Larry John Magee, age 91 of Harborcreek, PA, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born on July 25, 1935 in Erie PA to John C. Magee and Clara E. (Baba) Magee.
He graduated from Harbor Creek High School. Larry worked various jobs throughout his life. As a gifted diesel mechanic, he started out working for A.R. Beatty Diesel and was instrumental in helping establish A.R. Beatty. He briefly worked for Harborcreek School District taking pride in keeping the kids safe and the buses on the road. Larry also owned and operated a grape vineyard and a successful excavating business where he developed a reputation for honesty and excellent work. In the early 1970’s, Larry started working for Harborcreek Township where he excelled as a heavy equipment operator. Through the years, he advanced and became Road Foreman. As foreman, he went on to develop a road crew that became known as one of the best around. In his words, they were “second to none”. Outside contractors loved working alongside Larry and his crew because of his professionalism, attention to detail and pursuit of excellence. He took pride in making sure the roads were in great condition and well-maintained all year round. Larry demanded excellence from his crew because he demanded excellence from himself. That in turn developed the special bond between Larry and his men where they did not just respect him, they loved him until he retired. Larry was not the kind of guy that could sit still long. Soon he was working for Dusckas Funeral Home, where they too came to love and respect him for his hard work and dedication. He was employed there for 19 years.
According to Larry, his proudest accomplishment was marrying a widow who had five teenage children and becoming their father. This speaks volumes to his character. A situation most men would run from, however, he jumped into fatherhood with both feet. He was instrumental in developing each child into what they are today. He left a large thumbprint on all of them as well as his 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, who all lovingly call him “Pup”. They will greatly miss him and the annual 4th of July weenie roasts, the dirt pile, Mighty Ferguson tractor rides and butter slips.
Larry is survived by daughters, Vicki and Cathy Zellefrow; sons, Robert Zellefrow (Cheryl) and David Zellefrow (Vicki); and brother, Thomas Magee. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his first wife, June Lowe Nolan Magee; second wife, Margaret Zellefrow Magee; sister, Joanne Lencki; and son, Daniel P. Zellefrow.
A special thank you to the staff at Hamot Hospital MICU, especially Pat, as well as the nurses on 3rd Floor South, Janet, Adam and Mandy. They didn’t just care for Larry as a patient; they cared for him as if he was their family member. For that, we are very grateful.
Larry would want to thank his son, Dave, for all his time and effort in helping maintain his best life. To his granddaughters, Jennifer and Lindsey – a “thank you” for everything and an apology for my frustration. It was never meant to be directed toward you. Lastly to his daughter Cathy- thankfulness beyond words for all you have done; the tireless hours, painful decisions, sleepless nights and always having my back. You were truly the wind beneath my wings. I would not have soared without you as long as I did. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral & Cremation Services Harborcreek, 5151 Buffalo Road (at Hannon Rd.) on Sunday, October 25th, from 3 to 7 pm and are invited to attend a Funeral Service there on Monday, October 26th, at 10:30 am, conducted by Rev. James McCormick. Interment will follow at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.
Posted online on October 22, 2026
Published in Erie Times-News