A Catholic Priest and member of the Xaverian Missionaries, was called home by his Heavenly Father on December 12, 2016, Feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Diagnosed with gastric cancer at the beginning of November, he spent his last weeks at Xavier Knoll (Franklin, WI) under hospice care. Fr. Lawrence (Larry) was born in Priabona di Monte di Malo, Vicenza (Italy), in 1933, into a family of 7 brothers and sisters. He joined the Xaverian Missionaries in Italy in 1946. He came to the United States in the early ‘50s and, after completing his studies at St Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee, was ordained as a Xaverian Missionary Priest on March 22, 1958. He and Fr. Jerry Furlan were the first two Xaverian Missionaries ordained as priests in Milwaukee. After his ordination, he was in Holliston (MA) from 1962 till 1966. During that time he was both the editor of the Xaverian Missions Newsletter as well as a teacher at the Xaverian Missionaries High School Seminary. In 1966, he was assigned to our Missions of Sierra Leone (W. Africa). He served as the school principal in Kabala till 1975, when he was reassigned to the USA.

Upon his return, and until his passing away, he served in many ways: as editor of the Xaverian Mission Newsletter (1975-1982); Director of Fatima Shrine (1984-1986); Mission Education (1986 – 1991); and rector of the Holliston community/Fatima Shrine (1993-1996). After a sabbatical year in Italy, he was assigned to the Xaverian community at Xavier Knoll, Franklin, Wisconsin. Till his passing away, he served in different parishes around Metro-Milwaukee, always guided and motivated by his strong missionary spirit. In 2008, together with his great friend Fr. Jerry Furlan (who preceded him in Heaven), he celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination to the missionary priesthood. Now, together, they see God face to face.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 21st from 9-11a.m. at Fatima Shrine in Holliston. Interment will follow at  Xaverian Missionaries’ Cemetery (Fatima Shrine) in Holliston. In lieu of flowers, donations to our mission in Sierra Leone, West Africa, are appreciated. The Crosara Family and the Xaverian Missionaries are deeply grateful to all those who, through their care and attention, made his last days more comfortable and serene and assisted the Xaverian Community in a number of ways. A special thanks to Fr. Brian and St. Charles Borromeo Parish for their kindness and hospitality. May the merciful Lord, whom Fr. Larry served faithfully, reward him abundantly.Visitation was also held at Rozga Funeral Home in Milwaukee.