Larry Whittenberger

Larry Dean Whittenberger, a resident of Montebello, CA, passed away on July 8th, 2025, at the age of 72 after succumbing to an unexpected battle with a terminal illness.

Larry, born August 12, 1952, in Rochester, Indiana, to Joseph and Lorraine Whittenberger, was always looking to make his mark in this world and did so by moving West after graduating from college. Larry was a student at Ball State University's Music Department in the College of Fine Arts in Muncie, Indiana, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education, with a minor in psychology, which he used extensively later in life in his varied management positions.

Larry took his knowledge and love for music on the road, becoming a band leader, musical arranger, and talented trombonist in venues on the infamous Bourbon Street in New Orleans. In 1977, his band, The New Dixie Zing Kings, released The New Dixie Zing Kings (a self-titled LP), a combination of Dixieland, Big Band, and Klezmer music. Larry never forgot his roots-one of the cuts on the album was entitled "Back Home Again in Indiana."

Larry saw an exciting opportunity with the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus and joined the company, handling publicity, marketing, logistics, and operations. This role required a blend of creativity, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of the entertainment industry.

In 1982, Larry relocated to California to join AMC Theatres, a giant in Motion Picture Exhibition, where he rapidly utilized his skills and talents by promoting movies, managing people, and providing a fun experience for young and old…building upon what he learned and practiced with the Circus!

Within a short period, Larry was chosen as the opening General Manager of The AMC Kabuki 8 Theatres in San Francisco's Japantown. The brand-new multiplex cinema quickly became the flagship location for AMC Entertainment in Northern California. At the Kabuki, he developed dynamic business relationships in the Bay Area, including hosting the San Francisco International Film Festival as well as several local ethnic communities' events and organization sponsorships.

As a mentor, Larry provided guidance, support, and advice to numerous staff members to help them develop personally and professionally. His vast experience and knowledge helped so many achieve their full potential as supervisors, managers, and GMs.

Larry grew with AMC, first as the West Division Human Resources Director based in Century City, overseeing the entire division of more than 4000 employees. As a real trouper, Larry took on a challenge as Regional Operations Manager and became an expat by moving for AMC to Canada, where he opened and operated seven locations throughout Ontario and Quebec.

During his long tenure with AMC, Larry was the recipient of multiple awards: honored four years in a row for Excellence in Community Service, while also being given the Excellence in Human Resources award. In 1989, Larry was honored with the prestigious General Manager of the Year Award for Excellence in Showmanship.

A constant innovator, Larry returned from Canada and went to UCLA Extension to prepare for a new challenge as a Paralegal. Larry founded Zoom Mobile Notary Services in Los Angeles, providing notarization and real estate document services to individuals and businesses throughout SoCal until his death.

Larry was passionate about politics, civil rights, animal welfare, and the environment, where he was constantly working to improve himself and others by being an active member of several community organizations.

Larry is survived by his long-term partner, Ron Lo, his brother, niece, and great-niece.

Larry was cremated by the eco-friendly aquamation process, which he thought would be a respectful end-of-life option.

A future Celebration of Life event is in the planning stages.

Donations to your local animal shelter or environmental concerns in Larry's honor are appreciated. Ron would like to remain private.