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Lawrence Bania Obituary

Bania, Lawrence S. Passed away at the age of 61. Former math teacher for 36 years at Maria High School. Devoted son of late Edmund "Ray" and late Anna (nee Piwowar). Fond brother of late Wayne. Dear nephew of Stella Piwowar. Larry had many cousins and friends. Member of SS. Peter & Paul Baseball Club, original member of The Moonrays Band and Church usher for many years at SS. Peter & Paul Church. Funeral services Saturday, February 23rd at 9:30 A.M. from the Sourek & Sons Funeral Home, 3756 S. Paulina St., Chicago to SS. Peter & Paul Church for 10:00 A.M. mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, IL. Visitation for Lawrence is Friday, February 22nd from 3:00 to 9:00 P.M. For information call the Sourek & Sons funeral home at 773-523-0829 or visit www.Sourekfuneralhome.com

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Feb. 21, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Bania

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Rocktober! I wish I could teach the quadratic formula with as much gusto as you did for us... alll oooover two a! I still hear it. It is an hour to teach algebra after being taught by you for two years (Alg. 1 & 2). Thank you for sharing your joy of math with us. It was completely contagious. Rest in peace. May the math be endless!

Gloria Huezo (De La Mora)

School

November 12, 2023

Ah, Mr. Bania, I can't believe it's been 9 years already. I talk to you in my heart often. A man's greatness is measured by the memories that remain. I tell stories about you often. About the teacher who believed in my smarts and wouldn't let me fail. Your memory remains. You are a truly great man. -RADster

RoseAnn Dollens Melcarek

School

February 15, 2022

Hey my friend
thanks for all the fun - white sox games and concerts, and card playing . As well as your knowledge of math and rock and roll. remeber the Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin, ACDC and sooo much more And what was that equation you always mouthed off and had a shirt made. Just thanks for being my friend And lest I forget all of the Maria memories

Keith Segler

Friend

February 17, 2020

Hi Larry!! Going to see The Rolling Stones, in honor of you! ... long live the Stones! My favorite band because of you!

Sharon Gruber Pulham

Student

February 16, 2020

I still remember when Larry first walked into the Teacher's Lounge at Maria HS - I was always pleased to run into him on visits to the building - so sorry for your loss - he will now be discussing Math in Heaven with Sister Irene and Sister Pulcheria - Barb Berndl Peterson '67 - Social Science Teacher 1971-1976

March 17, 2013

Thanks for being one of my inspirations for becoming a math teacher. Every year when another school year ends for me I sing School's Out For Summer." I will always remember Alg II and working along side you for 9 years. Great memories.

Laura Swiatek

March 16, 2013

To those who make an impression,
touch the lives of others, thank you. Remembering Mr. Bania fondly ...

Rasa Miliauskas

March 5, 2013

Mr. Bania,
Many fond memories of you and your class! Thank you for being an exceptional teacher. Rocktober and Def Leppard always went well together! I am certain there is a special place for teachers like you in heaven, you pushed us to excel and never let us do less than our best! God bless you!

Denise Wiza (nee Supinski)

February 27, 2013

Mr. Bania- You were one of my favorite teachers in high school. I will always remember you and the quadratic formula. Thank you for inspiring in me a continued love of math.
May you rest in peace.

Samantha Cotter

February 27, 2013

RIP Mr. Bania. Though it has been many years since I have thought of HS trig, I am ever grateful to Mr Bania for blessing myself and so many other young women by choosing such a noble profession as that of teacher. His rewards in heaven will be bountiful.

Diane Supinski- class of1983

February 27, 2013

RIP, Mr. Bania. I've always been terrible at math and couldn't have made it through Geometry and Trig without you. You will always be remembered by your students. Class of '07.

February 26, 2013

Thank you, Mr. Bania, for a great education in both algebra and in the Rolling Stones! What a wonderful man!....

Sharon Gruber - class of 1983

February 25, 2013

Rest in Peace. You are fondly remembered as a great teacher. What else can a teacher want from life than to make an impact on his students. You did.

S. M. Rapacz

February 25, 2013

Rest in Peace Larry. You were a great mentor for a beginning teacher. You remain in thought and prayer.

Sr. Maryann Dosen

February 25, 2013

So sad to hear about a neighborhood guy who left his mark on a lot of people. Teacher, musician, friend and a cool guy. Such a shame to lose him.

Anita Pyra-Stayner

February 25, 2013

A lot of good times ... a lot of good cards. You will be missed Larry!

Patricia Stearney

February 25, 2013

Mr. Bania was my HS math teacher in the '70's. He was the only math teacher that made sense of numbers for me. I remember him fondly. God rest his soul.

ann zukosky-cuvala

February 24, 2013

Rest in Peace Larry. You did a great job and touched many hearts. I enjoyed my years at Maria H.S. with you as the Head of the Math Dept., and as a co-worker.

Carol Klein-Netterfield

February 24, 2013

Please my condolence. Mr Bania me such inspiration in math I greatly appreciate having him for a teacher thank you. For all the memories and the love of math that he shared with the ladies of MARIA high school....

Samantha Morris

February 23, 2013

Mr.. Bania was one of my most favorite teachers! I loved algebra no doubt due to his passion for math and his students! He has left an amazing legacy! My prayers are with his family during this time of loss. Class of '88

Jennifer Szkolny-Gordon

February 23, 2013

Mr. Bania influenced so many of us to be better students. He showed us that he cared and wanted us to succeed. He was a great teacher and will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Rosa

February 23, 2013

Mr. Bania was a teacher for the record books. He touched many lives from decade to decade. Generations of young students have been transformed by his wonderful teaching methods, upbeat personality, and attention and care to all. What a great legacy to leave behind and we are the witnesses to his great life. Though we only had a piece of him I will be praying for his family who were able to enjoy the whole. Thank you for lending him to us for all of these years. May you be comforted by the lovely messages from through the years. c/o 2001

Jessica Blackwell

February 22, 2013

What an awesome teacher whose gift for teaching will not be forgotten by any of us who were fortunate enough to have been in one of his classes! May you rest in peace, Mr. Bania.

Denise Cortina, Class of '89

February 22, 2013

He was one of the best teachers I had at MHS. He will be greatly missed. RIP Mr. Bania
Class of 1992

Toni (Espinoza) Partacz

February 22, 2013

Mr. Bania definitely made an impression on me the first day I walked into his Algebra I class my freshman year at Maria High School. Math was not my strongest subject in grammar school. He made Algebra so easy to follow, and because of him, I continued on to Calculus into my senior year (something I NEVER would have imagined doing). I enjoyed his wit, the way he talked, and his Sox season tickets (which created memories for my dad and I since we bought a pair from him each of the 4 years - great seats!). I even ditched part of my French class senior year to sit in on his annual freshman Christmas music session with his accordion.

Mr. Bania always amazed me how he remembered my name all four years I attended Maria even though I only had him one year. From that I knew he was a teacher who truly cared about his students. He instilled in me confidence in my Math abilities, and I have never forgotten him. Every single time I pass the Italo-American Accordion store on 95th St., I think of Mr. Bania.

He has made a lasting impression on all of his students. My thoughts go out to his family.

Tracy Tryban - Class of '98

February 22, 2013

If we are lucky we all have a teacher or two who makes a difference in our lives. Mr. Bania was one of those teachers. He made math fun, brought christmas cheer via the accordian and did a great Ricky Martin. He will be missed but never forgotten. MHS c/o 2000

Paris Freeman

February 22, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Class of '78

Laura Werner

February 22, 2013

Mr Bania will always hold a special place in my heart. His math class was always an experience. Rest in peace Mr Bania you will be missed.

Kristen Kwak-Ludwig class of 93

February 22, 2013

Goodbye my friend you will always be in my thoughts Thanks for all the good times we spent together

Keith Segler

February 22, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the Bania Family. He was unforgettable to say the least. Class of 2000.

Elizabeth Ballard

February 22, 2013

Mr. Bania will be missed by all his MHS students. He was an amazing teacher with passion for his job that is very rare these days. My he rest in peace and root for the Sox from heaven. JM '05

Jessica Martinez

February 22, 2013

I had Mr. Bania for freshman and sophmore algebra. He was a great teacher and we always had time for homework in class. Rest in Peace

Wendy Kwiatkowski-Sprewer Class of 1982

February 22, 2013

Mr Bania was one of my favorite teachers! He actually rescheduled a math test because I was going to a White Sox home opener game. He made learning fun. RIP. Linda, Maria HS class of '83

Linda Biel-Krueger

February 22, 2013

RIP Mr. Bania.
Class of 1985

Sue Dunovsky- Bresett

February 22, 2013

Rest in Peace Mr. Bania...
I had Mr. Bania in freshmen year at Maria high school(2000). 13 years later, I'm sad that he is gone so soon and so young! I'll never forget u, Mr. Bania...u always had a great sense of humor, that big great smile, a passion for math, and a passion for music(playing his accordian for us) I loved every moment in your class!! My deepest condolences to his family for he was one of a kind! Heaven has one of the greatest of all time.

Lisa Sepanik Class of '04

February 22, 2013

I had Mr. Bania freshman year. I spent most afternoons after school in his classroom for tutoring. He made sure that I did well in his class. He has left a huge impact on the world but I am still a Cubs fan.
Class of 94

February 22, 2013

Mr. Bania was the best math teacher that I ever had. He made math so interesting for us. He was a great teacher and he will be greatly missed. Rest in peach Mr. Bania. My sympathies go out to the Bania Family
.

Tracy Frederick Demma (class of 1993)

February 22, 2013

We will always miss you Larry.

Dennis Piwowar

February 22, 2013

he was my favorite teacher my freshmen year he made me love math even more with his math jokes that i started to use them on my siblings and they would look at me strangely but hey Mr Bania rest in peace ..

miriam scheiber

February 22, 2013

Mr. Bania was an amazing teacher and always willing to lend a hand in school activities. From being a substitute to playing Ricky Martin on stage for charity day. He leaves a long legacy as a teacher and great person. My deepest sympathies to the Bania family. RIP Mr. Bania.

Maria Saenz

February 22, 2013

He was my favorite teacher, I learned SO much from him. 30 years later, we still talk about him...how's that for a legacy! Rest in peace.

Angela Fumarolo Gasper

February 21, 2013

Mr. Bania was a great math teacher! I really enjoyed algebra II class with Mr. Bania. I will always remember the quadratic formula because of him. He was a very nice man and quite the musician as well . My deepest sympathies to the Bania family on your loss. Rest in peace and let perpetual light shine upon Mr. Bania

Kathleen Connolly Sanner (class of 1986)

February 21, 2013

I had Mr. Bania junior year. He was always funny and made class fun. A great teacher who will be dearly missed. Very sad to hear of his passing but from all the stories he told he lived a wonderful life.

MHS 2006

Pamela Gilmore

February 21, 2013

Rest in peace Mr. Bania.

Susan Luzzi

February 21, 2013

I'm very sorry to read about your loss. May God comfort you during this time of distress. Remember that "he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6,7)

February 21, 2013

Larry was my cousin, but he was more than a cousin, he was a friend. Larry was a great guy who was liked by all who knew him. His lasting legacy is the 36 years that he spent as a devoted math teacher at Maria High School, and the way he touched the lives of the young ladies in his classrooms. This was a job that Larry took great pride in, and Larry was truly a well-liked and popular teacher, as well as the chairman of the math dept for many years. Over his career, he helped thousands of young ladies achieve their goal of earning a high school diploma, and for so many of them, a chance to fulfill another dream of going on to college to earn their degrees.
Larry also had a love of music, and to many of his students he was beloved as the “rock ‘n' roll math teacher.” Larry played in a band himself, the Moonrays, playing hundreds of weddings and other events over the years.
Larry was also a lifelong White Sox fan and season ticket holder for many years. I had the good fortune of attending the first White Sox World Series game with Larry in 2005, and witnessing the Sox win that game.
Larry left his mark on the world in his lifetime, and will be missed by all who knew him.

Ken Piwowar

February 21, 2013

I had Mr. Bania my junior year. I learned so much from him. Thank you for all you gave us! My condolences to his family. Class of '81

Kellie Rutherford

February 21, 2013

Kind, patient, energetic, knowledgeable, helpful, and very special. Thanks Mr. Bania for putting up with me and being such a great asset at Maria for so long.

Joan (Schulte) Walsh

February 21, 2013

Although I never did have Mr. Bania for Algebra during my years at Maria HS; I know that he was an excellent math teacher. My condolences to his family. C/O'89

Yesenia Jimenez

February 21, 2013

Mr. Bania was a great math teacher who really cared for his students. He made going to class fun and I am truly lucky to say that he was my teacher. He will be missed. Class of 2000.

Margoth Rodriguez

February 21, 2013

I had Mr. Bania for my Freshmen year of Math. He was a great teacher and a wonderful person. I will keep him and his family in my prayers. C/O '04.

Nella Uher

February 21, 2013

Mr Bania was definitely one of my best & most memorable teachers. He truly developed my understanding & passion for math. His teachings influenced my decision to become a Financial Advisor. I wish he knew how much I use math to this day. Thank you for making HS easier; you will never be forgotten. God bless & may you rest in peace.

Angelica Guardado. '01

February 21, 2013

My sincere condolence to family and friends , may cherished memories soon replace the sorrow you now feel as the God of all comfort, comfort you. (2Corinthains 1:3-4).

February 21, 2013

JMJ Mr. Bania taught all seven of the Roland girls and all of them loved him. We will remember him in our prayers and every Rocktober!. Hope he is enjoying Heaven with Elmer-both great people who made Maria a Great School!

Mrs. E. Roland

February 21, 2013

Mr. Bania was a great Math teacher, mentor and inspiration to all. His unique qualities made the world of Math fun. I graduated in '92 and still know the quadratic formula because of him. RIP Mr. Bania.

Sheryl Murphy

February 21, 2013

Mr Bania was a great teacher and has touched many lives RIP.

Noreen Henry

February 21, 2013

My deepest symapthy to the Bania family. Mr. Bania not only taught Algebra, but he instilled a dsicipline in each student. "Take out a clean sheet of paper . . . ."
The quadratic formula - and Whitesnake - will never be the same!

MJJ Class of '91

February 21, 2013

I met Mr. Bania during the 2nd semester of Algebra IIA when he was a STUDENT TEACHER under Sister Elaine in 1973. He was so sweet, kind & nervous to be in our classroom. After a week, he 'settled in' & began showing his sense of humor. I remember that when he graded tests, he would give credit for getting "this far but then you goofed up here"; great teacher & a real sweetheart. God bless his soul.
Class of '74

Maryellen Buckley Stratman

February 21, 2013

Such a wonderful person and a great math teacher! I will think of you every time I sit on the 3rd base side on the lower level of Sox Park.

Laura class of 2000

February 21, 2013

My first Department Chair! A great teacher, friend, and colleague. Rest comfortably knowing that you have made a huge and positive impact on this world.

God Bless You Larry!

Dwayne Mentgen

February 21, 2013

U served your purpose in life helping all of us ladies. How i will never forget u taking the time out for me to understand may u rest in peace and THANK YOU for being a great teacher.

jen moreno

February 21, 2013

Mr. Bania was one of the nicest teachers at Maria. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers!

Sally Keating. '84

February 21, 2013

Like all the other enteries, his humor, patience and love of teaching was felt by us all. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher Mr. Bania, Rest in Peace.

Annmarie (Craven) Savitski

February 21, 2013

My sisters and I greet each other in October with, "Ladies it's Rocktober". Mr Bania was a positive and dedicated teacher - and we were lucky to know him. Let perpetual light shine upon him.

Beth '91

February 21, 2013

Mr. Bania, Thank you for taking on the task of teaching he first computer class at Maria. I learned COBOL from you for the first time in 1978 and it lead to my degree in Computer Science at DePaul in 1983.

Madalyn McLean

February 21, 2013

To the family of Larry Bania, I hope the outpouring of love will help ease the pain. He knows how I feel. Much love and many prayers to you.

RoseAnn (RADster) (Dollens) Melcarek

February 21, 2013

God Bless Mr. Bania. I also had him for Math. His class was always fun and interesting. Thank you for making High School a wonderful journey. Rest in Peace. Class of 79.

Ruth Maksymowicz

February 21, 2013

I had Mr Bania as a math teacher back in 1974 (class of 76) and there was nothing he wouldn't to do to help his students pass his class. Very devoted to his work as a teacher and very devoted to his math. He loved it as much as he loved his students. I remember when he started at Maria and we were all in awe that they hired a male teacher at Maria!! "He's only a few years older than us!!" :) But a wonderful job was done by him! He will be missed I'm sure. Sympathy to his family.

Betty Kwasny-Dunker

February 21, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Bania. He was a wonderful teacher who knew how to make math class fun! Sue (Kozak) Degutis, Class of 1977

Sue (Kozak) Degutis

February 21, 2013

Mr. Bania
I was a student in your first math class you taught at Maria HS and you were a tremendous influence in my decision to pursue an accounting profession. Several years ago I attended an open house with my daughter and I introduced you as one of the best math teachers that I have come across during my academic years in high school and college. It was quite evident you remained a gentle and caring soul. You will truly be missed Mr. Bania, but know that you represent the best in what a teacher should be and for that I will always be grateful.

Miriam class of 1977

Miriam Romo

February 21, 2013

Mr. Bania was a great teacher that showed his love and passion for Math and transmitted it to his students. I remember every year he would show up to school with his Pi hat on March 14th. He will be greatly missed.

Celeste Nunez

February 21, 2013

Mr.Bania was the best of MHS. A teacher who truly cared and wanted his girls to succeed. Not many teachers will tutor you even if you arent in their class but he did. I spoke fondly to my own daughters about my rock n roll inspired, accordian playing, white sox loving Algebra wiz teacher. He will never be forgotten and I am forever grateful to him for time and effort put into helping me succeed.
Class of 1997 student

February 21, 2013

Mr Bania was the best algebra teacher we had a MHS. His humor and passion for teaching really made learning a lot more fun. He will truly be missed. May you rest in peace. C/O '03

Stefanie Terrazas

February 21, 2013

I chose my technology career because of his data processing and programming classes. He also taught valuable lessons of integrity. Thank you, Mr. Bania. RIP. :'(

Delia Rodriguez

February 20, 2013

Mr Bania was a wonderful math teacher. He had a great personality and made every class fun. God bless his family and may he remain forever in all of our hearts. Class of '86

Janice Flynn

February 20, 2013

Mr Bania you were an amazing teacher! May you rest in peace, you will be missed!

Debbie

February 20, 2013

Mr. Bania was the best math teacher I ever had. He was funny, goofy, always happy and an excellent instructor. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered always! Class of 2001

Laura Garza

February 20, 2013

You were a wonderful teacher at MHS. Sending prayers to your family and friends RIP Mr. Bania

Joan

February 20, 2013

Mr. Bania was a great teacher. Always so excited about teaching Math. He will forever be missed! I will always remember him as the best math teacher at MHS!

Jessica Ordonez

February 20, 2013

You will be forever in my heart. You were such a kind,wonderful teacher. Rest in peace. My prayers are with your family and friends. Student class of 92

February 20, 2013

What a great person Mr. Bania was. He always took his time with each student, Never leaving one behind. Best math teacher I ever had. He will be truely missed. My prayers go out to his family.

Erin Radcliff

February 20, 2013

What a great,patient awesome teacher Mr Bania was to many young women. He will never be forgotten. Not only did he instill all those "crazy" math equations into our heads,but also taught us many life lessons. May God bless your family. All are in my prayers. love a very grateful student from '92

February 20, 2013

For Mr Bania's family, please accept my deepest condolences. Mr Bania was a great influence on me in my formative years at Maria High School. He is gone too soon.

Angela Martinez

February 20, 2013

I was a student in Mr Banias class at MHS & appreciated his unique style of teaching. Only he knew how to make Math class so interesting. He will be greatly missed.

Julia Vazquez

February 20, 2013

Your familiy is in my prayer. Mr. Bania was loved at MHS.

Lecretia Windham

February 20, 2013

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