Thomas (Larry) Saey Sr.
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.
Larry was a great person and neighbor. He always had a smile and was ready to talk. We shared many conservations about landscaping, my dog, and his family. He will be greatly missed. Condolences to all the family.
I’m soo sorry to hear about your dads passing
What a beautiful legacy he made while here 🤗
Thoughts and prayers to all your family and friends who knew and loved your dad
The Rudloff family have many fond memories of Larry. I enjoyed watching him at all of the kids sports games, we could always count on seeing him and Mary at the games. We shared the bench watching Emily and Maegan, Tommy and Daniel. Our family still has close ties with the Saey family and will always remember the good times we shared together. RIP Larry
I’m so sad to hear of my dear neighbor Larry’s passing. He was always trying to help even when he wasn’t very mobile.
Always a smile and definitely a laugh or two.
I’ll miss talking to him about our yards and those darn deer. He will be missed but now he’s with his lovely wife Mary, who istill miss today.
Larry and Mary were so very wonderful to me and treated me for many years and others like their own children, for that I was always very grateful. I hope they knew this as time went on. I’m very sad that I was not able to see them or not able to attend either memorial service. Please pass my condolences to everyone that knew and loved them for who they were. Larry and Mary two peas in a pod, some thought they were unique some thought they were odd, I thought they were very caring always loving and always sharing, Mary giving her views and perspective, Larry with the jokes and always objective, I will always remember them both as the parents I always wanted. May you both R.I.P. together. Love you both with all my heart and soul. XOXO Patty ( Davis) O’Brien.
I am so sad to read of Larry’s passing. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend. He always seemed to have a smile. I called him my “share cropping partner”. Our lawns were next to each other and we shared flower planting on the large flower beds that joined our lawns. We bought a bench together and put it on the little piece of land in the center of our cul de sac. He and Mary were great friends. I visited St. Louis a couple of years ago and Alan and I stopped in to see Larry snd Mary. Larry took me to the back yard to show me flowers he had transplanted from our old yard into his. The world was a better place with Larry and Mary in it. My condolences and love go out to his family.
Diane, we are so sad for your loss. Sounds like your father was a hoot ❤️ Take care of yourself