Larry A. Pryce Obituary
Larry Arthur Pryce went to his eternal home on June 21, 2026. Larry was born March 14, 1948 in Ferndale, Michigan to L. Arthur and Susie (Wallace) Pryce who predeceased him. Larry, who had been a lifelong bachelor, married the love of his life Debra DeHate Bleshenski on May 7, 2011, embarking on a fun-filled and rewarding life. Deb blessed him with stepsons Jeremy (Crissy Engelhardt) Bleshenki of Bay City, and Jon (Stefanie) Bleshenski of Midland. He was the proud Papa of 6 step-grandchildren whom he loved very much, Branda (Andrew) Stahl and their son, Maverick of AuGres, Carter Bleshenski of Linwood, Greyden Bleshenski, Gaven Bleshenski, Abigail Bleshenski, and Ashten Bleshenski, all of Standish. Larry is also survived by sister-in-law Jan Spaulding and her three lovely, lively daughters Kristy (Kevin) Brown, Heather Kilisanin, and Sarah Bleshenski. Among his special friends surviving him are Joanne Johnson, Ronald Warczinski, Bruce and Pat Nordstrom, and Katie and Dave Pederson. Larry was predeceased by his much-loved stepson Jason "Boo" Bleshenski.
In 1966, Larry graduated from Ferndale High School, earning recognition for his journalistic work on the school newspaper The Eagle. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Wayne State University in 1970, Larry began a 38-year teaching career at Pinconning High School. He continued his own education by earning an M.A. in Education from Central Michigan University in 1976. Larry is survived by a legion of accomplished Pinconning students who studied literature and composition with him. During his teaching career, Larry was a 40-year member of National Council of Teachers of English, a longtime member of the Thoreau Society, a patron of the Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada, and co-sponsor of PHS's award-winning Drama Club, achieving national recognition for its scenery building and earning Pinconning High School its first state championship.
Less than a year after retiring in 2008, Larry was fortunate to reconnect with Deb through a Facebook page one of his recent students had created regarding his English teaching. They rekindled their connection from 1970, and a year later, Larry proposed. Their wedding in 2011 began one great adventure. Deb and Larry much enjoyed traveling, theater-going, and attending their grandchildren's ballgames and concerts. Deb delighted in educating her husband about such weighty matters as Shrek and Lightning McQueen since decades before Larry had taught her about the finer points of Shakespeare.
Larry's parents instilled in him a strong work ethic, a love of literature and music, and their model of a loving, lasting marriage.
Larry loved reading, collecting vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia (a life-member of the Great Lakes Chapter Coca-Cola Club), and attending jazz performances in Detroit. His retirement career was as a Researcher/Producer for the documentary film "The Other Eight Mile: The History of Baker's Keyboard Lounge," where he cultivated friendships with scores of Detroit jazz musicians. Larry's life was blessed with lasting friendships with his 1966 Ferndale High School classmates, a core of highly-talented Pinconning Area Schools' staff members, a legion of former students, and collector friends from the Coca-Cola Collectors Clubs in Michigan and Ontario. Larry was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Bay City.
Larry's family thanks the amazing people who work at Huron Woods Nursing Center for the compassionate care you gave to Larry, especially Amanda, Aaron, Logan, and Stephanie. He loved you all.
Larry's funeral will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 103 East Midland St., Bay City, with Rev. Linda Williams presiding. Friends may visit the Rivertown Funeral Home on Thursday, June 25th from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 6 p.m. On Friday family will greet friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
