Thomas Lawrence (“Larry”) Saey, Sr., passed away peacefully at Parc Provence on August 6, 2026 at the age of 91. He was born in St. Louis on October 7, 1934.

Predeceased by his wife, Mary (nee Sherman) Saey; his father Frank Saey; his mother Catherine (nee Leahy) Saey; and his brother Francis (“Bud”) Saey.

Lovingly remembered by his daughter Diane Saey Lehr; his son Thomas Lawrence Saey, Jr.; his daughter Sharon (Pete) Saey-Abel; 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Lovingly known as Papa — even to the caregivers who tended to him in his last days — Larry was larger than life. Always entertaining, he was quick to tell a joke, quote lines from Shakespeare, dance jigs, belt out “Happy Birthday” for everyone’s birthday, and sing other songs (some appropriate, some not so much). He also — for nearly 40 years — donned the red and white, playing Santa Claus at St. John Bosco and other parishes in the area. He could change the tempo of a room with his whole-body laugh, but he could also scare every referee and umpire in every league if they made a call that was “clearly wrong.” He loved his family with all of his heart, and nothing ever brought him more joy than his grandkids and great-grandkids. For more years than anyone can remember, he’d pack up his car and attend as many of their games as he could. Even when he was not as mobile as he would have liked, he’d persuade someone to take him to a game so he could cheer on the kids — and, naturally, shower them with pointers afterward. Larry tended to his lawn with great care, loved his garden and cursed the animals who tried to ruin it. He was thoroughly proud of his Irish heritage and the United States and the men and women who serve to protect it. He was a deeply spiritual man and, for much of his life, he attended Mass daily. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Service Information:
Date: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026
Place: Incarnate Word Parish, Chesterfield, MO
Visitation at 10 a.m.; Mass at 11 a.m.
Lunch (following internment) at Gianfabio’s Italian Cafe (127 Hilltown Village Center, Chesterfield, MO)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.