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LARRY WENDER Obituary

WENDER--Larry.

We mourn the loss of Larry D. Wender, D.D.S, who died suddenly on November 22, 2014. A devoted dentist to his patients, Larry is predeceased by his partner, Richard Schwarz and loyal dog Wheatleigh. Larry was supremely kind and generous beyond measure. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our condolences to Larry's family in Atlanta. In memory of beloved Larry, we welcome donations to Central Park Conservancy: Adopt-A-Bench www.centralparknyc.org/bench With Love, Extended Family & Friends

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

Published by New York Times from Nov. 26 to Nov. 29, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for LARRY WENDER

77 Entries

Joel SPECTOR

November 20, 2024

Miss you and Richard very much.
Joel and Gail

Andrea Chernus

November 20, 2023

I can't believe it's been 10 years - how can that be? You remain in my thoughts so often and are dearly missed. You were the gentlest soul and sweetest friend. Forever in my heart.

Joel SPECTOR

November 20, 2023

We miss you Larry. Gail and Joel

Carol

November 20, 2023

You are very missed.

Abby Kastin

November 20, 2023

Larry I can't believe that it has been 9 years. You and Dorry have missed so much and I wish you can see how much the kids have grown and are now beautiful young adults. We all miss you and talk about the great times we had together. Please give my dad a huge hug! XO

André Portocarrero

April 25, 2022

My wife and I - from Brazil - were in NYC in 2018 and sat on Larry's bench for a snack. Later, when I looked at the photos, I saw the sign and wanted to know who he was. We were touched by so much friendship and affection. Peace and love to all.

karen Beth wells

November 20, 2021

Beth I´m thinking about your family. Larry was such a sweet little boy and I loved going to Hebrew and Sunday school together as we sat with the "W" group. He would take time to visit with me a couple times when I went to New York. Im sending loving energy your way. Much love
Karen Wells

Suzie & Richard Denmark

November 21, 2020

It’s hard to believe that it is 6 years and the loss of having you in our lives is still so painful
We hope you and Richard are together and Robert is with you making you laugh!

Judy and Robby Bernstein

November 20, 2020

Still think of you everyday Larry and miss you just as much. We always put shells out for you on your brick at the Quogue Firehouse.
Missing you, Richard and Robert. Hard to believe that all of you are gone

Judy Bernstein

November 21, 2019

After five years,I miss you more than ever and think of you all the time. There have been so many times when I wanted to share things with you. Every time we go to Quogue I remember us looking out at the water when we got to the top of the stairs and taking a long sigh! We will always treasure the memories we have of you, Richard and Wheatleigh our there.
We love you❤
Judy and Robby

Suzie & Richard Denmark

November 20, 2019

We miss you every day.... we hope that you, Richard , wheatleigh and now Robert are all together . Love you❤

Mark Jacobson

December 4, 2015

I just heard of this terrible tragedy. Larry and I grew up together on Anita place in Atlanta. He was my next-door neighbor and best friend. As kids we were inseparable until different high schools and career paths sent us in opposite directions. He will always be a cherished friend.

November 22, 2015

I can't believe that today is a year. It is still so hard to believe. I think of you every day and wish that you were still here with us. We are going to go on a hike today and think of you and sit on our rock. It won't be the same without you and the Wheats. Love you Lar!

Judy Bernstein

July 13, 2015

Went kayaking and paddle boarding last weekend with the kids. We all had a blast, including Adam. I know you would have been smiling! Miss you so much, especially out in Quogue. Love ya

BAS

July 12, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the Wender Family. Larry, you will always have a special place in my heart.

Danielle Bain

June 17, 2015

Love and miss you always.

Danielle Bain

June 17, 2015

Just tried to get in touch with you as I'm coming to NYC and wanted to swing by to catch up. You will be so missed!! You were such a great light and so helpful to me while I lived in NYC! R.I.P

March 21, 2015

I did not realize that we could put in an entry until I spoke to my sister yesterday. I just read each and every one with tears in my eyes. It is a loss beyond words and Larry and his gentle, kind soul will be in our hearts forever. Through Richard, we were lucky enough to add another brother and uncle to our family. We just hope you are at peace.
We love you,
Suzie, Richard and family

Judy Singer

March 10, 2015

We will miss you, Dr. Wender

Judy, David and Isaiah Singer

Carol Vinzant

March 9, 2015

My husband introduced me to Dr. Wender when we were just dating over a decade ago. He told me I was going to love him and, of course, I did. How many people love going to the dentist? Well, we always did. He paid so much attention to relaxing everyone and making us feel comfortable and relaxed. Yet at the same time he was so on top of everything dental. He once put in a temporary filling without my even knowing. He was always so fun to talk with about anything, dogs, squirrels, family, travel. He was a gentle soul and sweet friend. We can't believe he's gone.

Mary Ondrejka

March 5, 2015

Much to my disbelief and shock, I only found out on March 3, when I received a letter in the mail from Dr. Wender's office that he had died, and that his patients would be able to go to the dentist that had taken over his practice. I reread the letter and could not believe it. After looking up his obituary, that evening, I found out that he had died nine days after I had seen him on November 13, 2014. Wheatley had just been put down the Monday before. Every time I came to Dr. Wender's office I was the only one Wheatley barked at, and it always brought chuckles because Dr. Wender would have to call to him and we never could figure out why he would bark at me the moment he saw me since Wheatley would let me pet him. I use to say he could smell my cats on me. When there was no Wheatley on that last visit of mine, I wondered where he was and Suri told me that Dr. Wender had to put him down the last Monday of the week before. I was devastated as all pet owners are when they lose a pet, but I was especially worried about how Dr. Wender was taking it. I talked to him about it and he, as always, was realistic about his loss. But what can one do anyway? Loss is inevitable in this land of the living, yet loss is a tremendous task to endure, to absorb and try to adjust for your new reality because everything will die eventually.

I always enjoyed going to see Dr. Wender because we had had a long doctor/patient relationship. I was perhaps his oldest patient to date since I first started going to him in 1988 at the Secaucus Dental Clinic in the Meadowlands, New Jersey. I had moved to Hoboken in 1987 and sought out a dentist since the Hoboken dentists were too expensive. When Dr. Wender started up his own practice, I moved with him to the San Remo office. Then I moved with him to The Dorchester. He was my dentist for 26 years. I have had only two dentists my entire life. I had grown up going to an army dentist who said at times that You don't need Novocaine and can handle the short term drilling. Therefore, I rarely had a Novocaine shot from him and never needed them from Dr. Wender since I was able to manage any short term pain a drill would do. I suffer from severe migraines and this early lesson in life has allowed me to deal with some intense migraine suffering. Dr. Wender marveled at how still and calm I could sit through his drilling since he would always say, Just raise your hand if you need a shot. He was always considerate of making sure that you as a patient was comfortable. I never needed to raise my hand and he stopped worrying about whether I was uncomfortable or not. I was never uncomfortable in Dr. Wender's dentist chair and I told him I actually enjoyed coming to him for any dental work I needed and laughed about how it was so calming to come to the dentist.

I have cried and will pray for him the rest of my life. He meant a great deal to me as a kind, gentle human being and an excellent, dedicated dentist who had an artistic hand in his work and being artistic myself, I could appreciate the great care he took to artistically achieve any dental work that I required. I am saddened greatly, but at the same time grateful to have been his patient all these years. I will never forget him. I wish and pray for his family's pain. I know that one can only live with the loss as best they can, to continue to live each day. I know that his death has changed me and I must learn to live with my loss.

Mary Ondrejka,
Hoboken, New Jersey

rosalia

January 20, 2015

There are no words to describe the sadness I feel in my heart. Truly one of a kind, a gentle soul and genuinely a great person.He will be terribly missed.
Rest in peace Dr.Wender and Wheatleigh

Bruce Goldsmith

January 2, 2015

I just found out of this very sad news. Tears in my eyes. I was the breeder of Wheatleigh who visited and stayed with us often. Larry is at peace with both Richard and Wheatleigh. I will miss all of them. I'm so sad I was not notified as I would have loved to been at the memorial.

Douglas Warshaw

December 26, 2014

Sadness. Deep sadness.

And gratitude for having met such a caring soul.

— Douglas

Carole Delgado

December 26, 2014

Though he had been my dentist for only a year and a half, I feel as sad as if I'd known him most of my life. I was in his office the week before he left us and I observed the kindness that shone through his eyes. Once fearful of the dentist, he somehow made it feel like a special occasion. An extraordinary dentist and person. I will truly miss him.

Erica Heller

December 24, 2014

A month later, the sorrow and pain are still fresh, and I feel the need, again, to write on here. My heart goes out, again, still, to his family, his friends, his dear, dear staff. My teeth miss him terribly and so do I. He would not want us to be sad but how can we not be?

Nanette

December 24, 2014

So so sad to hear about Dr. Wender. I only saw him for a few years as a dentist but in that time, he made such a huge impact of what a wonderful doctor he was but more importantly, what a kind, honest, and good man he was. As many wrote, it is a rarity to look forward to seeing your dentist but that is exactly what happened with Dr. Wender. He made seeing him such a pleasant experience always. What a huge loss. My sympathy to Dr. Wender's family.

Jenny Davenport

December 23, 2014

I am so deeply saddened to learn of Larrys passing. Dr. Wender was as gentle a soul as one could ever meet.I knew I had found the perfect dentist for me, when I discovered a plate of freshly baked cookies,and handsome Weatleigh lounging on the couch in the waiting room.He made me feel safe and secure in his care. My heart goes out to his friends, family, and loved ones.

December 23, 2014

The world has lost a loving soul

Caroline Dessau

December 21, 2014

I realise many others feel about Larry as I did. We met on a cruise with "the gang" and it was wonderful to have dinner in NY this September.
You were the sweetest, kindest person - goodness itself. The warmth and kindness you gave people was something very special. Shocked and will miss you.

Janie Rodriguez/ ur dental assistant

December 13, 2014

My wonderful Dr.Wender how I miss u, rest in peace I can't believe ur gone & my heart aches so much. I'm glad I had u & precious Weathliegh for 10 yrs. U treated me like family & my daughter & granddaughter. U have a special place in my heart always kind & gentle soul that u were. & so loved by many. U were the best boss & friend I will never forget u prayers r forever be with you till my lasts day's. Now u r with Dr. Schwarz & Wheatliegh...R.I.P. con mucho carino /with much love.

Yoly O'Connell

December 12, 2014

I'm in shock to learn that Larry is gone. Truly the best dentist I've ever been to and I will deeply miss his warm smile, the sweet cookies and lovable Wheatley. My sympathy goes out to his partner and family.

Julia Mazer

December 11, 2014

Dr. Wender, as my dentist for the past 13 years, you have been an important part of my life. I have never thought of you simply as my dentist, rather as a caretaker and friend. One that is deeply understanding and compassionate, wise and intuitive, easygoing and safe. Riverside Park will miss you as will I. May you rest in bliss and find peace with sweet Weatleigh.

Neal David

December 11, 2014

Oh sweet, dear, kind Larry....We wish we had know of your loss...we could have reached out to you...you knew we lost our little darling girl Lucky and the pain we were in...I could barely talk to you on the phone...and this will be 9 months...still heartbroken...luckily David and I had each other and would certainly have been able to talk to you so you knew you were not alone....We will miss you and your tender loving care that you gave to all...We are so sad and will miss you very much. With much love from, Neal and David...xx

Jeffrey Silver

December 9, 2014

Larry hard to believe you are gone. We met in the park both walking our Wheaten's. Both femails with the same name. You became my dentist after that I always trusted your judgement and will miss that most of all. I hope you have finally found the happiness you always craved.

David and Rajiv

December 9, 2014

We were truly shocked and saddened to hear of Larry's untimely passing. We add our voices to those who mourn the loss of a kind-hearted, sweet and soulful man. May he rest in peace.

Carmen Juracopschi

December 9, 2014

Rest in peace , Larry. We will miss you...

Tony Meola

December 8, 2014

There are few like Larry in this world. I will miss him immensely.

Tony Meola

Cindy Greenwood

December 7, 2014

Larry you will be greatly missed by so many
Cindy and John

karen wells

December 6, 2014

I knew Larry from childhood and he was such a smart, sweet soul as a child. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, patients, and friends. Larry will be missed very much. There is a Memorial Service in Atlanta.

December 6, 2014

Larry's warm smile and Wheatleigh always greeted me when I walked into the office. I felt like I was home. My condolences go out to his family, and he will be truly missed. Julie Abrams Rosenblum

Jeri Savoy

December 5, 2014

My condolences to Richard, his family and his staff. I found out only today of our sudden loss. Professionally, Dr. Wender was a really, really great dentist - an artist truly. Personally, he was interested in me and my life, so I'm sure he was the same with all his patients. He was so well versed in all subjects which made your visit interesting and fun. I am grateful to have a beautiful smile - because of his mastery of his craft. We all will miss him very much. I am so sorry.

Jeri Savoy

December 5, 2014

My most heartfelt condolences to Richard, his family and his wonderful staff. I just found out today when I returned to New York, and I am so shocked and sad. He was such a wonderful, caring person, and a really, really great dentist. He was an artist really. He was patient with his patients, he was engaged in our lives, he was very smart as well as educated. He enjoyed discussing every subject imaginable. He will be missed by all of us. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all of us as we try to understand this sudden loss.

John Wilson

December 5, 2014

So sad to hear this news. We knew him only as his patients, but Larry was a sweet, charming person and we will miss him. Our warmest condolences to his family and friends.

December 4, 2014

Larry - You are so loved and will be missed. I will keep your smiling face in my memory. Veronica & Charlie

December 3, 2014

larry will miss you like crazy you always had a glow about you never had such a sweet dentist or known such a nice person saw you on the street a couple of weeks ago had to put my dog of 14years down went got new one right away introduced her to you and you told me about wheaty we hugged will miss you

Susan Barnes

December 2, 2014

My husband, Booder, and I first met Larry over thirty years ago. Larry and I were both Dentists in an office near the World Trade Center. We quickly bonded because we were both transplanted Southerners who loved the Yankees. When I missed home, I only had to listen to Larry' s delightful accent to instantly have a trip back home. Time passed and we lost contact with one another. Then out of the blue three years ago, I received a phone call from him and mutual friends, Doug and Suzy. We chatted and the years melted away. Promises were made to get together when we next visited the City. Sadly we had not yet made that trip. Reading all of the wonderful entries tonight I can see that Larry touched so many lives. He was indeed a kind and gentle soul. I hope he is at peace and is wrapped in the love he left behind.

Lindsay Huggins

December 2, 2014

My heart and spirit are beyond broken. Dr. Larry Wender I will miss you more than words can ever say. You were such a loving, caring, generous, funny, charming and lovely soul. I will never, ever have another Dr like you and I'm so grateful, thankful and blessed to have known you. May your soul and spirit rest in peace. I love you Larry. XOXO

December 2, 2014

To our beloved Larry,
We will always remember all of the wonderful times we had together in Quogue: our walks and bike rides to town for iced coffee and bialys, our walks on the beach, playing kadima and how seeing the water as we reached the top of the Village Beach steps always took our breath away. Having you in Quogue with us and our family all these years has been a gift that we will always treasure.
As Roger Rosenblatt, the author of Kayak Morning said in his beautiful book of reflections on the loss of his daughter,
"Grief comes to you all at once, so you think it will be over all at once. But it is your guest for a lifetime."
"How should I treat this guest? This unwelcome, uninvited guest.?
"Think of the one who sent it to you."
And so we will always think of you Larry and remember your kindness, warmth, and generosity.You will be greatly missed.
With love,
Judy and Robby

The Gray family Gray

December 2, 2014

Sweet Larry, you had a gift of kindness, a gentle touch and the ability to make all who knew you feel special and safe. You were very cherished and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know you.

Steve Farella

December 1, 2014

Larry was a very special man. He actually made me look forward to going to the dentist. I'm sure we will all miss him terribly. God Bless Dr. Larry Wender.

Lisa Breen

November 30, 2014

Kind, thoughtful, caring and gentle. I met you only this past year, but sensed right away that you were a wonderful human being. I will always remember the beautiful dinner you prepared for all of us while we were in New York this past October. You invited us into your home and were the epitome of a gracious host. I know that the people who were fortunate to have you in their lives will miss you more than words can say. Shine brightly, Larry. May you rest in peace.

Tammy Mager

November 30, 2014

Larry was My dear old friend and dentist. We were friends first and then he became my dentist back in 2000. My son also went to him and he always made him feel so at ease and comfortable. I am so deeply saddened by his sudden passing. I will cherish so many memories with him and will miss him dearly as my trusted dentist and friend. I love you Larry!

Andrea Chernus

November 30, 2014

My heart aches to know that you were in such pain dear Larry. You will be greatly missed from my life. Kind, generous, caring, encouraging, supportive, understanding, gentle, soulful, those are words I'd use to describe my friend of nearly 20 years. Rest in peace on your birthday and forevermore.

November 30, 2014

We were so saddened by the news that Larry had died. He was the most lovely man. A great dentist. Endlessly compassionate, enthusiastic about NY. Shared recipes and restaurant recommendations, psychological concepts and was so nice to our daughter Amanda. He was genuinely pleased at others good fortune. Larry had a generosity of spirit that was rare in this world. Our family cannot get his loss out of our minds. We thought he would be with us in all the ways that he was much longer. Our sincerest condolences to his family and to his staff . I hope there will be a memorial. Polly, Bruce and Amanda McCall

Last hike with Larry 2013

November 30, 2014

hiking with Dad and Larry

November 30, 2014

memories

Ted and Deb Steiger

November 30, 2014

Ted and Deb Steiger

November 30, 2014

a special place that Larry loved in Nantucket

Ted and Deb Steiger

November 30, 2014

Nantucket - the pink theme

Ted and Debbie Steiger

November 30, 2014

Today, November 30th is Larry's birthday - Larry you were a special friend to all of us. Our memories are so rich that they will linger with us for our lifetime. We met you in Central Park with Richard and Wheatleigh. Our dogs were young and were the connection to our circle of friends. You welcomed us into your life and we into ours. We shared travel, cooking, hiking, biking, pickle making, napkin folding, painting, yoga, laughing, dancing and sometimes singing a song. We would often find a thoughtful quote that touched your heart, it would become a keepsake for reflection or just a little bright spot of encouragement. Whether it was a walk in the park or a paddle in the ocean it was alway fun being together. Our ideas were greater than the time we had --- we did not know the time we had would end. We love you and miss you so much. Love Ted and Deb

Erica Heller

November 30, 2014

What a gentle, beautiful, caring man. Who else could make going to the dentist fun, because it was always great to see Larry, his staff, his dog, his cookies and coffee? What a dreadful loss. He cannot be replaced. He was a mensch +. My mouth--and I--will miss him dearly. My deepest condolences to his family, staff, and to his wonderful Wheatleigh.

Nadine Gerber

November 29, 2014

When my eight year old daughter Riley was a baby I started going to see Dr. Wender. At the time I had spent so much time in the dentist chair over the years that I was really starting to hate it, but going to see Larry always felt like I was going to see a friend. We were both Gators, I had lived in Atlanta at one point and there was an immediate feeling of warmth. There was always a hug, a cookie and such kind words. For years he would work on my teeth while my daughter was either sleeping in her stroller or watching a show from my lap. She too has always looked forward to seeing Dr. Wender and the team at his office. My heart is so heavy as I have just found out tonight about this. I do hope there will be a memorial service. To his family that I never met in Atlanta my prayers go out to you. Your father, brother and son will be so missed.

Larry you will always be in our hearts.

Nadine, Mike and Riley Gerber

November 28, 2014

Larry- you were a father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend to our family. May you rest in peace with Dorry (Richard) and the Wheats. You will live in our hearts forever and we will miss our annual hikes, family holidays, bbq's and long talks. You always walked in with a smile. We are so sorry that you were in so much pain. Words can't explain the loss we will always feel without you. We love you Lar! Abby, David, Daniel & Miss Julia

Mark Nesselson

November 28, 2014

Larry was one of the most integrity-rich, kind people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. His generosity of spirit and in deed will serve as an inspiration for all that knew this mensch. What a rent in the fabric of our lives his passing leaves. Grateful, so grateful to have spent even a short while in his blessed presence.

Betsyann Faiella

November 28, 2014

Dear Dr. Larry Wender,
I will never forget you. You were a prince of a human being, and a great dentist.
Betsyann Faiella

Kathleen & Ellen

November 28, 2014

There was nobody better then Dr. Larry, our friend and dentist for many years.
Beautiful man, with a beautiful soul… kind, gentle, talented, there are no words to describe our heartbreak. Thank you Dr. Larry, you will be forever missed.

lucy yang

November 27, 2014

Larry you will be missed greatly by all who have been fortunate to know you. You were a very kind and loving person. May you rest in peace

David Spector

November 27, 2014

Richard was like my uncle. Through Richard I met Larry. He was a genuinely nice person. Always had a smile and always had the right things to say. You will be missed.

Jerry and Adriana Fishman

November 27, 2014

Larry was our dentist of many years and every year we loved him more. He was kind generous loving and he welcomed us with open arms to his family at 68th and Broadway. Larry may you rest in peace you are in our hearts and our prayers.

Richard, Sharon Roth

November 26, 2014

Larry was kind, gentle, warm-hearted--generous to a fault. He was a wonderful friend as well as our dentist for many years. He made us feel that we were a part of a family, his family. Our world will be much sadder and darker without Larry's bright and twinkling star. We will miss him.

Miriam Ellner

November 26, 2014

The moment you met Larry it was love at first site ... for everyone. He had the tenderest soul, the most embracing heart. I will always love you. The light is a little dimmer in this world. xoxMimi

Cissy gedinsky

November 26, 2014

You only had to look into his eyes to see his loving and gentle soul.
My Heartfelt sympathy to his family and friend.

November 26, 2014

Thank you for this. There aren't enough words to describe the magnitude of this loss. Larry's smile will live on forever. Hoping there will be a memorial service, happy to help organize if needed. Thankful today for having known Larry and that his suffering has ended.

Carol Ciancutti

November 26, 2014

I loved Larry ( and always will). Everyone loved Larry. He had the most kind and gentle heart and soul. I will miss him terribly.

Mary O'Connor

November 26, 2014

Larry was a kind and gentle soul. He was loved by everyone that knew him. We will miss the visits to his office being welcomed by his dog,Wheatly,and a plate full of cookies.