This is very sad news. Larry and I were in Cub Scouts together many years ago and we had an opportunity to sit together and talk at the 50th reunion this summer and become reacquainted after 50+ years. Larry, you will be missed. May your memory be a blessing. 😢
I've just heard that Larry has passed and I'm still a bit jarred. I was able to spend time with him at this past reunion the first time since I had seen him for 11 years since the prior reunion. He seemed unwell and a little unstable at the time but he never complained nor elaborated about any illness. I'm grateful for that time.
I remember walking into 6th grade class at Elm Place - a new school for me as I had transferred from Immaculate Conception parochial school. To say I was at sea would be an understatement. Quite nervous as I didn't know a soul. Larry saw me as I walked in and beckoned me to sit by him. We were friends from that moment on.
Memories of Highland Park High and drinking at his house from his parent's liquor stash and playing ping pong. Going with him on his paper route in the afternoon when afternoon papers were a thing. Listening to Sgt Peppers when it first came out and wondering what the hell the Beatles were doing. Playing golf at Ft. Sheridan after getting off work. Being in his wedding to Daisy.
I will sorely miss you Larry. May we meet again down the road.
Thank you John and Doug. I spoke with him a few times - mostly about details of attending the reunion - both this one and the 40th. He was very gracious, apologizing for deciding to attend at the last minute.. I also understand, from a Facebook thread that his son in law played on Jeopardy! and the show scheduled to air on the 22nd. However, Jeopardy! sent a copy of the show and Larry was able to see it before he died.
Reading this news was jarring, as I (and many others) had just seen Larry at the 50th reunion in June. I talked with him for around 30 minutes, sharing memories of HPK and our parents, remembering our school years and catching up on the decades since, and details of our families etc. I understood that he had been ill, but since he was at the reunion, I did not realize how serious his illness actually was. He was so full of joy at seeing everyone, and it was a pleasure speaking with him. Larry was a gentle, kind person, and will be missed for sure.
My first thought at seeing this was oh no, not Larry. We go all the way back to kindergarten and had the chance to share memories on this site shortly before the reunion. Such a sweet person with an infectious smile. We grew up down the street from each other so he was an important part of my early years. My mom was a keeper of memories and I still have handmade cards and mementos from childhood birthday parties. Including ones from Larry, he was always there., I hate to hear that hes gone.
My deepest condolences to his wife and family, i could tell from his profile and messages here that he was very proud of them.
John Rosenbaum
This is very sad news. Larry and I were in Cub Scouts together many years ago and we had an opportunity to sit together and talk at the 50th reunion this summer and become reacquainted after 50+ years. Larry, you will be missed. May your memory be a blessing. 😢
Doug Van Arsdale
I've just heard that Larry has passed and I'm still a bit jarred. I was able to spend time with him at this past reunion the first time since I had seen him for 11 years since the prior reunion. He seemed unwell and a little unstable at the time but he never complained nor elaborated about any illness. I'm grateful for that time.
I remember walking into 6th grade class at Elm Place - a new school for me as I had transferred from Immaculate Conception parochial school. To say I was at sea would be an understatement. Quite nervous as I didn't know a soul. Larry saw me as I walked in and beckoned me to sit by him. We were friends from that moment on.
Memories of Highland Park High and drinking at his house from his parent's liquor stash and playing ping pong. Going with him on his paper route in the afternoon when afternoon papers were a thing. Listening to Sgt Peppers when it first came out and wondering what the hell the Beatles were doing. Playing golf at Ft. Sheridan after getting off work. Being in his wedding to Daisy.
I will sorely miss you Larry. May we meet again down the road.
Karen Meldman (Finerman)
Thank you John and Doug. I spoke with him a few times - mostly about details of attending the reunion - both this one and the 40th. He was very gracious, apologizing for deciding to attend at the last minute.. I also understand, from a Facebook thread that his son in law played on Jeopardy! and the show scheduled to air on the 22nd. However, Jeopardy! sent a copy of the show and Larry was able to see it before he died.
Donna Gieser (Castele)
Reading this news was jarring, as I (and many others) had just seen Larry at the 50th reunion in June. I talked with him for around 30 minutes, sharing memories of HPK and our parents, remembering our school years and catching up on the decades since, and details of our families etc. I understood that he had been ill, but since he was at the reunion, I did not realize how serious his illness actually was. He was so full of joy at seeing everyone, and it was a pleasure speaking with him. Larry was a gentle, kind person, and will be missed for sure.
Rhonda Shiffer (Baxter)
My first thought at seeing this was oh no, not Larry. We go all the way back to kindergarten and had the chance to share memories on this site shortly before the reunion. Such a sweet person with an infectious smile. We grew up down the street from each other so he was an important part of my early years. My mom was a keeper of memories and I still have handmade cards and mementos from childhood birthday parties. Including ones from Larry, he was always there., I hate to hear that hes gone.
My deepest condolences to his wife and family, i could tell from his profile and messages here that he was very proud of them.