Lawrence J. Jay

Lawrence Jay passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, in Lancaster, NY, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Katherine (nee Leonard), with whom he shared 27 beautiful years of marriage.

As a loving father, Lawrence was incredibly proud of his sons, Logan and Nathaniel, who were his greatest treasures. He was also a kind and caring brother to Jeffrey (Amy) Jay, Jason Jay, and Nicholas (Amy) Jay, and a supportive brother-in-law to Karen Palmquist, Patricia (Jake) Searle, Susan (Daniel) Hettenbaugh, Megan (Brian) Hanna, and Gabriel Giddy.

Born to Janice and the late Larry Jay, Lawrence held a special place in the hearts of his family. He was a cherished Uncle to many, including Nadine, Anna, Ava, Matthew, Nicholas, Haley, Lucas, Alice, Franklin, Samuel, Sophia, Nadia, and Ava, spreading joy and affection throughout their lives.

Larry was a graduate of Saint Francis High School in 1988 and St. John Fisher College in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English/History. From 1994-2000, he was a Security Police Specialist with the U.S. Air Force Reserve. In 1996, he graduated from the U.S. Border Patrol Academy with Session 311. From 1996-2020, he worked with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Border Protection with the United States Border Patrol in CA, NY, and Poland. In 2020, he retired as an Assistant Chief in the U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters in Washington, DC. From 2021-2023, he worked for ThermoFisher Scientific as a Senior Business Development Representative/ Law Enforcement Liaison. In October 2024 he was hired by the Ford Plant in Hamburg, NY to head Corporate Security where he worked until April 2025.

Larry loved his family and friends immensely. They were the most important aspects of his life. If you happened to be in his circle of friends and family, he would go to the ends of the Earth for you with whatever you may need. He was beyond generous. He would give you the shirt off his back, and did not keep score with that generosity. He led by example. Integrity described him. He could always pass the mirror test and be proud of the man he was. Faith was a very important part of his character. He believed in the Lord, and lived his life being proud of his belief system and his Catholic upbringing. He knew he would be in good hands when it was time to meet His Lord and Saviour.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday from 4-8 PM at the New Comer Cremations & Funerals, located at 5090 Transit Rd, Depew, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 AM at Annunciation Parish, 7580 Clinton Street, Elma, NY. Attendees are kindly asked to assemble at the church.

In honoring Lawrence’s life, may we celebrate the love he shared and the light he brought to everyone around him. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered in the hearts of all who knew him.