Larry was a great boss and mentor. I worked with him for nine years at American Media and then the Penworthy Company. During my employment there, he always treated me with respect and encouraged me to think out of the box. It was the most difficult decision to make to leave the Penworthy Company but Larry understood, I had done everything I could do at the company and I needed a new challenge. When I left I told him I would never work for another company as long as I did for the Penworthy Company and I never did. I had a very successful career working with high growth companies. When I had to make a hard decision that would affect the company’s financial position, I always asked myself what would Larry tell me to do even though he wasn’t there and followed his advice that he implanted in me many years ago.
Larry and I often swamped stories about our families and teenagers’ growing pains. I know he loved his kids and Patti very much. I am truly sorry for their loss and the void I know they must be feeling right now.
If you didn’t know Larry very well, his height and size could be intimidating but at his core he was nothing but a big Teddy Bear. When I think of Larry, I imagine him driving around in heaven in his BMW or as he would refer to it, his sail boat. I was hoping to make the service tonight and tell his family directly these thoughts and share stories but with all of the snow I won’t be able to make it. I will keep his family in my prayers.