- Date Of Birth: August 7, 1936
- Date Of Death: January 19, 2022
- State: Florida
Robert Larry De Vault
Robert Larry De Vault was born on August 7th 1936 to Robert Hugh De Vault and Aureita (Dalton) De Vault in Fairmont, West Virginia. Nine years later, his only sibling and brother, Keith Dalton De Vault, was born. Larry said of his baby brother “he was the most beautiful baby with fluffy, curly blonde hair. I was so happy I wasn’t alone anymore.” The two brothers were lifelong friends and continued to play chess together over text during Larry’s last months of life.
Oh, and there was music!
In Larry’s professional life as a biochemist, he worked at Bristol Laboratories, New York, and Abbott Laboratories, Illinois. With research teams, he was awarded 10 patents for work in antibiotic research. Forever a scientist and researcher, he chose to change careers and support laboratories around the country in pharmaceutical sales. Once, he traveled to England to assist with specialized laboratory equipment. There he purchased an English tea set for Julie.
His research went beyond the lab as he managed Julie’s type two diabetes. Pin pricks, insulin, charts, and graphs became his focus for 22 years until Julie suddenly died of a stroke in the Spring of 2002. His heart was shattered. He clung to his children and they to him. They managed the best they could as they struggled to adjust to the loss of the central figure in the family.
Larry found comfort and new life in Catherine “Kate” Pirro.
Larry continued his research in areas of autism, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s trying to discover how to care for people he loved. Science and scientific research are difficult to understand and cures are always hiding. He read material and looked for ways to raise the quality of life for those suffering. This was the best way for him to care. And while his children and family sometimes thought his ideas a bit far-fetched, they admired his efforts.
Everything changed for Larry in July 2021 when he suffered a mild stroke. He rebounded in many ways – his sharp mind and humor were still with him. However, he lost the ability to care for himself and Kate. He moved in with his daughter, Charlotte, and son, Rob. Everyone was hopeful for a strong recovery; however, the prostate cancer that Larry had been managing, reared an ugly head. The last several weeks of Larry’s life have been surrounded by his children. Taking turns they, along with his grandchildren, provided him with love and care. They shared many, many memories and reminded Larry that he has loved well.
Now, Larry is in the arms of angels including his parents, his favorite Aunt Hazel Custer, his beautiful wife, Julia, and his nephew, K. Michael De Vault. He is survived by his wife Kate; his brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Judy, who have already been officially declared the patriarch and matriarch of the De Vault family (God bless them!). His children will never forget him. He leaves Adonica Lynne De Vault (Kathryn Spencer); of Portland, Oregon; Robert Larry De Vault, Jr. of Oldsmar; Juliana Mae De Vault Heidlauff (Ken), of Crested Butte, Colorado; and Charlotte Lee De Vault May of Oldsmar. His grandchildren include Maegan Alberico (Stephen), Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Adrienne Crawford (David), Tucson, Arizona; Meredith Chesney (Tim), Cleveland, Ohio; and Meranda, Makenzie, and Michael May, the Chicago area. His 11 great grandchildren will hear tales of their “Paparonni” for many years to come. They include Avery, Lucius, Eden, and Shiloh Alberico; Bentley, Clayton, Lillian, and Micah Crawford; and Abby, Macallan and Harrison Chesney.
Kate’s children also hold dear memories of Larry “Papa.
Psalm 96:1-2
“Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the Lord all the Earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name.”
Larry has joined the choir of angels and it’s a good thing as they were in need of a strong bass. To remember Larry, sing a song, play a game, or watch a movie with a big bowl of popcorn.
Pacific Time: 1 PM
Arizona/Mountain Time: 2 PM
Central Time: 3 PM
Eastern Time 4 PM
Time: Jan 23, 2022, 01:00 PM (US and Canada)
