Larry D. DeJane 1942-2025

Born on Nov. 27, 1942, in Salem, he was a son of Walter and Edith Hendricks DeJane.

Larry was a graduate of Salem High School’s Class of 1960. After a year of technical school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served his country with honor, rising to the rank of sergeant before his discharge in 1965.

Upon returning home, he embarked on a career that would span over two decades, mastering the trade of plumbing and pipefitting. After a five-year apprenticeship, Larry became a journeyman plumber and pipefitter for Ellyson Plumbing in Salem and was a member of the UA Local (87) 396 in Youngstown. He changed careers after 25 years in the trade and retired after 17 years of public service.

Larry’s commitment to his hometown of Salem was unwavering. He dedicated himself to public service, first as the Director of the Memorial Building and Director of Parks & Recreation from 1990 to 1991, before taking the role as Director of Public Service from 1992 to 1995. His leadership and vision were further recognized when he was elected mayor, a position he held through three terms, from 1996 to 2007. In 2002, Larry was appointed by Governor Taft as a YSU trustee, a role he fulfilled until 2011.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Elks Lodge 305, the Italian American Club, and a lifetime member of the AMVETS Post 45. His contributions to society were recognized on numerous occasions, notably as YMCA’s Man of the Year in 1999, and he was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow Award. In 2021, he led Salem’s Memorial Day Parade as the Grand Marshall.

Beyond his public service, Larry was a man devoted to his family and friends. His grandchildren’s activities were a source of immense joy to him, and he enjoyed his weekly breakfast outings with lifelong friends. Known for his affinity for numbers and his meticulous organization, Larry never missed an opportunity to reach out to his loved ones on special occasions, always ready to offer a Happy Birthday or Congratulations when it mattered most.

Larry’s legacy is one of love, service and support to others, and generosity that will be missed by so many.

He leaves to carry on his memory, his loving wife of nearly 59 years, the former Marsha L. Elrod; two children, Larry D. (Melissa) DeJane II of Macedonia and Darby (Brent) Hall of Salem; grandchildren, Sophia DeJane, and Carly, Maggie, Colton, Sawyer and Lucy Hall, who affectionately called him Papa; siblings, Judy Sell, Patricia Riley, Vicki Zeigler and Twing DeJane, all of Salem; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by siblings, infant Jackie DeJane, Donald “Duck” DeJane and Sandra Naughton; sisters-in-law, Jean DeJane and Charlene DeJane; and brothers-in-law, Bob Sell, Jon Zeigler and Donald Riley.

Family and friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, and again from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Stark Memorial Funeral Home, 1014 E. State St., Salem, where a funeral service with military honors will follow Friday at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. DeJane’s name to St. Paul School Foundation, 925 E. State St., Salem, OH 44460 or to Salem High School Alumni Association, 330 E. State St., Salem, OH 44460.

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary “Hugs from Home” program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

To view Larry’s obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

(special notice)