Lawrence A. Congress' Obituary
Lawrence A. “Larry” Congress, 83, of Sanibel, Island, FL, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 19, 2014. He was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle and friend, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.He was born July 31,1931 in Flint, Michigan to William and Molly Zeligman Congress, and spent his younger years in Fairmont, West Virginia. He attended and graduated from Indiana University in 1953, where he made many lifelong friends with his fraternity brothers at Sigma Alphu Mu. He married the great love of his life, Devere “Dee” Pliskin on November 11, 1962 in Elkhart, Indiana. They spent many years in Peoria, Illinois, raising their young family, then relocated to Sanibel Island, Florida in 1981, where they founded Congress Jewelers.Larry was truly a unique soul, and an incredibly talented pianist and artist. He loved to delight family and friends with piano concerts featuring music by his favorite composer George Gershwin. One of his greatest joys in life were his grandchildren, calling them “his greatest accomplishment.”He is survived by his children Scot (Melissa), Julie Bobman (Stuart), Doug(Melanie) and Brad (Colbi); grandchildren Whitney, Andrew, Dana, Rebecca, Michael, Jennifer, Kelsey, Joshua, and Georgia; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Devere “Dee”, sister Frances Freed, brother-in-law Robert Freed, and brother Robert Congress.Larry was a member of both Temple Beth-El, Fort Myers, and Temple Bat Yam, Sanibel.Services are to be held Sunday, September 21st, 2:00 p.m. at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Chapel, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to BIG Arts of Sanibel.
What’s your fondest memory of Lawrence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lawrence?
Share a story where Lawrence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lawrence you’ll never forget.
How did Lawrence make you smile?