Larry J. Fillinger

Larry James Fillinger, 79, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, at CHP Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 7,1947, to the late Ralph Walter and Anna Margaret (Lero) Fillinger in Defiance, Ohio. On June 29, 1973, he married Rebecca Killion who survives.

Larry was a member of the first graduating class at Tinora High School in 1965. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at The Ohio State University. He began his career at Home Savings and Loan where he was a loan officer and later a branch manager. After several years in banking, he became part owner of Strait Realty, eventually becoming sole owner of Century 21 Strait Realty, where he spent the rest of his career.

Larry was active in the community, serving on the Defiance Junior Achievement Board, the Northwest Ohio Board of Realtors, and was a member of the Lions Club. He enjoyed traveling, especially road trips. His favorite vacations were regular trips to Asheville, NC, and Charleston, SC. In retirement he enjoyed reading and staying informed about the business world. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family.

Larry is survived by Becky, his wife of 52 years, son, Eric (Annabell), Grand Rapids, MI, and grandson Ben; brother, Troy (Kathy), Defiance; bother-in-law, Thomas Killion (Pamela), Toledo, and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 7th at the funeral home, with Jim Martin officiating. Larry will be laid to rest in Independence Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Larry J. Fillinger, please visit our floral store.