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Lawrence "Larry" Merriam
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Service
Aug. 17, 2025
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Mozaic Senior Life
Lawrence Merriam Obituary
Lawrence "Larry" Merriam, 82, of Southport, CT, and Wellington, FL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 23, 1942, in New Haven, CT, Larry lived a life as full and unforgettable as the man himself.
Larry attended Hillhouse High School in New Haven before graduating from UConn in 1964, becoming the youngest CPA in Connecticut while working for Ernst & Ernst. He went on to become a trailblazer in the automotive world, founding Key Hyundai of Bridgeport and Milford, and proudly serving as one of the original Hyundai dealers in the United States.
One of Larry's most cherished honors was serving as Ringmaster of the Barnum Festival-a title he wore with pride and insisted on being called. He remained a devoted supporter of the festival throughout his life. Larry also gave generously to the Thomas Hooker School of Bridgeport, funding STEM programs to inspire and empower the next generation.
A man of many passions, Larry's love of music was legendary. Billy Joel, Harry Chapin, and, most of all, Leonard Cohen formed the soundtrack to his life. He didn't just listen to music-he lived it, finding meaning and poetry in every lyric. His humor, presence, and musical spirit filled every room he entered. Larry had a gift for making people feel special and a generosity that left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Larry is survived by his loving wife, Sheila Wohl; his children, Dan Merriam, Rachel Merriam, Jeff Merriam (Emily), and Jill Dulitsky (Rob); and his adored grandchildren, Brady, Carly, Cole, Phin, and Asher. He is also survived by his beloved stepchildren, Andy Wohl, Josh Wohl, and Brandon Wohl, along with their spouses and children; and by his brother, Arnold Merriam (Diana). He was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Sam Merriam, of blessed memory.
A celebration of Larry's remarkable life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 15, at Congregation Or Shalom, 205 Old Grassy Hill Road, Orange, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Mozaic Senior Life (Attn: Foundation, 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604; visit mozaicsl.org; or call 203-365-6407). The Robert E. Shure & Son Funeral Home, New Haven is in care of Arrangements,
Larry's story is not only in what he accomplished, but in how he made people feel-seen, valued, and loved. His voice, his humorh and his music will forever echo in our heart. To sign an online registry book or to leave a message of condolence, please visit, www.shurefuneralhome.com.
Memorial Events
for Lawrence Merriam
Aug
15
Service
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cong. Or Shalom
205 Old Grassy Hill Rd, Orange, CT 06477
Aug
17
Service
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Mozaic Senior Life
4200 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Funeral services provided by:
Robert E. Shure & Son Funeral Home, Inc.543 George Street, New Haven, CT 06511
Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Merriam
Sponsored by Robert E. Shure & Son Funeral Home, Inc..
17 Entries
Richard Fitzpatrick
5 hours ago
Shocking to learn of your passing, Larry.
Meeting you a few times each year when back from Florida, I'll miss.
We go back a long time as Lincoln Mercury dealers and the stories we would retell each time we'd meet.
God speed my friend may you rest in peace.
David Greene
5 hours ago
We met in the 3rd grade and went to Hebrew School and Cub Scouts together and Larry was an usher at my wedding. He was always the life of the party and the world will be a sadder place without his presence. BDE.
Rich Sharnick
Earlier today
I´m very sorry to hear of Larry´s passing. He was a true gentleman. Condolences to his family
Ken Malchisky
Yesterday
I am so sad to hear about the passing of Larry I worked for him for 35 years hew was a great friend always had a smile on his face my sincere condolences to Jeff Danny Jill and the rest of the family. RIP.
Ken Malchisky
Debbie Hansen
Yesterday
Larry was a valued advertiser at WICC and WEBE. His twinkling eyes and beautiful smile are just two of the many wonderful traits he had. May his memory be a blessing. Rest in eternal peace, Larry. You were a lot of fun.
Morris (Moe) Banks
Yesterday
Whenever I bumped into Larry at Wycliffe, he would greet me with "Banks for the memories", the Bob Hope signature melody. He was one of my most favorite people. I will miss him alot.
Morris (Moe) Banks
Bob And Marsha Polster
Yesterday
We are saddened by your loss. We will miss him.
Barbara & Larry Yurdin
Yesterday
You have our heartfelt condolences.
Barbara & Larry Yurdin
KEVIN DILLON
Yesterday
I had a dealing with Larry many years ago concerning a problem I had with one of his dealerships. He was a very nice man and was very reasonable with me. It was greatly appreciated. May he RIP, he was a good man.
Mimi Nelsen
Yesterday
Sheila, I feel your pain. He was a wonderful, wonderful man. We had so much fun on the roadshow. He called me Mimster all the time. And he was also very generous always given to my kids in Bridgeport either buying computers giving to the STEM program ,Larry was always so generous,.Everytime I hear Leonard Cohen I think of Larry .You are in my thoughts and prayers always . What a great pleasure to know a man like him
Tommy & Rosemary Connor
August 13, 2025
Memories of Larry go all the way back to the beginning of our lives. He was fun personified, his musical tastes helped us develop our own, and we´ll always think of him practicing his swing, with or without a club, indoors or out. Rest in peace, Mr Merriam.
Lewis Freifeld
August 13, 2025
Larry was one of a kind and we recently reconnected. He was a magnet for fun; intelligence; and a strong believer in doing the right thing. He will be remembered.
Harry Cohn
August 13, 2025
A great guy!! Truly one of a kind!! His jokes will be missed, and now who will sing "G-d Bless America" on the first tee which he sung every time we played golf together??!!
Harvey Remz
August 13, 2025
Larry was a long time member and supporter of Congregation Or Shalom among all of the other great things he did. He chanted his Haftorah on the 50th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah and sponsored the kiddush (meal afterwards) open to the Congregation at large, which inspired me to do the same. Except for the Covid year, I have done it every year since, always with Larry on my mind. He attended my Haftorah Shabbat several times. I also remember seeing him as Ring Master during the Barnum parade, which we went to that year to show our support for him. Larry, rest in peace, and may your loved ones take comfort in all of the good things you have done and making this world a better place.
Arnold Merriam
August 13, 2025
The world is a darker colder place without my beloved brother to share his joy and spirit with us.
Nick Bertini
August 13, 2025
I was happy to have had a chance to befriend Larry over the last 15 years. He had a tremendous spirit and will be sorely missed. May his memory be a blessing to all.
Daniel Cerretta sr.
August 12, 2025
Fabulous guy and a better boss. Very special gentleman. Rest in peace. Hope you enjoy golf in heaven..
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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