Larry Winans

“Iron Larry” Winans, also known to every kid who ever met him as “King Larry,” passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the age of 61. He leaves behind his wife Xaña, son Ryder, and daughter Savannah, as well as his sisters Michelle Zilkowski and Cindy Munch.

Larry and Xaña met in 1991 while working at Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar, and were married on October 30, 1993. He often stated in their early years together that one day he would own a place like Jellyrolls, and brought that dream to life when he opened Jackass Brewing Company with his best friend Skip Kratzer in March of 2020.

When transitioning from a 25-year career as a dentist to his new life as a brewer, his wife asked him what his mission would be for the brewery. “That’s easy,” he said. “My mission in life is to make people smile; I’m just doing it a different way.”

Everything Larry did, he leaned into with a focus and passion unmatched by anyone else. As a dentist, he became an instructor of cosmetic dentistry at LVI, a nationally renowned dental training institute. As a soccer coach for Lewisburg High School, Larry helped lead the team to two back-to-back state championships. He loved live music and saw 34 Jimmy Buffett concerts with his wife and children. And when his home brewing hobby with Skip led to more demand than they could support, they opened Jackass Brewing Company, with locations in Lewisburg and Williamsport, PA.

An avid triathlete, he completed 8 full Ironmans and 15 half Ironmans, in addition to numerous marathons. All you had to do was mention the Ironman tattoo prominently featured on his right calf, and he would regale you with stories about how his first marathon was the last leg of an Ironman.

Larry’s sense of humor and passion for life were infectious to friends and strangers alike. He would intentionally find one little thing in common with each person he met, creating a feeling of connection that is rare in this world.

Regardless of what he accomplished, nothing trumped his love of family. He would share tales of Ryder and Savannah until you felt as though his children were raised alongside your own. He and Xaña had a 35-year love affair, cut far too short by a cardiac arrest in the swim portion of the Happy Valley Ironman 70.3 on June 14.

Reviewing his written bucket list following his passing, Xaña and the kids laughed and said “that is sooo Dad” at his goal of: “Larry to be revered, with evidence of mass public adoration.” It’s far too soon, but damn if he didn’t cross this one off the list.

Friends, family, and anyone who loved him will be received from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at Rooke Chapel on the campus of Bucknell University, where the funeral will be held at 2 p.m. with Steve Stoltzfus officiating. Following the service, the family welcomes everyone to celebrate Larry’s life at Jackass Brewing Company in Lewisburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Larry’s name be made to Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, or at www.donors1.org/give