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Larry Schirling Obituary
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Rose Marie Sand
October 26, 2014
Larry Schirling was a kind man, a brilliant photographer and truly unique spirit. Here's a photo of his, taken at Envie Coffee Shop in the French Quarter. Condolences to his family and Isabelle.
Al & Joey Piazza
October 25, 2014
Larry and I arrived in New Orleans when we were in our teens back in the late Sixties. It was our first long-distance move from our hometowns. Our fathers received job promotions and were transferred there from New York. We had never met before then, although we grew up less than 20 miles apart. I was so lucky to have made immediate friends with a such a great guy like Larry. We hit it off right from the start. Our birthdays were exactly six months apart and he would always remind me that I wasn't all that much younger than him. He helped me make the transition from “Damn Yankee” to New Orleanian. Our parents settled into the same neighborhood where we were within walking distance of each other.
We hung out together constantly. We experienced our first hurricane (Camille) and Mardi Gras together, and slowly managed to work through the culture shock of leaving those familiar New York places and close friends behind. He loved music and would treat me to his bass playing skills while we listened to his favorite albums. Our families shared many a meal and holiday celebration together where we would both be entertained by our parents' conversations. He wouldn't hesitate to jump in with his biting commentary and quick-witted humor.
He introduced me to his circle of friends from high school and college. He influenced my academic and early career path as I eventually joined him as a student at Loyola. Our college days were chock full of wonderful memories. When his folks moved to Florida and he'd stay with them during summer vacations, and school breaks, he would always take time to drop me a note. I remember looking forward to his annual “Year in Review” paper, an early testament to his writing talents. It was hilarious one-page summary of the events we both experienced together. I still have them to this day! After graduation we stood in each other's weddings. My wife Joey and I continued to stay in touch over the years (40+) despite the distance our new jobs had separated us.
I always made it a point to call him on his birthday to let him know I was thinking of him, wish him well and thank him for staying in touch with me. He did likewise and his voice messages never failed to include something funny and personalized with a reminder of our younger days - trademark Larry Schirling. When I least expected it, he'd email me with music suggestions, gadget recommendations and links to his amazing photos, which always brought me back to the place we first met and the city we grew to love -New Orleans.
We last got together over a coffee - Cup of Jo - as he called it - several years ago (too many). Whether in person or over the phone, he never failed to let me know about Erica and Matthew, how much he loved them and how proud he was to be their Dad.
We missed each other the last time I called him. I wish I was able to have another chat with one of the best friends I've had in this lifetime.
So today, as the good Lord takes Larry into his kingdom, I will reflect on being blessed with such truly great friendship. I'll play some of the songs that were on the soundtracks of our lives, light a candle at Church in his memory, shed some tears, pray for his soul, and laugh at those funny moments that will never be forgotten.
Sarah, Erica, Matthew and Isabella we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with you. God bless. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
Gail Post
October 25, 2014
Larry taught me the rules of Football. He was the only guy who had the patience to explain them to me so we could both enjoy the game. I will always remember him....
Michael Russo
October 24, 2014
I met Larry at Loyola. We'd been in and out of touch over the years, but every time we talked it was as if the last time we'd talked was yesterday.
This is how generous Larry was: When my son, who had an interest in and talent for journalism and research, was about to graduate from college, I asked Larry whether he should take a shot at WWL news. Acknowledging the help he had received himself during his career, Larry advised that my son should contact the news director; and then Larry spoke to the news director himself to tell him my son would be calling him. Nothing came of it. I am sure the news director was too busy to return any of my son's phone calls. But the fact that Larry would make himself so available and so helpful to someone he knew only by name bespeaks a virtue that is far too rare.
As for his rapid-fire sense of humor, it would leave me in stitches…and in the dust. I wouldn't even try to keep up.
My sympathies to the kids. Your dad was a great guy, and those of us who knew him will not forget him.
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David Gazave
October 24, 2014
Larry and I met at De La Salle in Junior year. We became best buds and he introduced me to Al Piazza. Throughout college and years immediately after, we were the three musketeers. We even made a feeble attempt at starting a rock band together, but could never find a lead guitar player who could fit in. Over time we pursued separate life paths, but I always have and always will always cherish those years and remember how funny and fun Larry was as a friend. My condolences for your loss.
Carol Koster
October 23, 2014
My husband Rich Koster attended Loyola University of New Orleans Communication Arts classes with Larry and graduated with Larry and worked with him professionally at WALA-TV in Mobile AL. Rich has a recording Larry and other Comm Arts classmates did in the 1970's in school, a parody of the game show "What's My Line?" titled "What's My Meat?" with Larry being the guest and fellow students trying to guess what kind of meat he brought to the show, still a funny skit and accurate to the real TV game show in 2014. On behalf of Rich and our family we salute a great man, talented press videographer, and a college classmate and colleague. God bless to Larry's family, friends and co-workers on this loss, and may Larry rest with Our Lord now, at peace, and inspiring new generations of photographers and videographers after him.
October 23, 2014
Erica, Matt, and Sarah - we are sending prayers and love out to you. Your dad was a great guy, very considerate and always entertaining. We were all lucky to have known him - and he will always live on in you. Much love from Aunt Nancy, Uncle Terry, Geoffrey, and Katie
Ola Phillips
October 22, 2014
On Saturday,October 11,2014 was the day I met Larry. I was so honored to meet Erica's dad. My sister Mary and her husband gave an LSU taligate party for their son Perry. Erica will become Mrs.Perry Aguillard on Nov.22,2014.Everyone in our family loves her so much and grieves with her in the loss of her dad(she loved him dearly. It was a wonderful party and I loved meeting her dad,mom, and Matt. I am asking God to give peace to all of us at this time of grieving. Rest In Peace Larry, Erica and Perry my heart breaks for both of you. "Aunt Nan"
Trudy & Alan Ehrich
October 22, 2014
Dear Sarah, Erica and Matt,
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Larry's sudden passing. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers and we are here for you should you need anything at all.
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