Lawrence Pulkrabek

Lawrence R. (Larry) Pulkrabek, 73, of Venice, FL passed away September 9, 2016 at home. His wife and son were with him. Lawrence was born April 24, 1943 in St. Paul, MN to Esther (Aamodt) and Ralph O. Pulkrabek. Larry graduated from Boca Ciega High School, Gulfport, FL, in 1961. After obtaining an Associate of Arts degree from then St. Petersburg Junior College, he joined the St. Petersburg Police Department in August 1963, eventually rising to the rank of Sergeant. Larry was named Police Officer of the Issue by the POLICE Magazine, January – February 1968 issue, after being nominated for the recognition by Chief Harold Smith. Although he was forced to retire early due to an on-duty injury, Larry was proud of his service and had a deep respect for his fellow officers on the Department and other law enforcement agencies. Larry learned to bowl from his mother, a semi-professional bowler, bowled competitively though his school years, and was the Florida State Junior Bowling champion. Larry continued to participate in league bowling after he joined the police department, and also golfed. He was an avid fisherman and hunter all of his life. He fished and crabbed commercially both before and after retiring. One of his greatest joys was teaching his son to hunt, and then seeing his grandson Larry shoot his first deer last hunting season. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Patricia. Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Debbie (French). Larry's family includes daughters Tracey Osborn Sim (Kenny), grandsons Alan and Stephen, Seminole, FL; Lea Ann Fisher (Erik), granddaughters Aubrey and Riley, Tallahassee, FL; Cristie Weaver (Mark), Venice, FL, granddaughters Ashley, Omaha, NE, Alexis, Venice, FL; son Lawrence (Crystal), grandsons Lawrence and Aaron, Venice, FL; his sister Susan LeFevre, Norcross, Georgia, one niece and nephew; and a cousin. A memorial gathering will be held on October 8, 2016, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, at the Stoneybrook at Venice Community Center, 2365 Estuary Drive, Venice, FL, 34292. Memorial Donations may be made to the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg, www.stpetepal.org.