Larry Onellion

Larry Richard Onellion, crossed over in peace, surrounded by his loved ones, June 18, 2011 , at his home in New Iberia , Louisiana . Mr. Onellion, also affectionatley known as "Laro" and Santa Claus, took his first breathe on October 19, 1946 in New Iberia, Louisiana, to Sully Onellion Sr.and Mary Margaret Carstens Onellion. The span of his earthly pilgrimage was 64 years, 7.9 months. Today we rejoice in the knowledge that he has passed the barrier of time as we know it and is forever at home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In the year of 1972, he was married to Suzanne Elizabeth Morris, the mother of his children, who ascended to heaven before him and saved him a seat, until his arrival to adorn his wings. Together, for nearly 30 years, they experienced the changing scenes of life in loving companionship, which the Lord had entrusted to them. He shall live as a song in the hearts of his six children , Shannon Onellion, Phillip Onellion, Kelli Onellion, Gabrielle Onellion, Robert Onellion and Christopher Matter. His children feel blessed to have had a daddy with so much love in his heart to give and teachings of wisdom which they will carry with them to share with the world. He will forever be in the hearts of his sister Mary Margaret Onellion Seale and brothers Sully (Mickey) Onellion Jr., Timothy Onellion, Patrick Onellion, 13 grandchildren,1 great grandchild and special loved ones whom he cared for dearly. He will also be remembered in love by his second wife Sharon "JJ" Onellion with whom he spent 13 years and who will hold him in her heart, always. Racing him to heaven were his devoted wife Suzanne Elizabeth Morris Onellion, mother Mary Margaret Carstens Onellion, father Sully Onellion Sr., mother-in-law Helen Morris, Brothers Charles Onellion, Phillip Onellion and Franklin (Dubby) Onellion and sister Paula Hicks. Laro exhibited a multi-facted personality, each facet polished with life experiences that sparkled when the light shown on them, reflecting beauty forth into the Universe. His light hearted sense of humor, created unique moments of laughter for his friends and family with his vivid imagination and gentle sky blue eyes. He has been known to be an architect redesigning the home he shared with his wife Suzanne, an artist drawing images at the kitchen table to share with his children, an inventor constructing toys for his grandchildren out of paper, an actor and director in self-created video sketches and the documentation of family memories, a comedian revealing his secrets of happy which are highly contagious, a singer playing guitar and humming in the wind, a chef in cooking and in life, forever experimenting with new recipes and offering an extra serving to all, a giver with a capital G, an intellect sharing his degree in common sense, a philosopher exchanging deep thoughts with a smile on his lips and love in his heart. He is a hero to all that know and love him. Above all else, Larry cherished spending time with his loved ones and his puppies, Nuki and Zoe which he loved dearly and considered his children. He could be found in time, and in company, relaxing outside under a tree in nature, gaining power points drinking a Borden's chocolate milk, standing over a stove to hand deliver hot meals to unsuspecting recipients, enjoying a cold coke in Louisiana heat, sharing heart and soul in song during his favorite pasttime singing kareoke, contemplating life among friends, while turning any event into something to laugh or think hard about, all at once. He is blessed to have shared a genuine love with his girlfriend Dolores "Dee" Strother, who considers him her heart and cherished him with everything she had within her. Their love of music, family and friends created a special bond which they shared with one another in his final steps toward the stairway to heaven. During his life journey, Laro travelled the world, submersing himself in many cultures, while living it fully. He took time to serve his country in the United States Air Force, during the Vietnam War. In years following, every other week he boarded a helicopter and flew over the gulf to his second home on an oil rig, as dedicated Exxon employee for over 30 years. Two of those years were spent working for Esso in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where he opened his heart and expanded his family. He took pride in working hard and sharing his life explorations with his family and friends. After his retirement, as a field foreman supervisor from Exxon, it brought him and many children great joy as he volunteered his time to being Santa Claus. He looked forward to each year as the Christmas season approached, growing his beard and anticipating the excitement of little ones who knew him as Santa, the bringer of presents. Larry's very presence, in each moment lived, has been a gift to us all as he shared himself without limitations, teaching us of the infinite possibilities the world has to offer. Please join us in celebration of his life at 11: 00 AM Tuesday, June 21, 2011, Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia. Interment will follow in Holy Family Cemetery with Military honors conducted by the New Iberia VFW Post 1982. Pallbearers will be Phillip Onellion, Dax Gaspard, Emmet Crochet IV, Sully Onellion Jr., Patrick Onellion, Jules "KiKi" Langla, David Seale, Theodore Seale, Jason Onellion and Timothy Onellion. We extend special gratitude to Dolores "Dee" Strothers who lovingly devoted herself in the care of our father and Heart of Hospice whom provided him special comfort when he needed it most. His family also takes this occasion to thank their many friends for the kindnesses which have been given during this time to celebrate his life. A gathering of family and friends will be Monday from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd, in New Iberia. Visitation will continue Tuesday at 8:00 AM until 11:00 AM.Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560, 337.365.3331, is in charge of arrangements.