Larry John Wine

Larry John Wine, husband, father, pop-pop, and friend, died on September 21, 2023. Born on May 17, 1943, Larry spent most of his life dedicated to making connections with people. He was someone who loved to relate to others and this aspect of his personality led him to a career in sales after serving in the United States Navy as an Intelligence Officer.

Larry graduated from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. There, he pursued his education and met his wife of 59 years, Glenda. Larry and Glenda’s story started with introductions through their best friends at a Peter, Paul and Mary concert and eventually led to a life filled with friends, family, work and travel. Larry’s numerous adventures included traversing Europe with Glenda in an Air Stream trailer, running the New York City marathon and attending musical theater with his daughters and grandchildren.

Larry's most recent career was as a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services New England in Connecticut. Before entering real estate, he spent the majority of his working years as a sales and marketing professional in the healthcare industry.

Beyond his professional life, Larry was known for his sense of humor and high spirit. The numerous cookbooks he owned, with titles like "Weekends with Friends," "Julia and Me," "The Florida Cookbook," "Napa Valley Greats," and "Blue Ginger," illustrate an important part of his life spent preparing meals for friends and family. Larry was a big fan of all music genres; especially Rock and Roll as well as the artists Gipsy Kings, Jimmy Buffet and Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole. One of Larry’s proud moments was playing the drums at his daughter’s wedding and also being recorded on vinyl while drumming for a popular version of “Sing, Sing, Sing” during his Kankakee High School days. Larry was an active alum for both his high school and university.

Larry is survived by his wife, Glenda, and their children and grandchildren: Melanie (Matthew) Tolan, Brady, Christopher, Annie; and Chiara Wine (Erik Bertelsen), Delila, and Calvin and his sister, Vicki Wine. He leaves behind a group of family and friends with whom he and Glenda created many memories. Larry and Glenda lived in homes all around the world -- in London, Dallas, Coral Springs, Columbus, Lake Forest and eventually settled in Connecticut for the last thirty years before recently retiring to Port Charlotte, FL. Larry’s legacy of laughter and storytelling, along with his signature "jazz hands" in group and family photos, will always be remembered. Private services will follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/fort-myers-cremati for the Wine family.