Obituary: Lawrence Neal Glatzer

Lawrence Neal Glatzer (“Papa Larry”) was born on May 28, 1949, in New York, N.Y. The son of Ruth and Marvin (Moose) Glatzer, Larry was a “miracle” from the beginning of his life. Weighing only 2 1/2 pounds and 13 inches long at birth, he was born two months early.

He met health challenges for 40 years with courage and a positive outlook. He came to the end of his journey Sept. 25, 2019, in Athens, Ga. Over the years, despite the health challenges he faced, Larry remained optimistic, hopeful, and an inspiration to his many friends, family and doctors.

Larry held a bachelor of science in accounting from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and years later attended Georgia State University and earned a bachelor of arts in risk management. He worked for many years as a controller and sold insurance. He enjoyed both careers, but what brought him the most pleasure and happiness was time spent with friends and family. Larry was so proud of his children’s accomplishments and though he never bragged, they brought him much nachas. According to daughter, Rebecca, and son, Michael, he was the “best Pops any kid could be lucky enough to have!”

Larry’s various interests included reading just about any subject. He loved books and bookstores and he especially enjoyed history, science, math and joke books. Larry loved telling and hearing jokes and laughing. To him, “Laughter is the best medicine!” He also loved music, especially Bobby Darin, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.

His survivors are his loving wife of 47 years, Judy (nee Bernhardt); daughter, Rebecca (Tameeka) of Atlanta; son, Michael (Dania); and grandchildren, Clara Lynn and Julian Leon, all of Fairfax, Va.; the Liebergesell family of Pennsylvania and the Hunter-Drake family of Atlanta. Also, many cousins and wonderful friends, who are like family, the Limors, the Millers, and Kary Klein and Stephen Gordon, all of Tennessee.

In Larry’s memory, donations to any of the following would be appreciated: Piedmont Regional Hospital in Athens; the American Heart Association; ASPCA or a charity of your choice.

Larry’s funeral service was held Sept. 29 at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Steven Lebow officiating.

As Nat King Cole sang: Larry, “You are Unforgettable,” and will be remembered as a true mensch.”

Arrangements by Bernstein Funeral Home in Athens.