It is with profound sadness that the Lewisburg, Pennsylvania community mourns the passing of Larry Winans, co-founder of Jackass Brewing Company, who tragically died after suffering cardiac arrest during the swim portion of a local Ironman 70.3 event. His passing has left his family, friends, business partners, coworkers, and the wider community devastated as they reflect on the life of a man whose passion, determination, and generosity helped build both a successful brewery and a close-knit community around it.
Larry Winans was remembered as more than a business owner. He was a dreamer, athlete, and devoted friend whose journey began with a simple passion for homebrewing shared with a close companion. What started as informal weekend brewing sessions quickly grew into a serious craft, as Larry invested time, energy, and creativity into perfecting recipes and sharing them with those around him. As demand for their beer grew, he saw an opportunity to turn passion into purpose, helping co-found Jackass Brewing Company.
The business opened its Lewisburg location just days before the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown in March 2020, an uncertain beginning that could have ended the venture before it truly began. However, Larry’s resilience and determination helped guide the company through one of the most challenging periods for small businesses. Supported by the local community, the brewery survived and eventually expanded in 2023 into a restored warehouse space in Williamsport, reflecting Larry’s love for craftsmanship, restoration, and community gathering spaces.
Every part of Jackass Brewing Company carried his influence—from its identity to its culture and the memories shared by customers, staff, and friends. He was widely admired for his work ethic, loyalty, and ability to bring people together through both success and hardship.
Outside of his business achievements, Larry was deeply loved as a husband, friend, and active member of his community. He was known for his adventurous spirit and commitment to living life fully, which led him to compete in the Ironman 70.3 event where he suffered the fatal cardiac arrest. Despite the efforts of emergency responders and medical personnel, he could not be saved.
Larry Winans leaves behind a powerful legacy of friendship, perseverance, and community impact. His vision transformed a homebrewing hobby into a beloved local business and created a lasting space for connection and belonging. Though his passing is a tremendous loss, his influence will continue to live on in the people, places, and stories he helped create.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
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