Larry (Laurence) Bart died on Tuesday, October 13. Although he had had Alzheimer's disease for many years, he finally succumbed to the COVID-19 virus.

Larry was born in New York City, in 1949. He was adopted at birth by Max and Rhoda Bart, a Jewish couple. Throughout Larry's life, his Judaism was a comfort and a refuge. Larry attended the University of South Florida where he flourished, earning first a bachelor's degree, then a master's, and finally a doctorate in psychology. He used to say that one of his experimental psych professors described him as "the monkey who would always figure out how to get the banana."

Larry moved to the College of William and Mary in 1986 to work as a clinical psychologist in the Counseling Center. There he met his future wife, Debra Drown. They soon moved to Vermont and were married in 1987. In 1994, they travelled to China to adopt their daughter, Jessamyn. They had a rich life, full of friends and travels and events and long talks on the deck of their house in Rockingham.

Larry worked at the Brattleboro Retreat as a clinical psychologist for 20 years. He truly cared about the patients he worked with, and did all he could to help them. He lost his job in 2007, most probably due to the progression of his illness. Larry had a big laugh and a quirky mind. He was so very intelligent. He loved to bicycle and kayak and swim. He particularly loved to play the guitar, and did so on his Martin guitar with the rich sound of a bell.

Most importantly. Larry had a big and loving heart, and he gave of it freely. He is survived by his wife, Debra Drown, his daughter, Jessamyn Bart, his cousin, Stuart Septoff, and many, many friends. There will be no replacing him.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Brattleboro Reformer on Oct. 27, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Laurence Bart

Sponsored by BrattleboroReformer.com.

10 Entries

Gary Silker

October 5, 2021

I just learned of Larry´s passing today from a Facebook message sent from Morehead State University in Kentucky.

Larry and I started the college counseling center there in 1980 as the first step in our mental health careers.
He was a valued colleague and friend. We enjoyed camping and exploring Kentucky´s great outdoors

Larry´s great sense of humor and love of music were real treasures.
He will be sorely missed. We value all the great memories of our time together.

Our condolences to his family.

Barbara Bryce

January 2, 2021

Larry was my clinical psychology supervisor when I had the immense privilege of being his student intern at the Brattleboro Retreat in the early '90s. He was absolutely brilliant, with a huge heart to match his intellect. Larry was warm, funny and passionate. His energy was infectious, and I cannot imagine a better Rorschach teacher. And he was so kind. We stayed connected for some time, and shared our excitement about creating adoption families with our children. He was a real blessing in my professional life. Energy like his keeps circling around.

Laurie Crider

December 16, 2020

Larry was my supervisor for licensure as a psychologist in 1999. I distinctly remember how comfortable he made me feel as I was so nervous my first year at the Brattleboro Retreat. He was so smart, kind, funny, and generous with his time. I always remember seeing his truck with his beautuful kayak sitting on top. I can only imagine how much he must be missed. He was truly a one of a kind. One of the nicest people I had the privilege to connect with. Love to his family and many friends. I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace, Larry

Bob Moverman

December 7, 2020

So sorry to hear of Larry's passing. We were good friends many years back in grad school and I enjoyed our shared interests and involvements in psychology and playing music. We lost contact many years ago but I never forgot him and his great personality mix of deep thinking and innocent playfulness. May his memory be a blessing.

Jerry Caltrider

October 30, 2020

I had the pleasure of working with Larry at the Retreat and at Otter Creek. Larry and I shared the responsibility of driving his daughter, Jess, and my daughter, Annie Elizabeth, to Pittsfield so they could rehearse for the role of Clara that they shared in the Albany Berkshire Ballet's "The Nutcracker". Larry was a very proud Dad. May he rest in peace.

Prov

October 30, 2020

I interacted with Larry a lot when he worked at the Brattleboro Retreat as he was big into technology. One of my most memorable moments of Larry was him telling me about his dislike for Dragon Naturally Speaking, a dictation software we were piloting for physicians at the time. He loved the program until the winter when the heat comes on. His office had an old fashion heating unit the made a click-click sound as it turns on. When this happens, the program will overwrite his spoken words with "click, click, click, click..." He stated at first that this was funny, but it got unbearably annoying by the end of the first day. The funny part was him telling it. Larry was a great storyteller. We both cracked up laughing so hard we were crying by the end. Needless to say, he did not use Dragon for the rest of the winter. RIP, Larry! Your wonderful memories live on.

Judy Katz

October 29, 2020

What a fun, loving, brilliant, thoughtful man who had so many interests and thoughts going on. He was great at telling stories. Larry loved being a dad to Jess. My earliest memories are of him picking her up at Mulberry Bush. We would always stop and talk about the girls and what brilliant things they were doing at that point. He talked about her all the time.
Judy, Jim and Ali all send love during this difficult time.

Sherry Providence

October 29, 2020

I worked with Larry for years at the Retreat, He was one of the friendliest people I have ever met. I remember how thrilled he was to be a dad. Always a funny story or tidbit. My thoughts are with you. May he be at peace. The picture here captures him beautifully.

Brenda

October 28, 2020

Larry's office was downstairs from my office for many years - at least 2 times a day he would stop in my doorway and we would chat - usually about his kayaking adventures. He was a lovely man and always had a wonderful smile on his face! When he left the Retreat I missed hearing his steps coming up the stairs.

Sally Caltrider

October 27, 2020

Hi, Debra and Jess - Just heard about Larry's death today and want to say that I am so sorry. My family sends its best to you. I have fond memories of Larry from the Retreat; he was well liked by all and always had a big smile for everyone. Also wonderful memories of all of you from BSD. What a cruel twist of fate that such a brilliant man would start losing his memory so young. I'm sure it's been tough. Peace in time to you, and may his memory be a blessing. -- Sally Caltrider

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results