Lawrence L. Hafer

Lawrence "Larry" L. Hafer, 87, of Exeter Township, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025 in Celebration Villa of Exeter. He was the husband of Elaine M. (Spatz), who was the love of his life since high school, as they were married 68 years. They loved to host family and friends, travel, cheer for local and Philadelphia sports, and enjoy good meals. Larry also loved becoming a pilot and flying his airplane. Wanting to be in the air when he was on the ground and on the ground when he was in the air, Elaine was always by his side supporting Larry’s new ventures.

Born in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late Lawrence R. and Dorothy E. (Heydt) Hafer. Larry graduated from Mt. Penn High School, class of 1955. Larry proudly served in the Air National Guard for 14 years. He was the founder and owner of Hafer Petroleum Equipment and several other small businesses throughout his life.

Larry volunteered and enjoyed giving back to the community. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and the Lower Alsace Fire Department, where he served as a former Fire Chief and was highly respected. He was thankful for the comradery there, as he often spoke about the great people he grew to know and love. Another one of his most cherished accomplishments was the work he did as a Mason at the Masonic Lodge 660 and then the Rajah Shrine and the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, including becoming Potentate in 1996. This allowed Larry and Elaine to share their experiences with their family, including the Mardi Gras ball and Alaskan cruise, both of which will forever be remembered with a special place in their hearts.

Nothing made Larry more proud than talking about his family and showing everyone pictures of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pool parties at their home in Stony Creek and trips to the shore house in Ocean City, NJ brought memories that his family will always cherish and be thankful for. Larry is survived by his sons, Scott L., married to Ellen L. (Thompson) and Gregg D, married to Lynne M. (Swoyer); grandchildren Heather L., married to Scott McCool, Shelby L. Hafer, significant other to Chris Gehman, and Andrew L., married to Amanda. His great-grandchildren brought so much light to his later years and he thanked God for them daily: Brayden, Kaelyn, Blayke, Kennedy, Kylee, Caden, Zayla, Brielle, and Theo.

Larry is also survived by his siblings: younger brother, Barry, married to Betsy, whom he was very proud of Barry's military career and work ethic, sisters-in-law: Karen Bostard, Donna Young, and Bonnie Rohde, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with services beginning at 12:00 pm at Lutz Funeral Home., Inc., 2100 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, PA 19606. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park, 390 W Neversink Road, Reading, PA 19606. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Larry's memory to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, https://www.shrinerschildrens.org. Lutz Funeral Home, Inc., has been entrusted with arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com.