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Larry Nolan Swindell was born on June 10, 1929, in Quanah, Texas. A graduate of UCLA and a U.S. Army veteran, Larry was a career journalist, film historian and author who published five biographies of film actors (such as Spencer Tracy and Carole Lombard). A familiar citizen of Moraga from 1998 until his death last year, Larry died of congestive heart failure on June 22, 2020. He was 91. Due to the pandemic, this service was delayed.
Larry was inducted into the Classic Film Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Texas Literary Hall of Fame in 2014. Also a passionate baseball expert known for his uncanny memory, Larry was a longtime editor of the Moraga Historical Society's quarterly publication and an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Moraga Valley. For many years he organized and hosted a popular monthly classic film series at Moraga's historic Rheem Theatre.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Patricia Volder, of Moraga; as well as his five adult children from his 29-year marriage to Eleanor Eby Swindell (who died in 1983), 11 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Due to his journalism background and great love for ice cream, Larry was the beloved "Scoop" to his grandkids.
A courtyard reception will take place at the church following the service.
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA