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Larry Metzger Obituary
ITHACA - Living a full life with great enthusiasm for 59 years, Larry Metzger passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on September 4, 2008.
Born December 5, 1948, he was the son of Thomas (deceased) and Florence Metzger of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He was predeceased by his sisters, Lou Anne Bastian and June Marie Leary.
Upon graduating from Penn State University, Larry traveled and worked abroad. His spirit of adventure joined with Sarah's when they first met in Leysin, Switzerland 36 years ago. After returning to the states, they were married at Taughannock Falls on May 17, 1975.
Larry's world centered around his family: wife, Sarah; sons, David of Seattle, Washington and Thomas of New York City; and future daughter-in-law, Jamie Chaft of New York City. They shared his love of Bernese Mountain dogs, the natural beauty of Ithaca, music, traveling and working in the vineyards in Switzerland. Whether golfing, skiing, scuba diving or hearing about their adventures, Larry considered the time he had with his sons to be a gift. He shared with them his knowledge and passion as a wine enthusiast and skills as a craftsman. Memories they will always treasure.
An inspiring leader and astute manager, Larry was dedicated to Ithaca College since joining the College as a research assistant in 1975. He held a master's degree from Ithaca, was named director of institutional research in 1983, and dean of enrollment planning in 1996. Larry was instrumental in shaping Ithaca's increasingly talented and diverse student body. The Independent 529 Plan, a national prepaid tuition plan, will be ever grateful for Larry's contributions as a board member during its founding period. His vision, forward thinking and determination continue to leave a lasting impact on the College.
We bid farewell to Larry Metzger, father, husband, son, friend, colleague, his spirit and zest for life lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A celebration of Larry's life will be held at Ithaca College on Friday, September 26th, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. in the Hockette Recital Hall and McHenry Lobby of James J. Whalen Center for Music.
In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks those who wish to make a contribution in Larry's memory to kindly consider: The Larry Metzger, M.S. '87, Memorial Scholarship at Ithaca College, which will benefit students with financial need. Donations should be sent to Shelley Semmler, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, 200 Alumni Hall, Ithaca College, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850; or Hospicare and Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Metzger
Pat Winter Neuner
September 29, 2008
Sarah, David&Thomas,
I was saddened by Jesse's news of Larry's death. Although, I have to believe(whether it be fact or just in my mind)that he and Dale have a lot to catch up on.
LaSonya Griggs
September 20, 2008
Dear Sarah, Tom and Dave,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Larry's death. He was truly a wonderful person who I will always remember fondly. He had a smile that was contagious and he was always full of spirit.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ann Dauphinee
September 15, 2008
Dear Sarah and Family
So sorry to hear about Larry. I have such special memories of our wonderful times together so many years ago. My thoughts are with you all.
Katherine Bowers (Roberts)
September 10, 2008
Sarah, Thomas, and David,
I was sadened to hear of your loss. I have such fond memories from growing up on Dryden Rd due in large part to Larry and the three of you- the epitome of great neighbors. My thoughts are with you.
gail flynn
September 10, 2008
To Sarah - and your boys - sincerest condolences to the family.
A very special fellow - although years had passed since we crossed paths. You were "the love of his life" - he was so grounded in Leysin and was such an inspiration to many of us. I was privileged to know him well.
I savor my personal memories.
John Tate
September 10, 2008
Sarah and family,
So sorry to hear about Larry. I can still hear his laugh. Such happy memories from The Loft. I am so glad we all met. Larry was a great man. Take care.
John
Kevin Ramsay
September 8, 2008
I met Larry in Switzerland in 1972 and have been friends with him ever since. I have seen Larry every summer on lake Cayuga for over thirty years and we have had some wonderful times together fishing, golfing, water sking, even roasting pigs on the beach now and then. The whole time we watched our children grow up playing together. Larry was a great friend, husband, father and a great man and I will have the memories of his friendship to remind me of him always.
Caesar & Kathy Ramsay
Gladys Ward
September 8, 2008
Sarah,
I was saddened to learn of Larry's passing. We shared a birthday and love of the oldies. His laugh could be heard all over Job 3. May you and the boys derive some consolation from the fond memories of all who knew him.
Gladys J. Ward
Millsboro, Delaware
Rich Miller
September 5, 2008
Sarah and family,
Doris and I are deeply saddened over the passing of Larry. He was a wonderful friend and devoted colleague when we worked together at Ithaca College. You and your family have our sincerest sympathy and prayers.
Dan and Beth Crosier
September 5, 2008
Metzger family,
Dan and I are saddened to hear of Larry's passing. We have your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Vicki Cameron
September 5, 2008
Sarah, Tom and Dave,
I am so sorry for your loss. Larry was clearly a great father to raise such wonderful sons. I know he cared deeply about Ithaca College and we will miss him. All my sympathy.
Vicki
Barbie Odell
September 5, 2008
Sarah, Tom, David and family -
I had the greatest respect for Larry and will miss working for him. He was a kind, sincere, generous man that had a remarkable sense of humor - and someone I found extremely easy to talk to.
Rest in peace Larry. You will be sorely missed.
Eileen Kelly
September 5, 2008
Larry lived his life to the fullest. He was an inspiration to those who worked with him at Ithaca College. His dedication, professionalism and tremendous courage in battling cancer were sterling examples of the caliber of the man he was. He will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences to his family.
JUNE SZABO
September 5, 2008
Sarah and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. One can never quite imagine how the loss of someone we love will feel until it happens. What I had imagined about the death of my parents was only about a third of the experience. Overwhelming seems to cover it. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you through this most difficult time. Love, June and Bill Szabo
Kasey Huddle
September 5, 2008
There are no words that explain Larry as a person. He was one in a million with a smile on his face always! I will forever remember that smile. It was an honor to work for him here at IC. My thoughts go out to Sarah and the boys.
Irene Scott
September 5, 2008
I was so saddened to hear of Larry's passing. He was a devoted and proud family man, and my heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to Sarah, Thomas and David. I had the honor of working for Larry and was continually impressed by his enthusiasm, leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to Ithaca College. He helped make the institution what it is today and we will miss him terribly.
Mary Maki
September 5, 2008
Larry's love for Ithaca College was second only to the love and dedication he had for his family. Ithaca College is very fortunate to have had Larry Metzger's leadership for so many years.
We send our love and deepest sympathy to his family.
Lar - Thank you for all you did. We will miss you.
Anne Woodard
September 5, 2008
Sarah, Tom, and David, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Larry was a wonderful friend, boss, and mentor, and I feel honored to have known him and to have worked with him for so many years. He taught me so much, always with a twinkle in his eye and a pun or two in hand...a class act all the way. It goes without saying that I and the rest of the College will miss him immensely. He fought a good fight, and was such an inspiration to us all, a sterling example of triumphing over adversity. Ithaca has lost a great leader, and I have lost a great friend. Prayers are with you all.
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