06/25/2026
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Larry Winans, beloved husband of our founder, Xaña, & a cherished member of our GPM family.
Larry's warmth touched everyone who knew him. We are holding Xaña & her family close. With love & respect, we share his obituary below. 🤍
“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, & daughter Savannah, as well as his sisters Michelle Zilkowski & Cindy Munch.
Larry & Xaña met in 1991 while working at Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar, & were married on October 30, 1993. He often stated in their early years together that one day he would own a place like Jellyrolls, & 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 & 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 & saw 34 Jimmy Buffett concerts with his wife & 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 & Williamsport, PA.
An avid triathlete, he completed 8 full Ironmans & 15 half Ironmans, in addition to numerous marathons. All you had to do was mention the Ironman tattoo prominently featured on his right calf, & he would regale you with stories about how his first marathon was the last leg of an Ironman.
Larry’s sense of humor & passion for life were infectious to friends & 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 & 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 & the kids laughed & 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.
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 https://www.donors1.org/give-to-gift-of-life/
