Lawrence A. Kettle

OLEAN — Lawrence A. Kettle, 75, of Olean, died Sunday morning (Jan. 18, 2026) at home, following a long illness.

Born June 24, 1950, in Salamanca, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Marlene John Kettle. He was married June 22, 1972, in Jimersontown, to the former Bonnie George, who survives.

He was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Heron Clan.

He was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1969, and attended Jamestown Community College in Olean. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, stationed in both Idaho and Thailand.

Larry had been employed as a plant system operator at the West Valley Demonstration Project for over 31 years, retiring in 2015. He had also been employed at Dresser-Clark in Olean for almost 14 years.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and was a motorcycle enthusiast, riding at every chance he got. He was an avid Buffalo Bills, New York Yankees, and North Carolina Tarheels basketball fan.

Surviving besides his wife are  three sons, Keith (Adalberto) Kettle of Buffalo, Justin (Jessica) Kettle of Allegany and Bryan (Donna) Kettle of Salamanca; two granddaughters, Royce Lounsbury of Allegany and Chloe Snyder of Salamanca; five grandsons, Blake Kettle of Olean, Reese Kettle of Allegany, Maysen Jimerson, Traeston Snyder and Devin Snyder, all of Salamanca; a great-granddaughter, Georgia Kettle of Olean; four brothers, Rickey (Martha) Armstrong Sr., Michael John and Stephen John, all of Salamanca, and Scott Kettle of Tonawanda; three sisters, Tina Kettle, Jackie Kettle and Julie Kettle, all of Salamanca; his favorite uncle, Daniel Jimerson of Salamanca; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 21, 2026) at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 22, 2026) in the funeral home, with Rev. Michael Lonto officiating. Full military honors will be held by members of the American Legion Iroquois Post 1587. Burial will be in Memorial Heights Cemetery, Jimersontown.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.