Lawrence Wisne ’70, 68, passed away peacefully in Florida Hospital on Monday, September 19, 2016 in Orlando, Florida at the age of 68. Larry is survived by his wife, Christine; children, Lawrence Jr. (Allison), Michael and Anna; grandchildren, Locke, Reece, and Hudson; his brothers, Alan (Kathy) and Joseph (Debbie); nieces, Shannon and Madelyn and nephew, Lee. He is preceded in death by parents, Anthony and Hazel; sisters, Janis and Toni; niece, Kyla and nephew AJ.

Larry was born on December 17, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan to Anthony and Hazel. He graduated from University of Detroit Jesuit High School in 1966, earned his bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University in 1970 and his master’s degree from University of Denver in 1972. He married Judy Wisne (Piotrowski) in 1977. They have three children, Lawrence Jr., Michael and Anna. He later re-married Christine Wisne (Hughes) in 2005; her daughter is Angelica Hughes. Larry’s daughter-in-law is Allison Wisne M.A. ’08.

Larry had an illustrious professional career, taking over as President of Progressive Tool and Die (PICO) in 1979. He built the business that started in his father’s garage into an international powerhouse, culminating with multiple appearances on Forbes’ list of 500 largest private companies in America in the late nineties and sale of the business to Fiat S.p.A in 1999. Additionally, he became one of the premier restaurateurs in the Midwest, advancing fine dining in the Detroit area by starting Tribute Restaurant, which garnered national attention for its innovate approach to cuisine and top-flight clientele. Larry had a deep love for athletics including racquetball, hockey and softball, but none more than golf and his Detroit Lions.

He was a kind and giving man who had many passions including photography, nature and cooking. He was wholeheartedly dedicated to his faith in the Catholic Church and was always generous to those who were less fortunate.