Honoring the Life and Legacy of Larry Winans and the Jackass Brewing Community
The Brewers of Pennsylvania community is mourning the loss of one of its own.
Larry Winans, owner of Jackass Brewing Company and a member of the Brewers of Pennsylvania (BOP) Board of Directors, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest while competing in an Ironman event. His passing has left a profound impact on Pennsylvania's brewing industry and the many people whose lives he touched.
BOP Executive Director Hannah Ison shared a heartfelt reflection following the tragedy, describing Larry as a passionate advocate, accomplished entrepreneur, and dedicated leader who helped shape the future of Pennsylvania craft beer.
"Larry was young, healthy, and so energetic," Ison said. "He brought light to every professional gathering, but in the smartest way. He was a brilliant businessman, and he was so much fun."
Larry served on the BOP Board of Directors and worked closely with Ison and brewery leaders across the Commonwealth. Through his leadership at Jackass Brewing Company, he helped build not only a successful brewery but also a welcoming community centered on friendship, hard work, and a shared love of craft beer. Jackass Brewing, with locations in Lewisburg and Williamsport, opened just before the COVID-19 pandemic and persevered through one of the most difficult periods in modern hospitality history. The brewery's growth and loyal following became a testament to Larry's determination, vision, and commitment to his customers and community.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Larry was a tireless advocate for Pennsylvania's brewing industry. Just months before his passing, he appeared before the Pennsylvania House Finance Committee to share the perspective of independent breweries and support legislation designed to strengthen opportunities for breweries of all sizes across the state.
"He cared so much," Ison reflected. "He fought and loved so hard."
Like many throughout the industry, Ison struggled to find words equal to the loss.
"I am in a position where I'm supposed to be strong, but right now I'm not," she wrote. "I'm weak and broken and just as human as all the rest of us. I think Larry would want us to keep going though. Keep showing up for the challenges, pushing ourselves physically and mentally, and making sure we're taking care of each other in and outside of our industry."
Those sentiments reflect the spirit that Larry embodied throughout his life. Whether competing in endurance events, building a business from the ground up, mentoring others, or advocating for Pennsylvania breweries, he approached every challenge with passion, resilience, and authenticity.
The BOP extends its deepest condolences to Larry's family, the entire Jackass Brewing Company team, and the countless friends, customers, and industry colleagues who are grieving this tremendous loss.
As the Pennsylvania craft brewing community reflects on Larry's legacy, perhaps the most fitting tribute is the one Ison shared herself: support the people and communities he cared about, lift one another up, and continue building the relationships that make Pennsylvania craft beer so special.
Larry's impact on this industry will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to be felt in every community he helped strengthen, every brewer he encouraged, and every life he touched.
On behalf of the Brewers of Pennsylvania Board of Directors and staff, we honor Larry's service, friendship, and unwavering commitment to Pennsylvania craft brewing. He will be deeply missed.