![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ef9712d8b1a0043fa28034/64ef9712d8b1a0043fa281f7_Property%201%3DPlum.webp)
![Laurence (Larri) Ballani](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ef9712d8b1a0043fa28039/6557aec1b4538ccd63b9f4db_obit-image-807838ef03663d644b5f660e096fe1132d10e873-Nov_16_2023_7_23_04.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ef9712d8b1a0043fa28034/64ef9712d8b1a0043fa28156_After_Illustration_bg_flowers-obt-right.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ef9712d8b1a0043fa28034/64ef9712d8b1a0043fa28174_After_Illustration_bg_flowers_obt-left.webp)
1954
-
2023
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ef9712d8b1a0043fa28034/64ef9712d8b1a0043fa28155_After_Illustration_bg13_tr%201-obt.webp)
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Larri (Laurence) Ballani, 69, of Phoenix. AZ , who died unexpectedly on the morning of October 31. 2023 from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident.
Larri was born on August 16, 1954 in Manhattan, NY to the late John Laurence and Patsy Ruth (Crouch) Ballani. He lived in Brooklyn and then Shirley, NY until he was 14 years old. In 1968 the family moved to Pennsylvania, living first in Pittsburgh and then Washington, PA. Larri proudly became a certified welder by trade and spent a number of years working for the state of Pennsylvania as a weld foreman before relocating to Denver, CO. He eventually switched careers and worked his way up from bouncer to Senior Director of Entertainment for PT’s Showclub where he also hosted multiple charity events for Breast Cancer research and Down Syndrome Awareness. On October 18, 1997 he married Katheryn (Kaylynn) Dixon. Larri eventually settled in Phoenix for health reasons and spent his later years working as a Customer Service Manager in the trailer sales and repair business with his dear friend Lee (Yogi) Mason. He also owned and operated his own mobile welding and repair business, Mobile Repair Trailer Service.
In the 69 years that Larri lived, he was many things to many people. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a dad, an uncle, a papa and a dear friend. Larri truly had a heart of gold, always looking out for others, lending a listening ear, or his arms for a hug. Larri loved working with his hands, building classic muscle cars and welding. He loved the years he spent in Denver and Colorado Springs, and supported the Denver Broncos but he was also a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Larri had many loves in his life, but he loved nothing more than his beloved dog, Nettie Mae, he mourned her loss until his last day.
Larri is survived by his wife, Kaylynn Dixon of Englewood, CO. His son, Christopher and daughter-in-law Leslie Ballani of Greeneville, SC. Grandsons Zachary and Jacob (Sarah) and a great grandson due in December. His daughter, Jillian and son-in-law Andrew Burt of Amity, PA. Grandchildren Corey (Nicole) Mc Veigh, Shane and Samantha. Great-grandchildren Kayden and Kinsley. His son Levi Dixon of Sheridan, CO, grandson Jeremy and granddaughter Bailey. His daughter Jordan Dixon of Denver, CO, granddaughter Jalissa and grandsons King Jordan and Giovanni. His daughter Isabella Dixon of Englewood, CO. His brother, John (Shani) Ballani of Pittsburgh, PA. Nephew Ryan (Jessica) Ballani, niece Ashley (Zach) Edell, niece Abigail Ballani, 2 great-nephews and 5 great-nieces. His sister, Lauren (David) Levin of Holyoke, MA. Nephew David Prevost and niece Bethany Prevost. His sister Elizabeth Gatalica (Dean Fabin) of New Eagle, PA. Nephew James Camp (Beth Graulty) and 1 great niece. His brother John (Susan) Michael of Mt. Airy, MD.
Larri is predeceased by a sister, Sherry Elaine Griffin.
Larri's memory will be forever etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of sharing in his life.
A memorial service to celebrate Larri's life will be held on a future date.