medical challenges over many years, to the amazement of many. He was an original character and will be sorely missed on this earth.
Larry was an involved person and a member of many organizations, too many to be listed. He was particularly proud of his service on the Warwick School Board for many years, where he was not afraid to ask hard questions or to look at issues from different perspectives. He was an entrepreneur and also served on the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, earlier in his life. These things were important to Larry, but he came to realize in his later years that they paled in comparison to the love of family and friends.
Larry loved travel, nature, especially birds and trees, music and laughter. He loved to work with his hands. He built stone walls and a wooden pergola, even in times of illness, when he was reduced to the “idea guy,” doing what he could. He was a member of Meadia Heights Golf Club and loved a day on the golf course with friends.
Larry was a member of St. James Catholic Church and found great strength in his faith in God.

A family visitation will be held at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 on Tuesday, November 4th from 6-8:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church, 505 Woodcrest Ave., Lititz, PA at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, November 5th. The family will receive guests at the church beginning at 9:30 AM.

If desired, Memorial Contributions may be made to Gift of Life Family House, 401 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 or through www.giftoflifefamilyhouse.org