William L. "Larry" Mocha
Obituary
MOCHA – William Lawrence, 68, died June 1, 2015. Born June 18, 1947 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to William J. and Virginia S. (Jones) Mocha. He graduated from Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University. Larry went to work in 1974 as the first employee of Air Power Systems Company (APSCO), a small manufacturing firm founded by his father; upon his father’s death in 1984 he assumed the role of CEO and served in that position until his passing. Under his direction by the time the company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014, APSCO had established a global presence, expanded its manufacturing capability through innovative product development and acquisitions, obtained ISO certification and created a significant number of job opportunities in the Tulsa community.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughter, Teri Mocha-Newton of Tulsa, OK; son, Scott Mocha and wife, Christine and their newborn son, Jackson Laurence of Valencia, CA; and his sister, Susanne Braddy of Tulsa, OK.
For over 25 years Larry was a tireless advocate and enthusiastic supporter of small business owners in the State of Oklahoma and across the United States devoting himself to addressing small business issues and the promotion of entrepreneurship. For his dedication he received recognition from numerous State and national organizations including SBA’s 2014 Oklahoma Small Business Person of the Year, Tulsa Regional Chamber’s 2014 Small Business Pioneer and Broken Arrow Chamber’s 2014 Manufacturer of the Year. He was also honored by serving on the 2004 White House Conference Panel on “Securing Our Economic Future, Tax and Regulatory Burdens” and by testifying before the
U. S. House of Representatives Subcommittee of Investigations and Oversight Committee on “The Impact of Energy Policy on Small Business”.
His distinguished appointments included: Chairman of the Oklahoma Governor’s 2011 Conference on Small Business, Chairman of Oklahoma’s Manufacturing Division of the Economic Development Generating Excellence (EDGE) program; Vice Chair of the OSU-Tulsa Board of Trustees; member, OSU Board of Governors; chairman of the Oklahoma State Chamber; and former member of the U.S. Chamber Board of Directors.
At the time of his passing he was serving as Chairman of the Tulsa Community College Foundation, Chairman of the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Manufacturers’ Council, Chairman of the Center for Legislative Excellence, Chairman of the Board of Directors for CompSource Mutual Insurance Company, member of the Tulsa Regional Chamber Board, member of the Tulsa Signature Symphony Board, and a member of the Junior Achievement Board.
Larry was a long-time member of Christ United Methodist Church and has attended Asbury Methodist Church since 2007. He supported numerous charitable efforts in the Tulsa community. He was co-founder and Chairman of OK2GROW, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving high school completion rates, promoting entrepreneurism among youth and developing Tulsa’s workforce pipeline. Committed to engaging and inspiring students, the organization provides scholarships to encourage innovative thinking, has formed a coalition to increase career awareness and has launched an effort to transform the perception of manufacturing careers.
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, June 4 between 1-6 p.m. at the Ninde Funeral Home (3841 South Peoria Avenue), Tulsa. Memorial services will be held at Asbury Methodist Church, Mason Chapel at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2015. Memorial donations may be made to OK2Grow and sent to 8178 E.44th Street, Tulsa, OK 74145.
Events
Tributes & Memories
(This wouldn't fit in the previous note) Larry and I took one of our first expert down hill ski runs together. It wasn't pretty but it was memorable! Larry made it a point to tell me one Sunday that he had gone to the previous Friday night football game to watch me play. This was my senior year. I was more than surprised! I 'd never had anyone go to a football game to watch me. I doubt he knew the impact that his simple act of kindness and friendship had for me but 40 years later I still remember it. I also remember the love he had for you, Teri and Scott. You brought a dimension of love he had never known before. Sandra, Suzanne, Teri, Scott, and Christine, may God comfort, strengthen, heal and bring you hope through the good memories and love that you share with Larry. That love is not lost with Larry's death; he carries it with him as do you. May it bring you peace to know you will one day again share that love face to face.
Rev Jim Ramsey
I'm very sorry to hear of Larry's death. I just finished a phone conversation with another friend, Brian Cheek, who knew Larry from our high school days at Christ Church and Air Power Systems. This was in the 70's. We enjoyed running into him in later years but those early days with Larry were formidable. Larry was one of our Sunday evening adult youth sponsors. We came to know Larry as someone we could talk to without being judged. Unless, we were about to do some bone head thing which he didn't hesitate to say. He helped me avoid some mistakes and he helped several of us grow in our self-confidence and our confidence in God.
Rev Jim Ramsey
Larry was a very good friend many years ago while attending Christ United Methodist Church. We were introduced by a mutual friend and he graciously met me at the door of Phoenix Class to show me around. Some of my favorite times were at pickin' and grin'n. He always played and sang the song Diana to me. Scott and Teri I am so sorry you lost your dad so soon. My condolences and prayer go out to the entire family. May God shelter you during this time. Lovingly, Diana
Diana Wilkerson Ansley
My mother and I just found out about Mr. Mocha's passing and we wanted to send our condolences. Our families were connected for many years and even though it's been years since we've been in company with one another it doesn't lessen our prayers during this difficult time. Sincerely, Bernice Ross' daughter Carol Young and granddaughter Ikia. May God bless and keep you!
Ikia Young
Dear Brother Larry-Fly Free and Ascend to the Highest Realms of God. Our Prayers flow to you and to Sandy, Teri And Scott and to Sister Suzanne. Your Passion And Leadership in the Pursuit of Justice for Business and hence all who worked in America Well earned you the title of "Advocate for Small Business"! And Chairman of The State Chamber of Oklahoma and Trusted Friend!!! Respectfully, Dick & Kris Rush
Dick Rush
I would like to extend my sympathy to the Mocha family. May Jehovah God sustain you through this difficult period. Jeremiah 29:11, 12 New World Translation
M E
To Larry's family I met Larry while attending Phoenix Group at Christ United, many years ago. He was a man of great faith and had great love for his family. I have followed his great success and memorable conduct through newspaper articles. He will be missed, as he was a friend to many. May sweet memories be yours, and remember you will all meet again. Kandie
Kandie Cox Fairchild
It was a joy to work with Larry and I will be forever grateful for the words & guidance he gave to me. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones at this difficult time. RIP Larry...you did good.
Sharon Bentz
It is with many fond memories of Larry that I have been reflecting on since I heard of his death. I met Larry the first time as Phoenix Runners gathered in the parking lot at the Pedestrian Bridge - that was 1984. Larry was there to lead a group of individuals who wanted to start exercising by running or walking. Larry was a kind and considerate man and his smile was always there for you. I will truly miss him. He no doubt will see my husband Gail Pitman and I imagine they will have a lot to share.
Sharon Pitman
Thank-you Larry for all you added to everyone in which you came in contact with as well as for the many you touched indirectly through your tireless work. You did much to help many in the time you were with us, a time cut well too short. I pray for comfort for the family and friends who will miss you the most. May the torch of service you so excellently carried remain brightly lit as an example for others to follow. Rest in peace!
Peter Biadasz
We are extremely sorry of Larry's passing. I would have never though this would happen to a man like Larry. Too young to die. I figured he would have gone into politics. Please accept our condolences. Bill & Johnnie McBride
Bill & Johnnie McBride
My condolences to my extended Apsco family and family members. I have had the pleasure of working fine humanitarian and business owner. The leadership he has instilled in everyone one us is memorable in many areas. Thank you for your mentoring Larry you will be missed.
Cee Munoz
Sincere condolences to his family, friends and co-workers.
Bonita A Willis
So sad to read of the passing of my old friend Larry. We met a long time ago in the Phoenix organization through Christ United. Larry was always so genuinely friendly, sincere, and cordial to everyone. Gone from us way too soon. Rest in peace old friend. Mike
Mike Trostle