One of the most beloved and influential microbiologists of her generation, Davise Honig Larone, PhD, D(ABMM), professor emerita at Cornell Medical College, passed away peacefully in New York City on September 6, 2025 at the age of 86.
Dr. Larone, a world-renowned clinical microbiologist is best known for creating, authoring and illustrating Larone’s Medically Important Fungi: A Guide to Identification. A half century since its original publication and now in its 7th edition, the gold standard diagnostic guide is the most widely referred to medical mycology resource for fungal identification amongst clinical laboratory scientists worldwide.
Born in New York City on June 28, 1939, the daughter of Sidney Honig and Rose Kahn Honig, and younger sister of Marvin Honig, Davise grew up in the Bronx and in Louisville, Kentucky where she attended Atherton High School and the University of Louisville, graduating with a degree in Medical Technology before traveling through Europe and spending 2 years in Israel, early in her career, working in Immunology at Tel Aviv University.
Once back in the US at NYC’s Lenox Hill Hospital, Davise rose from lab technologist to Chief of Microbiology while earning her Masters in Biology and Education from Long Island University, and a Ph.D from NYU. In 1997, she joined NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center as Director of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory and simultaneously joined the faculty at Weill Cornell Medical College, receiving her professor emerita title in 2012. As passionate about learning as sharing her learnings with others, Davise presented more than 100 workshops and lectures in 52 cities across the United States and in 14 cities in 9 other countries. Greatly respected for her dedication and caring mentorship of staff and students, it was her expressive personable character and engaging teaching style which her students and colleagues say set her apart.
Along with numerous recognitions throughout her career for her contributions to medical mycology, in 2014 Davise received the career pinnacle ASM bioMérieux Sonnenwirth Award for Leadership in Clinical Microbiology, honoring her lifetime of impactful achievements.
Davise’s life journey and far-reaching impact was remarkable. A resilient trailblazer, Davise exuded gratitude, humble warmth and unconditionally generous support for others. Always in motion, Davise lived a unique, full and beautiful life. She’ll be remembered for her humor, kindness, boundless positive energy, and brilliance. An authentic soul, recognized instantly by her radiant smile and huge heart. Davise loved her life in New York's West Village. She would talk, laugh, and connect with others wherever she went. She enjoyed travel, art and culture, painting and drawing, cooking & sharing meals and learning about people. She held her Jewish heritage, family history and traditions close to her heart.
Above all, her greatest joy was being a mother and a “Bubbie”. Davise is survived by her daughter Ronit and her granddaughter Jessica Rose whom she treasured. She is also survived by her stepdaughter Elizabeth, the daughter of her late husband, John D. Lawrence. Her cherished family, friends and loved ones know she will be with them always. Her memory is a blessing, as her spirit lives on in all who were lucky enough to have had Davise in their lives.
Dr. Larone, a world-renowned clinical microbiologist is best known for creating, authoring and illustrating Larone’s Medically Important Fungi: A Guide to Identification. A half century since its original publication and now in its 7th edition, the gold standard diagnostic guide is the most widely referred to medical mycology resource for fungal identification amongst clinical laboratory scientists worldwide.
Born in New York City on June 28, 1939, the daughter of Sidney Honig and Rose Kahn Honig, and younger sister of Marvin Honig, Davise grew up in the Bronx and in Louisville, Kentucky where she attended Atherton High School and the University of Louisville, graduating with a degree in Medical Technology before traveling through Europe and spending 2 years in Israel, early in her career, working in Immunology at Tel Aviv University.
Once back in the US at NYC’s Lenox Hill Hospital, Davise rose from lab technologist to Chief of Microbiology while earning her Masters in Biology and Education from Long Island University, and a Ph.D from NYU. In 1997, she joined NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center as Director of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory and simultaneously joined the faculty at Weill Cornell Medical College, receiving her professor emerita title in 2012. As passionate about learning as sharing her learnings with others, Davise presented more than 100 workshops and lectures in 52 cities across the United States and in 14 cities in 9 other countries. Greatly respected for her dedication and caring mentorship of staff and students, it was her expressive personable character and engaging teaching style which her students and colleagues say set her apart.
Along with numerous recognitions throughout her career for her contributions to medical mycology, in 2014 Davise received the career pinnacle ASM bioMérieux Sonnenwirth Award for Leadership in Clinical Microbiology, honoring her lifetime of impactful achievements.
Davise’s life journey and far-reaching impact was remarkable. A resilient trailblazer, Davise exuded gratitude, humble warmth and unconditionally generous support for others. Always in motion, Davise lived a unique, full and beautiful life. She’ll be remembered for her humor, kindness, boundless positive energy, and brilliance. An authentic soul, recognized instantly by her radiant smile and huge heart. Davise loved her life in New York's West Village. She would talk, laugh, and connect with others wherever she went. She enjoyed travel, art and culture, painting and drawing, cooking & sharing meals and learning about people. She held her Jewish heritage, family history and traditions close to her heart.
Above all, her greatest joy was being a mother and a “Bubbie”. Davise is survived by her daughter Ronit and her granddaughter Jessica Rose whom she treasured. She is also survived by her stepdaughter Elizabeth, the daughter of her late husband, John D. Lawrence. Her cherished family, friends and loved ones know she will be with them always. Her memory is a blessing, as her spirit lives on in all who were lucky enough to have had Davise in their lives.
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