Post by Brian P Farley

Rarely are we blessed to be associated with people who are the complete package. I have been honored to know a wonderful man who influenced all who knew him in a positive manner. Lawrence “Larry” Aristide Del Santo, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away on June 11th, 2021 at the age of 87.  Larry was considered a titan in the supermarket industry having led both Vons Companies, Inc. and Lucky Stores. He began his career in 1957 for the Vons Grocery Company progressing to President and CEO. In 1975 Larry joined Household International, the parent company of Vons, and was promoted to Executive Vice President. In 1984 he left Household to ultimately assume the title of CEO and member of the Board of Lucky Stores. In 1993 he returned to where he began his career, Vons, as Chairman and CEO, retiring in 1997.   He served on the boards of various companies and charitable organizations. These included, PetSmart, SuperValu, AG Ferrari and Sheedy Drayage. He also served as a Trustee of USF and the Tomas Rivera Center. He was a director of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, Los Angeles Business Advisors and the Food Marketing Institute. He was particularly proud of serving on the Board of Trustees at University of San Francisco. Education was one of Larry’s greatest achievements and gifts. He was the first in his family to get his degree and he was beyond delighted that each of his 12 children graduated from college. He also lived to see nearly half of his grandchildren graduate from college. He undoubtedly will be just as delighted to watch the rest graduate from his front row seat in heaven.  A devout Catholic, Larry was a parishioner at Santa Maria Church in Orinda for more than 30 years. He loved to travel, play golf, and spend time with his friends and family.    Larry was preceded in death by his first wife, Rebecca Diepenbrock Del Santo and his eldest son, Lawrence Anthony Del Santo. Larry is survived by his wife of 18 years, Mary (McAboy) Del Santo and 11 of his 12 children and their spouses.   Faith, family, and friendships were the three pillars of his life and as a result, he touched the lives of many and will be missed by all. If asked, Larry would say that his greatest life achievement was his family. Quite a statement for a man who achieved so much. Larry will be missed but his legend will carry on for generations. #leadership #career #executive #family #legends