Larry Horowitz
1969 – 2026
With the heaviest of hearts, we share the passing of Larry Horowitz, beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, and colleague, who passed away on May 15th at the age of 56.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Larry was raised along with three brothers in Lido Beach, NY, in a home full of laughter, love, and Little League. Armed with a giant box of math trophies, Larry went on to spend a glorious decade at Harvard University, where he earned bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees. With due respect to other lovely people from Harvard, he is widely known in our circles as the least pompous person to ever claim Harvard as their alma mater.
On a level most others cannot attain, Larry loved his life. His work in atmospheric science (to which he rode his bike each day) brought him tremendous joy, and he was described by one colleague recently as “the nicest man I’ve ever met in the sciences.” Indeed, that title may extend far beyond the professional realm. It is impossible to overstate Larry’s kindness, patience, or willingness to help others. His greatest hobby seemed to be taking care of the rest of us. At a party, he was the guy heating up little hors d’oeuvres and passing around the tray. At a soccer game, he was the guy putting up the canopy and setting up the chairs so we could sit in the shade. At home, we nicknamed him “that guy who brings us bedtime snack,” which he did unfailingly and uncomplainingly every single night. At the Cream Ridge Pony Club’s many, many events that he supported for his children and the rest of the team, he was the guy organizing the entire run of show. He was so good at that last task, in fact, that the organization had to create a trophy just for him, as the best parent volunteer they’d ever seen. He was a dedicated tutor, teaching himself new material as needed to then turn around and explain it to others (note that this didn’t happen often, as he never forgot a single thing he learned).
Larry is survived by his wife Terri, their children Jillian (20) and Lucas (18), his parents Judith and Sheldon, and the roughly 40 other family members who frequented our Thanksgiving table. Equally at home in large gatherings or on his own, Larry was comfortable anywhere and with anyone. He maintained his sunny disposition right to the very end.
Funeral services and burial were held on May 17 at Mount Lebanon Cemetery, Iselin, NJ.
In the spirit of his work to protect the earth, donations in his name can be made to The Nature Conservancy.
Funeral arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel.