I’m so sorry to hear about Larry’s passing. It’s been many years, but I still remember him well - he was one of those people you don’t forget—a real straight shooter, full of heart, and never one to mince words. He seemed to like the shock value of his truth spoken LOL! I always appreciated that about him. Even after all these years, I have fond memories of time spent with him and your family and times at triple T. I’m so sorry for your loss and sending you my heartfelt condolences.

Larry and Lee both showed love to my kids. Lee gave Austin the nickname “Auggy Doggy” and Larry thought he was a little me because of he had rhythm. At a performance show Larry came to  it happened to be a show of the alumni of retired band leaders and special musicians. Larry was standing up there with them and they would tease the kids and looked at Austin saying “Now  he has rhythm”

This picture is a picture of the ranch which my wife and my daughter Amber, one of her first experiences of the animals and uncle Larry teasing her. She got scared so Rose had to take her back to the house, what Larry and Lee know is We weren’t sure if it was going to be a boy or girl and there was an Amber light outside of the room we were sleeping in so we decided on Amber if it was a girl or Austin if it was a boy.

When my son Austin came along the following year he became Larry’s little buddy, the kids couldn’t wait to go up to the farm every weekend. My daughter used to say “Dad are we going to the zoo” we all loved it there and it became a second home not only to my kids but to me and my wife.

Memory’s are the one thing that we will always have from the past present and future, but my memories of Larry began when I sold him a 1978 Ford Branco brand new. A friendship began with no ending, he was in my wedding four years later, and he was in my life for the last forty seven years. I loved you Larry and I always will! My best friend who nicknamed me “Leon Redbone”, I was his singing cowboy.

I don’t have a picture of the trip Larry took me on, about thirty days before this. To give everyone a good laugh I was sick that whole trip, now some people may say I was sick because the boat looked like the ship mento of the cast aways from Giligens islands. It was just out of the San Francisco Bay, scared to death that It was going to sink never put out a rod. The moral of this story is the picture you see above, I took Larry about five weeks later out in the bay for a big time tournament fishing for salmon, as you see me sitting there Larry with big smile on his face because I was getting ocean sickness again, well I took the motion sickness pills two days prior, then all of a sudden I could fish I reeled in and caught the first one, about a half an hour later I caught the biggest fish and I only know because Larry was sure no one else caught as big as one. At the end of the day Larry caught the last fish, we were in stand to win about five thousand dollars for first prize, last prize and the biggest fish.  As most of you know Larry loved to fish that was one of his enjoyments in life, that and he was a hunter but I have another story for that,  he took me to Colorado to go hunting and we rode a hour for about 12 miles, one of the other hunter was a barber, his son was also on the trip having a medical background, I ended up having a huge blister on my behind and they ended up having to lance it having the biggest laugh for the night, I had never experienced something like that even after living on a ranch myself. I was his sidekick as all of his friends wanted me to come everywhere with him. I loved them all, but most of all I loved my brother Larry.

My story is kind of simple, it is about fishing trips. This one in particular was of Austin and Vince.

Eulogy for Larry Tristano
I’m not much for speeches, but I couldn’t let this go without saying something about my friend Larry.
We met back in elementary school in Palo Alto, and from that point on, we pretty much went through life
side by side. Seventy years is a lifetime. You don’t get many friendships like that.
As kids, we did everything together. The good, the bad, the fun, all of it. And that never really changed.
Through the years, no matter what life threw at us, we stayed close. We had that kind of bond. You
don’t have to explain it, it’s just there.
Larry was a tough guy on the outside, but if you knew him, you knew he had a heart of gold. He was
one of the best people I’ve ever known. He loved his family, and that always came first with him. His
wife Lee, his kids Larry Jr., Vince, and Roxanne, and his grandchildren.
What you saw with Larry is what you got. No phony, no act, just real. That’s something I always respected about him.  We even used to joke that we were blood brothers, and honestly, that’s what it felt like. He wasn’t just a
friend. He was family to me.
We shared a lot of memories over the years. Too many to count. The kind you carry with you your
whole life.
He had an impact on me that’s hard to put into words. A lifetime of friendship. And I’ll tell you this, there will never be another Larry Tristano.
I’m going to miss him more than I can express.
My thoughts and prayers are with Larry’s family.
God bless your family, Larry.
Rest in peace, my friend!! 
Dennis ❤️🙏

To Dad With Love - Part 3

Family Man: Fiercely proud of his Italian heritage. I was so happy when he and my Mom went on a trip to Italy. We always had something to share about his adventures there, the people and especially the incredible food. I will forever remember my first step touching the ground in Italy, it was like a homecoming, unexplainable and an overwhelming feeling washed over me. I felt like my Dad and his family for generations were all with me, all welcoming me back to a land that they had once called home. Whenever I travel, my wife Sara and I are always saying my Dad would love this or that, or this food or wine. On my last trip with my own family, I took a picture of a small farm overlooking the Adriatic Sea with tomatoes, figs and olives and sent the picture back to my Dad, with the comments in his own words: “Not to shabby, what a place to have a farm”. 

I could keep writing forever and never reach the end of our story together. As a father and example to me, you were magic in a bottle. With tears in my eyes and a hollow space in my heart, I have to say goodbye to the physical you, Dad, but there will never be an end to my love and respect for you. All that you sacrificed for me, and our family. I have only ever wanted to live up to your expectations and make you the proud Father that you were. You cast a long shadow, and despite my age now, I am not ready to take on the role of Big Larry, I am fine with being Jr. in your eyes for eternity.

To Dad With Love - Part 2

Outdoorsman: Daniel Boone and Davy Crocket had their match with my Dad. He taught us all to love the outdoors and to respect nature. Early mornings out in the fields, on a lake or in the woods, always his favorite places. Never wanting to be confined or sitting still. He loved to be in the thick of it off the beaten path, “Off-Grid” before that was a thing. Exploring new places and making new experiences, he was ever ready for an adventure. I love being outside thanks to my Dad and the time he spent with me, taking me to places far and wide, albeit a bit reluctantly many a time. Because of him, I always feel at ease, comfortable and recharged whenever I am in the woods. From upland bird hunts, to big game stalks in the mountains, I will always cherish the time we spent together.

I remember out on a lake fishing one night, I asked my Dad: “What if your life took a different path but you would still have all of us, your family, could you see yourself having gone to College?” He replied, “Yes, and I would have studied to be a Geologist.” I almost fell off the boat. All the years of fishing, hunting and camping and picking up rocks along the way over all the years made sense all at once. I am still in awe of him and that moment. Where he could have gone exploring the world  

Teacher: Always there to give advice, listen, and especially tell you how to do it his way. I love him so, but boy did we butt heads over how to get things done. Just a Father-Son thing I guess, no ill will, just different ways of looking at things. I can say that he did listen to what I had to say and took it into account, often adjusting course along the way. That would make me feel like a million dollars and proud to be able to share my learning with him. But good luck trying to stump him on something. He was going to accomplish it whether through brute force or finesse.

To Dad With Love - Part 1

Where do I even start to talk about my Dad? I have a lifetime of memories of his guidance and most of all his love.

As everyone knows, my Dad was always moving, buzzing with energy and a smile, taking to heart that “a rolling stone gathers no moss”. He never stopped from the time I was born until his untimely exit from all of our lives. Through good and bad, my Dad was always there, like a rock to cast your line upon and pull up to whenever you needed a respite. I find myself wanting to pick up the phone every other day to call and ask his thoughts on an idea, or see what advice he could impart on the latest challenge ahead.

Entrepreneur: Before the fancy word was common lingo, that was my Dad. Known by my cousin Mike as King Midas. Everything that he touched truly did turn to gold, from his first business owning a Shell Service Station, to F.A.S.T. Auto Dismantlers and then TTT Farm. All flourished under his guidance, all along the way making our life better as a family, as well as touching thousands of people with his generosity and kindness. I will never forget one day at F.A.S.T. Auto Dismantlers a very disheveled man came through the door, unwashed, long uncombed hair, dirty clothes, far from home, far from friends, far from family, and needed help with his broken down VW Bus to get where he needed to go. Did I mention no money as well? And that the VW was an early sixties, kind of rare at the time? He and my Dad talked for a bit, the man asking what he could do for my Dad to trade for parts to get up and running and home to his family. Next thing I know, my Dad had us gathering parts for the man to fix his car and get home, no charge! I was stunned as these parts were hard to find, my Dad just turned and looked at me and said if anyone ever needs to get home to their family, you help them, period, end of story.

One of the many  fishing trips we took to Lake Davis I got to drive the boat. It was so much fun. He trusted me to drive it. We caught a lot of fish and had a lot of fun. This is were I got first place in the fishing tournament. We stayed at Baba’s cabin in Portola by Lake Davis. I plan to continue to fish like Davis and when I do, I will be thinking of him.

Another duck hunting trip and we got a lot of ducks again. We had a wonderful time we laughed. We talked we hunted. I will forever cherish these moments

My first duck hurt with Baba we had so much fun that day and he was so proud of me

My Baba  was one of the kindest men I have ever met. He taught me everything I asked about, whether it was hunting, fishing, farming, or anything else. He was always there to teach and help me with it. 

I remember when he took me to my first fishing tournament. He was so proud when I got second place. Then, in the following tournament, I got first, and he was just as proud and happy. I will never forget the first time he took me hunting. He introduced me and my dad to all of his friends. When I shot my first bird, he gave me the biggest hug.

As I write this, I realize that those are some of my most memorable moments with him. I am so grateful to share the same hobbies and interests that he had. Thank you, Baba, for teaching me how to hunt, fish, and so much more. I love you, Baba.
Cash

Papa holding me with Nana, my mom, my uncle Vinnie and uncle Larry ❤️

These are the memories I hold onto when I’m feeling sad about what he’s going to miss. How he will never see me or any of my cousins get married or have children, how he won’t be able to see the rest of my cousins graduate high school. How he won’t be able to see me at the end of my weight loss journey that I have been on, where every time I would see him right before he passed he would tell me that I looked so good and that he was so proud of me. I hold onto the fact that he was so proud of all of us and that he will always be with us through every major life change and achievements cheering us on. Papa I love you and I’ll miss you forever, please rest is peace now. ❤️

As you have read in these posts from our family and friends my papa was a great man who would do just about anything for anyone. My mom would say something similar to me as she did to my sister of “You need to enjoy the moments you have with him because one day he won’t be here and you’re going to miss him” only I didn’t realize that day would come so soon. I find myself randomly just thinking about all my memories that I have from when him and I would go duck hunting and we were in his motorhome watching Charlie Chan The world’s greatest detective. Papa had so many of the movies and shows on DVD and we would turn them on when we would get back from hunting and watch them for the rest of the day. I also would go with him to his second home Lake Davis and I would be the one to bring the boat back onto the trailer and he would always tell me how perfect it was and how the other guys there were jealous because even they couldn’t get their boats on as straight the first time. My earliest memory that my nana always talks about was easter while I was still the only grandchild, my mom, nana and papa and I were doing and easter egg hunt around the farm and there were plastics eggs that had directions on where the next egg was, I picked up one (at this point I could not read) opened it and papa said “Let me read it” and I responded with “No I will, it says papa wait your turn”. My nana still loves telling that story of me and papa to this day.

Larry SR was a good man, a tough man, a leader, who wore his heart on his sleeve.  He expected a lot of those he loved,  but once you were in the circle of his friends and family, he would always take care of you and you were loved.   I know this personally as I had the honor of him giving me his blessing to marry his daughter.  At our engagement he thanked me for “bringing his daughter back to him and making her smile.”   He always thought of other’s and a lot of times would help people without anyone knowing.  He did not ask for recognition or affirmation,  he helped because he loved.   Once I first got into the family he had me run errands with him.  I will never forget how he would love to tell stores while we drove and most of the time would make himself laugh harder than anyone, at his own story.   As time went on I started to call him “general” as he truly was the leader of his family.  The general loved sitting around the table with everyone, eating and of course laughing.  It always seemed to make him happy to have everyone around.   I am thoroughly convinced as our lives go on, the general, will be looking down guiding us and making sure his family is well taken care of, as he always did.  We miss you general but know you are always near us.   God bless and give em hell !

And while we were gathered around Papa one last time, listening to his favorite songs and sharing our favorite memories I realized that I never said a proper goodbye. I was filled with so much regret in that moment that I almost forgot the most important lesson that Papa taught me, to value each individual moment.  I’ve always looked to Papa as a role model of someone who is not only very hardworking but also so full of life. He inspires me to be adventurous, care for my family and be the best version of myself that I can be. I truly wish I could hear him call me "Sabrina Babina" one more time but it makes me appreciate each time I heard it during these last few months even more. I still haven’t fully accepted that he isn’t here anymore, but I know that no matter where I am or what I’ve accomplished he’ll always be proud of me. I love you forever Papa.

Larry Sr, known to my cousins and I as Papa, was one of the greatest people I could have ever wished to have as a grandfather. He took me to so many amazing places, got me into working on trucks, and I have so many amazing memories with him. 
Thank you for everything you have done Papa and rest in peace.

Larry was so fun and generous and such an incredible cook, everything he made was delicious. He laughed in the sweetest way, with his whole heart. He always waved at me from the tractor and joked with me, always offered encouraging words and that warm smile. Apart from my parents, Larry gave me more than anyone ever: my husband, the farm, the life in and around it, the markets and all the incredible friends I’ve made there, this beautiful valley, peaceful home, all my animals, a community full of loving & passionate farmers and artists and chefs, the list goes on and on and on… I see your smile every day in my heart, through the tears. What an impact you’ve made in my life. I love you and can never thank you enough.

He wasn’t just my dad. He was my teacher, my role model and my best friend. The lessons he passed down didn’t come from words alone, but from the life he lived. I see him in every sunrise over a field, every ripple on the water and every step taken in the outdoors he loved so much. Though he may be gone, everything he taught me lives on in me and in every path I walk moving forward. Thank you Dad, for everything. I’ll carry you with me always.

My dad was the kind of man who didn’t just teach lessons, he lived them every single day.  Some of my greatest memories aren’t from big events or milestones, but from quiet mornings before sunrise, standing side by side in a field, a blind or along the water’s edge.
    He taught me how to hunt, but more importantly, he taught me patience, respect for the land and appreciation for the life it provides. He showed me how to fish, not just to catch something, but to slow down, to watch the water and to find peace in stillness. And through farming he taught me the value of hard work, dedication and caring for something bigger than yourself.
       Everything he did carried purpose. Every early morning, every long day, every calloused hand told a story of a man who provided, who cared deeply and who believed in doing things the right way even when it wasn’t the easy way.

I met Lee many years ago at Pick n Pull. Her and I did many projects together and we were doing a project at the Windsor PNP and Lee said instead of you staying in a hotel stay at my house. That’s when I met Larry. When I came over he acted like he knew me forever. He made such a scrumptious dinner for us that night it was unbelievable. The man could cook anything. He also made great Martini’s. Lol. He made me feel so much at home. Lee and I worked together over 20 years. She also had myhusband Al and I for Thanksgiving dinner. What a dinner that was. The best turkey I ever had. We lived in Modesto at that time and Larry was like it’s to late to drive home, spend the night here. Larry was so special we’re going to miss him so much. They are all Family to us. I have watched All the grandkids grow up and become adults. I Love you Lee. Your Friend (Sis) Donna & Al

When I first found out my grandpa was sick, I thought of a story from when I was younger. 
I was about 10 or 11, and I was driving with him up to his cabin in Portola, and the whole time he was listening to his old music and humming to it. I remember being so irritated by it cause I was a young kid and just wanted to listen to my music or nothing I told my mom when I got there that he had hummed the whole time and I remember her telling me “Well Gianna you need to enjoy that humming because one day he wont be here anymore and your gonna miss it.” and I do I wish for anything that I coud hear him hum one of those songs one last time. My Papa was always kind and caring when I wanted a Mini Cooper for my first car; he made sure I had it, and when the Mini Cooper stopped working, he was there for me to help get it fixed for me. He was so welcoming when I introduced my boyfriend to him, and when I Facetimed him to tell him I got engaged, he was screaming and was so happy that he didn't even seem sick. I know my grandpa is always going to be there for me, even if it might not be physical, but he will always be here looking down on me and in the stories we continue to tell and the laughs we continue to share. 
I love you, Papa.

Me and my papa at my graduation in June of 2023

Dear Roxann, Larry and the entire Tristano family-

I’m so sorry for your loss. While I didn’t know your dad, I almost feel like I do since I’ve heard a lot about him from Roxann over our years of friendship. My heart and prayers are with you all and I hope you can find comfort in your beautiful memories and the joy you all brought to his life. 

Love, Robyn

March 24, 2026, at 9:23 p.m., our dad took his last breath, surrounded by his three children and grandchildren.  We were all there telling stories and laughing, exactly how he would have wanted it.  He loved having his family around him, sharing laughter.  How lucky we were - his children, whom he saw take their first breaths, be able to be with him as he took his last.  In that moment, he gave us one last gift by putting us first, and it was a beautiful one.
 My dad was the amazing man you’ve read about here-the farmer, hunter, cook, salesman, family man.  Whatever you can think of, that was him.  He took care of of everyone, because that’s what he loved to do.
He has his own way of doing things, and in his eyes, it was always the right way.  He was generous to a fault- the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.  He was kind, friendly, and funny, and he loved to laugh- especially at someone else’s expense.  I know, because I gave him plenty of reasons to laugh growing up.
He taught us the value of hard work, and to this day I carry that with me.  
During his battle, I saw how much he worried about how everything was affecting my mom more than himself.  He would say, “this is really hard on your mom-she needs a break.” And I would remind him, “dad this is hard on both of you, don’t forget that.”  I wish I could have taken his pain away, even just for  one day- so he could have had a full night of sleep, or climbed back on his tractor without worry, or gone duck hunting one more time with his buddies, my brother and my nephew.
My dad didn’t want a service, but we will be planning a celebration of his life, along with a celebration of my parents’ new home.  Please make sure by brothers, my mom or I have your number so we can send you an invite. 
Thank you for being his friend, and thank you dad for your love, generosity, wisdom  and confidence that you gave to all of us.  I miss and love you much ❤️
Roxann

Uncle Larry  & Aunty Lee - a love story 🥰
Sixty years of marriage is no small thing.
That is six decades of love, patience, compromise,
and probably at least fifty years of Larry asking Lee where he left something that was sitting right in front of him. They built a life the old-fashioned way:
with hard work, stubbornness, laughter,
and the kind of love that does not need much explaining because it shows up every day.
Larry and Lee shared a world of early mornings, farm chores, muddy boots, raising pigs, raising kids,
and somehow getting through all of it without either one running off to hide permanently in the barn. Together they raised Larry Jr., Roxann, and Vince. Three children who knew their father loved them deeply, and  if sometimes that love came with advice or opinions they didn’t exactly ask for, they   appreciated and valued his no BS, common sense, approach on life. Larry loved his teams with loyalty that never faded: the  49ers on football Sundays, the SF Giants all season long. He loved the farmers markets—not just selling, but talking, because Larry never met a stranger he could not turn into an easy conversation. Customers came for the market, but stayed for Larry and often left as friends. And when life became hard, home and farm lost to  fires, those same people showed up, proof that kindness grows when you spend years planting it. Larry loved hunting and fishing too, and considered sitting quietly outdoors, a perfect day. Then came the fight no one wants. He fought it the same way he lived—tough, determined, unwilling to quit. Cancer never took who Larry was: a husband deeply loved, a father deeply respected, a grandfather proudly claimed, a favorite Uncle. And through every season, every celebration, every hardship, every ordinary day, Uncle Larry and Aunty Lee remained what they had always been — a love story.
Rest easy, Uncle Larry — your voice will always be in this family — at the table, in the stories, with love and laughter. 💙

It’s hard to believe that one year ago today  April 1 2025we started the journey we found out Larry had lung cancer. He fought long and hard trying to win the battle unfortunately, the cancer won. Larry was a wonderful husband, father to Larry, Jr, Roxann and Vince and grandfather to  Shaelin  Isabella, Gianna, Sabrina , Cash and Luca he loved his family dearly. Larry had  numerous  cousins ,nieces and nephews.
Larry loved going to the farmers markets . chatting with the customers  and other vendors who were so great when we lost our home and farm endlesslyhelping us in any way they could. Larry was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish.. 
I will miss Larry every day for the rest of my life . until we meet again, my love rest in peace. You fought the good fight.

I was incredibly lucky to have met and had a friend like Larry. Devoted friends like Larry have a special place in your heart. I am incredibly sad that he left so soon. My heart goes out to his family, which I knew he loved so very much.
I met Larry in the nineties while elk hunting here in Colorado, and over the decades, we became the kind of friends who truly understood one another. We shared a deep love for classic cars; Larry had a 1957 Chevy he had owned since he was a teenager, the same year but different model to my own father’s car.
I feel so honored that Larry trusted me to begin to restore that Chevy for him. By some miracle, he shipped it to me just two weeks before a fire took everything else on his property. I plan to honor his memory by finishing that restoration exactly as he described it to me, so his family in California can enjoy the joy it brought him for years to come.
Beyond cars, Larry was a master gardener who always had the best advice for my vegetables. We will never forget his prize-winning hot sauces he was generous and mailed to my family, especially 'Waking the Dead' and 'Cherry Bomb', which always came with a warning that they might knock our socks off! My only regret is not taking him up on those duck hunting and fishing at his cabin invites sooner. Larry, I thought we would have more time once I retired, but I will hold onto our memories until we meet again in Heaven. I will miss you, friend.
Mike Meyers

His car a few days before it left the farm from California to Colorado.

Photos from duck hunting trip he was so proud to share with me.

So sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. We’re thinking of you guys and times past. Wish we all could have had more time together.  Please stay in touch. 

Love,
Rick & Sally

We always remember the great times we had with Lee and Larry. All the 49er games we went to. Showing pigs together at Sonoma and State fair. You could always depend on Larry having a good time. Larry always thought of him self as a food critic. He would always say you taste with your eyes first, presentation was every thing. He could grow the best tomatoes. He would bring a box to every 49er game. One year our son Alan was helping Larry show his Berkshires at the Santa Rosa Fair. Alan came out of the ring into a pen with a young gilt. Larry moved the gilt down a couple of pens. Alan asked where the next gilt was and Larry said I haven’t brought it up yet. What happened next was true Larry. He told Alan to take the gilt into the ring that he had just brought out. Larry said the judge won’t realize what going on. Sure enough the judge the didn’t catch it. Alan ended up showing the same gilt in 3 class and won first place every time. Larry was so proud. Larry was always there to help out at the Pork Producer Bar B Qs. There are so many stories we tell about Larry. Lots of great memories. Rest in peace Larry.  Dan, Tootie and Alan Simpson

Larry was always kind and meant a lot to me, and I feel really lucky that I got to know him. From the very beginning, he was nothing but kind and welcoming to me even though I was the guy dating his baby.

I’ll never forget the first time I met him at his cabin. He asked me what my nationality was, and when I told him I was Italian, he smiled and said, “Welcome to the family.” That moment stuck with me it was just so him. Warm, funny, and full of heart.

He made me feel like I belonged, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for. It honestly breaks my heart knowing he won’t be there to see us get married. That’s something I wish more than anything he could have been a part of.

I’m thinking of the Tristano family and sending all my love. He was a truly special man, and I will always remember him.

I was very sorry to learn of Larry’s passing.  We were elk hunting friends for about 20 years.  I always looked forward to seeing Larry every year in hunting camp.  He always liked to sample some of my homemade brandy.  I will fondly remember him often.  —-Eldon

Larry was always sending me pictures of his successful hunts.  We would always chat though out the year about our next adventures….

I was very sorry to hear about Larry’s passing this week, and I wanted to reach out to share my heartfelt condolences.

I had the privilege of elk hunting with Larry for many years, starting around 1998, and I carry very fond memories of the time we spent hunting and fishing together while he was in Colorado. Those were truly special days.

He was always accompanied by his buddy “Squirrel”—though I never did learn his real name.

Even though we only saw each other for a couple of weeks every November, those times were always something I looked forward to. I had several photos from our hunting trips, but unfortunately lost them when my phone died without a backup.

I’ve attached one particularly memorable photo of Larry preparing the tongue from an elk I had harvested earlier that day. He cooked it for us that evening, and it was outstanding—Larry was an excellent cook.

Please extend my sincere sympathies to your family. Larry will be deeply missed.

Rest in peace, Larry Tristano. Until we meet again, hunting in the heavens.

Tim Romshek 
Windsor, CO

Me and Uncle Larry at “The Bird” restaurant, March 2025

One of my uncles most favorite things to do is get on his tractor.

My Uncle Larry Part Two,

As an adult I would always spend time with My Uncle Larry.  So many weekends I would spend working or visiting him at the Farmer’s market.  We went out to dinner, bars, and did many other things. I spent more time with him than anyone else excluding my immediate family.  I spent more time with him than most of them as well.  If I wasn’t stopping by his and Aunt Lee’s house, which I did a lot, we would call each other weekly to share recipes, talk about sports, gardening and many other things.  From my heart. I can say “My Uncle Larry” was my best friend and I will miss him so much.  In my sixty-one and a half years he never raised his voice or got mad at me one time.  Even when I really pissed off a lot of other people, I could always count on him to be there for me.  I will miss him so much, my only saving grace is that I know I will see him again in heaven.  At my age, it probably won’t seem like that long until that time comes.  

 I love “My Uncle Larry” and have so many great memories because of him.

I met Larry in the early 1980s when I was 19 or 20 years old. At the time, he owned F.A.S.T. Auto Wreckers. I bought various fixer cars that I rebuilt and sold as a side hobby. Larry and I became fast friends and would go to the auto auctions in Sacramento and have dinners together on the return to Santa Rosa.

One day I visited the wrecking yard and Larry asked if I wanted to buy an early 1970s BMW Bavaria. I asked how much and if my memory is correct, he said $750. I took a look at the tan colored sedan and drove it around the block. It looked clean and drove well. So I bought it and asked about the history of the car. He said that about an hour before, an older gentleman came in and wanted to sell his BMW. Larry asked how much he wanted for it and he said $500. Sold….. Larry bought it for the asking price.

Larry had a smile and a twinkle in his eye and we were both happy with the transaction. This was Larry, he knew how to make money but he was fair with his customers and friends. I loved that car and owned it while I was in the Air Force stationed at Travis AFB. A year or so later I sold the Bavaria and still made money on the car.

Many years later when Larry sold F.A.S.T. and devoted his time to Tripple T Ranch, I would occasionally visit. Larry would take me on a tour of the ranch where he would tell me about the latest crops, projects or challenges of being a farmer. He was so proud of growing the highest quality organic produce. I think he was most happy there at the home ranch with his wife Lee.

I have so many wonderful memories of Larry and would love to attend any service/celebration of life if Lee and family decide to have one.

Larry was very good to me over the years and always treated me with respect. His humor, smile and sparkle in his eyes are legendary and will be missed.

One of my happiest memories of Larry was dancing with him at my wedding to his son, Larry Jr. All of our guests had gathered around the dessert table to watch Larry and I cut our wedding cake. At precisely that moment, the DJ started playing, “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman. It’s an irresistible song, and Larry Sr started snapping his fingers immediately, a huge grin spreading across his face. “I love this song!” he exclaimed. Well, I thought, the cake can wait. “Wanna dance?” He emphatically answered, “Yes!” And we rushed to the dance floor, quickly surrounded by most of the guests. That memory perfectly captures the joy for life that Larry embodied. I’m so thankful for it and for having had such a special father in law.

OBITUARY

Larry Eugene Tristano

February 12, 1947 – March 24, 2026

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