November 02, 2008
Larry Alpert, 1937-2008
Dad called this morning to tell me that my Godfather had passed away, his year-long battle with cancer at an end.
Larry Alpert was the son of my Great Aunt Cynthia; she was my Grandmother's sister, and Dad and Larry were the best of friends from their first days back in Brooklyn in the 1930s. Dad, Larry and their Cousin Alvin -- Grandma had ten siblings, so there were many cousins -- were known as the Three Musketeers.
The Three Musketeers, circa 1940. Larry (front row, second from left), Dad (front, second from right), and Alvin (front, far right) were joined at the hip throughout most of the '30s, '40s and '50s. Also in the picture are (back row, from the left) Aunt Phyllis, Great Grandfather Sam Weber, my Grandmother Shirley Lief, and Great Grandmother Sarah Weber. Aunt Lee is standing between Larry and Dad, and I have no idea who the kid is on the far left.
My Godfather was a wonderful man, handsome, funny, tall and strong. Many of my happiest childhood memories are of Dad and Larry laughing uproariously together, of the walks they'd take after dinner, me trailing behind in their wake -- a dangerous place to be with these two, if you take my meaning -- just content to listen to the merriment.
Larry was a strapping, athletic man, always the picture of health and vigor. I remember him introducing me to Dodger great Steve Garvey at a pro-am tennis tournament; Garvey didn't look any more athletic than my Godfather, and if memory serves, Larry more than held his own against the baseball star.
My father is devastated by this loss; what with Dad's half-century struggle with diabetes, the possibility that his cousin would depart before him was -- is -- unthinkable.
Larry Alpert the night we met for dinner in Montecito so I could tell him about the woman I was going to marry. I thought he looked rather debonaire that evening, under the cool gaze of Lawrence Olivier and Vincent Price. October 2004.
We're driving to Los Angeles in a few minutes to spend time with Dad, but I wanted to quickly post a few pictures of Larry.
My deepest condolences to his lovely wife, my Cousin Sue, and their children, Dana and Bari.
Posted by Mike Lief at November 2, 2008 10:26 AM
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Comments
Mike: I'm very sorry. I know your family has been in a tremendous amount of pain watching Larry suffer. My condolences to you and your family. Love you.
Posted by: Thin Ice, Sr. at November 2, 2008 04:52 PM
I am always touched to hear you speak of your dad and Larry. The reverence and love that you have for your family is really special.
Hopefully, when your dad has time to reflect, he will be so very thankful to have had such a special relationship. In the mean time my prayers will be with your dad, you and the rest of Larry's family.
Posted by: RW at November 3, 2008 06:23 AM
Thin Ice and RW --
Thank you for the kind words.
Posted by: Mike Lief at November 3, 2008 07:06 AM
I'm so sorry for the loss your family has experienced. But at the same time, gotta tell ya, you benefited from really good genes. You've got some very handsome, family loving, intelligent men in your family
Posted by: Dawn at November 6, 2008 11:24 AM
I came across your site because I worked for Larry selling sporting goods for a few years 30 years ago. I had lost touch with him but never forgot him. I googled his name today because he came to mind.
I'm very sorry for your loss. He was one of the most memorable characters I have ever known. He brightened up every room he ever walked into.
Posted by: Brian Talbott at February 27, 2009 12:43 PM
What a beautiful tribute to my Dad. I was sitting here at the computer and decided to google him, came across your fabulous site and loved your words and pictures of him. He adored you, and had a special place in his heart for you and your Dad. I miss him.
Posted by: Dana Neiger at April 21, 2009 07:05 PM
This is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful man. I called him Toro. I spent many wonderful times with Larry and Sue in Brooklyn. We even visited them on our honeymoon in 1970. He was and is so very special. The last time we dined together he BBg some delicious salmon he had caught on one of his fishing trips. I am so saddened by his passing. My heartfelt condolences to Sue, Dana, Bari and the rest of the beautiful family. I always cherished my holiday picture.
Posted by: Esley Isseks at May 23, 2009 09:48 PM
Dear Mike,
What a beautiful tribute to Larry. Although my last name is Alpert, we were not related. Larry and my husband, Marty Alpert, worked very closely as Marty was the main buyer for Big 5 Sporting Goods (more than 20 years ago).
Unfortunately, my husband, who was the same age as Larry, passed away May 23, 2009. I frequently watch the recording I have where Larry gave a tribute in the form of a roast to Marty at Marty's 50th birthday party.
Please convey my condolences to Sue and Dana and Barrie and let them know that we are all suffering.
Sincerely, Eileen Terman Alpert
Posted by: Eileen Alpert at September 10, 2010 08:17 PM