Lawrence A. Specchierla

Lawrence A. Specchierla was born a 6th generation Los Angeleno in Santa Monica, CA on June 3, 1942. His mother Josephine Despart was a native Los Angeleno and Native Daughter of the Golden West, and his father Angelo Specchierla, an Italian immigrant. He was raised to understand the importance of hard work through physical labor, musical and athletic practice, and academic scholarship. Larry graduated from St. Monica High School in 1959, from Santa Clara University in 1963 with a BS in Commerce, and from Cal State LA in 1969 with an MBA. Larry worked for Texaco for 36 years at offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, and London; and retired as Comptroller of Texaco, Ltd. Lawrence passed away suddenly on Friday, February 7, 2020, while preparing to celebrate a weekend with friends and family gathered in Palm Springs to support Xavier Prep and Santa Clara University. Lawrence is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Maureen; his children Tony, Therese, and Michael; his grandchildren Dante, Marco, Laurence, Noelle, and Caroline; and by his brother Frank and cousin Josie.

In 1959, Lawrence A. Specchierla began his undergraduate studies at Santa Clara University, which at the time was an all-male institution. In 1961, he protested against the school enrolling women and becoming coed. By 1963, Larry had fallen in love with, proposed to, and married one of those pioneering women coeds, Maureen. Larry would always say, "Maureen is the best thing that ever happened to me!" Their shared experiences at Santa Clara University formed the foundation of a lifetime of love and commitment to service which they shared with family and friends around the world.

Larry was a lifelong fan of sports, both playing and coaching baseball, basketball, golf, and soccer throughout his life. Larry always had a passion for music playing both the accordion and piano. He was a fan of jazz; a patron of opera and lover of modern and classical art. Larry was also an avid photographer who love to share memories of his family, friends and travel adventures. He was a man of history and tradition who was inspired by his Jesuit mentors to live a life of servant leadership in the corporate business world and the local communities where he and his family lived. Larry spent his adult life promoting education for all and humbly providing service where needed. Larry was active in his parish and community, serving in leadership roles on PTAs and Parish Boards; and volunteering at soup kitchens and the Tax Aid program for seniors. In retirement, Larry dedicated his time to promoting Catholic School Education locally through Sacred Heart, Xavier Prep, and serving as Santa Clara University Alumni Chapter Co-President in both New York and Palm Springs. Larry's most precious legacy is his family, and he was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and friends just enjoying life.

Let us all celebrate his life!

A visitation will be held Thursday, February 20, from 4-8 PM with a Rosary beginning 5 PM at:
Forest Lawn Mortuary on 69855 E Ramon Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 12:00 PM at:
Sacred Heart Church 43775 Deep Canyon Road, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Local Florist: The David Rohr Floral Studio 760-321-4121

Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to the Lawrence A. and Maureen Harty Specchierla Endowed Scholarship Fund at Santa Clara University.