ROGER LALONDE / Marco Eagle

Larry Scheetz will be remembered for his giving spirit and his sense of humor, said his wife, Kathy. Scheetz, who died on Thursday, shows off a typical Stan Gober hat during his turn at Stan's Roast on March 27. The roast was held at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort to raise funds for the Marco YMCA. Scheetz teamed with Gober annually to raise funds for Avow Hospice.

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MARCO ISLAND — Beloved Marco Island resident and selfless philanthropist Larry Scheetz passed away suddenly on Thursday after a brief illness. He was 66.

He will be remembered by those around him as the man who worked tirelessly to raise money for a variety of charitable causes, from Avow Hospice to the Marco Island YMCA.

Scheetz’ wife, Kathy, said he will be remembered for a variety of things.

"His passion for fundraising and helping people, his sense of humor — that he just gave and never wanted things back," she said. "He was just bigger than life."

Stan Gober, Goodland resident and restaurateur, said he met Larry Scheetz more than a decade ago during a hospice benefit. They joined energies and efforts every year since their paths first crossed to raise money for the organizations that make up life in this community.

"He started helping us with an open heart — he and his wife, Kathy," Gober said.

Gober said he was still in shock over the sudden loss. Not long ago was he in the position of being feted by Scheetz and other friends at a roast dedicated to Gober held March 20 at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort. Proceeds from the roast went to the Marco Island YMCA, and Scheetz got out of the hospital briefly just so he could be there to honor his friend.

"He was everywhere," Kathy Scheetz said. "He just gave and gave and gave. It’s a tremendous loss to the community."

A memorial service for Scheetz will be held Tuesday night at 6 p.m., at the Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home at 577 Elkcam Circle, Marco Island. A reception will follow, with the location to be announced.

His family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Avow Hospice, Wishing Well Foundation, Upon a Star Foundation or a charity of choice.