The School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences hosted a memorial for Dr. Larry Swanson on Friday November 20, 2020. Family, colleagues, friends and neighbors shared stories of their friend to a crowd of over 200 participants on Zoom and Facebook Live. The stories shared highlighted Larry’s love of waste management and his humanity–Larry was an inspiration to so many and the event was a heartfelt expression of how he touched our lives.
A recording of the event is below. Jump to a specific speaker using the times below the video window.
1:35 Christine O’Connell, former graduate student and Executive Director, Riley’s Way Foundation
8:00 Paul Shepson, Dean, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, SBU
13:21 Karen Chytalo, Retired Assistant Director of Marine Resources, NYSDEC
19:13 Steve Englebright, Assemblyman, District 4, New York State Assembly
27:20 Paula Rose, Former graduate student
34:00 Iver Duedall, Professor, Florida Institute of Technology
42:17 Malcolm Bowman, Distinguished Service Professor, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, SBU
49:08 Bill Wise, former Director, New York Sea Grant, former SoMAS student and administrator
58:43 Tom Wilson, Instrument Engineer, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, SBU
1:04:50 Michael Cahill, Chair, Evan R. Liblit Memorial Scholarship Committee
1:10:12 Larry Swanson Jr. and Dana Lamont, Family
1:15:45 Mac Gowin, Friend and Fraternity Brother
1:22:12 Dan Lamont, Larry’s Brother-In-Law
1:25:38 David Conover, Former Dean and Director, SoMAS
1:28:27 Bob Cerrato, Division Head, Marine Sciences at SoMAS
1:30:31 Rebecca Grella, Teacher, Brentwood High School
1:32:53 Christopher Gobler, Endowed Chair of Coastal Ecology and Conservation, SoMAS/SBU
1:35:32 George Proios, President, Tennessee Clean Water Network
1:41:10 Tom Gulbransen, Senior Research Scientist, Battelle Memorial Institute and SoMAS Alum
1:43:06 Mark Tedesco, EPA Long Island Sound Office Director
1:45:19 Barbara Branca, Former Communications Director, New York Sea Grant
1:47:40 Jessica Salmon, Marine Vertebrate Biology Student, Stony Brook University
1:50:03 Jeffrey Levinton, Distinguished Professor, Stony Brook University
1:52:34 Stefanie Massucci, Assistant Dean, SoMAS
1:53:58 Jim Gennaro, Deputy Commissioner for NYC Sustainability and Resiliency, NYSDEC
1:56:20 Christine O’Connell, Closing Remarks
1:57:56 Dr. David Taylor closed the event with a reading of one of Larry’s Poems, “Treasures from the Sea.”
We have established the Larry Swanson Memorial Scholarship Fund in his memory. Contributions will be used to provide both undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships to deserving SoMAS students as needed.
The slideshow of photos is available on Google Presentations and embedded below. Additional photos of Larry are shared on Google Photos.
Submitted stories and tributes to Larry
If you would like to share your own story or photo, please sign the Guestbook or email mark.lang@stonybrook.edu your content!
From Iver Duedall
First, Mary and I want to give us since condolences to Larry’s family: wife Dana, and sons Larry and Michael.
I first met Larry in either Fall 1963 or a bit later in 1964. We were both entering graduate students at the Oregon State University School of Oceanography. At that time, we were in our 20s and being quite unaware of what the future would bring. We enjoyed many wonderful classmates including Don Connors, Kim Crocker, Dana Kester, Mert Ingham and others, and many of whom would later join NOAA and have associations with Larry.
Professor Kilho Park at that time was a binding force for most of the entering graduate students who were required to take Professor Park’s course in chemical oceanography. Professor Park made it a habit of taking a “class picture” of his chemical oceanography students. Year later Larry and I would remark on Kilho’s picture taking and wishing we had a copy of the picture. Another important person at OSU was professor Peter Weyl, who with wife Muriel and family, would later relocate to Stony Brook.
At OSU Larry majored in physical oceanography; his major professor was Professor June Pattullo, who herself was a student of the late professor Walter Munk, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, thus Larry was part of a strong oceanography lineage. The title of Larry’s Ph.D thesis is “Some Aspects of in Long Island Sound, ironic in that in few years later he would be a leader in ocean and environmental issues associated with Long Island Sound and the New York Bight.
My close association with Larry and also Dana occurred in the mid-1970s when Larry led a small NOAA group to Stony Brook to manage the newly formed Marine EcoSystem Analysis program; the group included Joel O’Connor, Hal Sanford, Charlie Parker, Robert Roush and others to tackle the scientific and management aspects of sewage dumped about 12 miles off shore of Long Island and New Jersey Beaches. Larry and his MESA program contributed to the eventual cessation of sewage dumping. I always considered Larry’s management style as relaxed but to the point.
When Larry and Dana arrived at Stony Brook in around 1975 or 76 we connected right away; I think we had something to do with their first house the bought on Erland Road in Stony Brook…they needed a lawyer, we suggested our Smithtown lawyer Joeseph Attennito who later became close friends with the Swanson’s. Others at Stony Brook, including Professor Malcom Bowman, worked closely with Larry and his MESA group.
In the latter 1970s Larry expanded his activities to became the local Boy Scout leader; and my wife Mary and Larry’s Dana managed a local cub scout group. Larry guided many Stony Brook youngers in their construction and racing of pine box derby cars and similar small-scale sail boats. The small sail boat racing presented a problem: how to carry out a small sailboat race in a small gymnasium; Larry came up with the idea of filling a suitable length of a house gutter with water and sitting on saw horses with a fan to push the sails: it worked.
Years later when we would meet after we had moved from Stony Brook the first thing Larry always would always ask: was how is the family.
My last communication with Larry was about 2 weeks before he passed away. In an email he said he was planning a trip west next year. He also made the comment that his big delight was having a bowel of Tillamook Ice cream. I found this a bit odd because Tillamook is a town on the Oregon Coast, famous for its cheese. On my next trip for groceries I went to our local Publix supermarket and was surprised to find Tillamook ice cream which I bought, and it was delicious. My only regret that I did not get back to tell Larry it was very delicious ice cream.
Larry Swanson was a super guy; I miss him every day.
From Bonnie Stephens, Larry’s Staff Assistant, 1998-2020
I joined MSRC in 1993 as a staff assistant to a faculty member. When he left MSRC in 1998, I transferred laterally to work with Larry.
I joined the MSRC staff in 1993. In 1998, as that job was ending, Larry Swanson, the Director of the Waste Reduction and Management Institute, contacted me about the possibility of becoming his staff assistant. My “job interview” consisted of joining Larry, his students, and post docs for a pizza lunch. We sat around his conference table, talking about work issues, politics, physical oceanography, and probably even a joke or two. Having already known Larry for years, I felt at ease and signed on to work for The Captain. I ended up staying for the duration — 22 wonderful years.
I quickly learned that at WRMI, we all ate our brown bag lunches together every day, a longstanding tradition. Folks strolling down the hall were invited in and, if necessary, we crowded together. This was a time to relax and to share in wide-ranging discussions, one of the ways that Larry connected and was connected to people.
Larry took the time to understand his work challenges and then get the job done properly and in a timely fashion. He didn’t look at the clock. He was a wonderful manager: encouraging, generous of his time with students, staff and colleagues alike, with an unfailing ability to appreciate and thank people.
Some words to describe Larry: kind, funny, caring, steady, warm, modest, friendly, approachable, curious, competent, reliable, humble, professional. He was a scholar of marine pollution and coastal oceanography, a true leader, a gentleman, a good listener, a role model, a mentor, an inspiration, a special friend. Larry will be missed by so many.
From Bill Wilkes, Sr
I met Larry through a friend who worked with Larry on many waste handling issues. A few years ago, I was showing one of my grandsons around Stony Brook University campus with hopes he would eventually study there. When I came upon the sign for SOMAS, I pulled up to the building and saw an older fellow getting into his car. He seemed somewhat familiar to me, so I got out of my car, called out to him and walked over. I asked if he was Larry Swanson and mentioned my friend’s name. Instead of going home, he invited us into the facility, gave us a staff parking pass for the day and took us through the building. When we went into the Instrumentation Lab, that’s when I first met Tom. They both spent a great deal of time (over two hours) showing the labs, explaining what SOMAS does and answering all my grandson’s questions. This demonstrates Larry’s openness, enthusiasm and dedication. This led me to attend the very informative lectures at the Stony Brook South Hampton campus and to recommend SOMAS to many recent graduates interested in going on for a Master’s Degree. Larry will be missed.
From Phil McGillivary, USCG PACAREA & Icebreaker Science Liaison
I started at NOAA AOML in Miami in Oct. 1976. Shortly thereafter I joined the then-monthly NOAA cruises in the NY Bight to study the ‘honey barges’ dumping sewage off the coast. Larry Swanson was the person in overall charge of that project (and also studies of the dumping of medical/hazmat waste and construction waste at the further offshore Deepwater Dumpsite, which we also worked on a couple of times). He was known for being very competent in what was, at the time, a highly politicized situation. The project included all aspects of oceanography: physical, chemical, biological and geological (mostly sediment transport in that case). Everyone I know of who worked with him respected him very highly. When we started people were still tracking sewage with tomato seeds and gold-coated sand grains (ingenious!), until we worked out the use of the aptly named coprostanol as what is now the international sewage detection standard.
From Doug Dahlgard, Mayor, Village of Head of the Harbor
Larry lived on Harbor Hill road in the village of Head of the Harbor. The road runs from the St. James General Store down a steep slope to Stony Brook Harbor. Larry’s willingness to speak up and use his vast knowledge has been instrumental in preserving the pristine nature of the Harbor. At our Joint Coastal meetings he represented the Village Trustees. When he spoke to our group about the impact on water quality by overdevelopment his wind swept look and authoritative voice reminded me of John Wayne. Larry’s house was around the corner from me and I passed it several times a day. If he was walking his dog I would stop and chat. I would also see he and Dana at our beach club dinners during the summer while the sun set over the Long Island sound. The conversation was never about politics but was focused on what was going on in our village including the return of Ospreys and Eagles to fish in the Harbor. Larry also spoke about the future impact on our village from rising sea levels and the disappearance of the marshes that helped keep the land above the water level. I relied on Larry for almost twenty years to make me smarter about the environment. His work was not finished when he suddenly left us. I recently appointed him to the Cordwood Path Advisory Committee to direct the erosion control plans of an important municipal project. He was my go to person for advice about the ongoing proposed development on route 25 A, that he preached was a significant threat over time to the Harbor’s water quality. We in the Village community are sad and we miss him. We will carry on and continue to rely on the wisdom that he left with us.
From Tom Wilson, Instrument Engineer at SoMAS
I was fortunate to have had Larry as my supervisor since 2014. He had just celebrated his 82nd birthday earlier this month (yes still working and vigorous at 82). I am shocked, heartbroken, and a bit numb, but here is my attempt at a tribute.
Whenever I have had the opportunity to weigh in on a search for any administrative position at Stony Brook, the first requirement I offer is that the person should be “a really decent human being.” Almost invariably this statement goes over like a lead balloon – usually the response is a minimally polite variant of “yeah yeah sure sure” before discussion resumes. But it is absolutely important, and Larry was the proof.
Larry was not just a decent human being but an exemplary one. He was a gentleman – and a gentle man – who appreciated every contribution and every contributor. When he was Interim Dean he turned the school’s Faculty meetings into Faculty/Staff meetings, a practice that continues to this day.
He was a great leader in part because we knew he would never ever compromise his high ethical standards regardless of the enticement. We could throw ourselves into the work wholeheartedly knowing Larry had our back, that he would appreciate and applaud us for what we accomplished – and understand and protect us if we tried our best but came up short. Larry understood that if you never fail that means you are playing it safe – and he knew the value of encouraging his team to swing for the fences.
Larry was intelligent, talented, and wise. He had an awesome grasp of so many subjects and the perspective of decades of experience in many different roles. He was generous and welcoming, always eager to share what he knew whether it was a huddle in his office at lunchtime or teaching a class. Even after decades of working together, I still learned new things from him every time we met.
Larry was a great supervisor. He knew when to let me alone to do my job (which was most of the time) and I knew when I needed to get his advice or direction. We seldom disagreed, but if he made a decision different from my recommendation his direction was firm but never disrespectful. Looking back, I cannot remember one of those circumstances when in the long term he was wrong and I was right.
Larry was energetic. I knew that when I rose in the morning the night owl emails I sent to him the night before would almost always be answered, usually before 7am.
Larry was funny but never cutting or mean. He had spent part of his childhood in Appalachia when his father was assigned there as a civil engineer. Knowing I grew up in West Virginia we swapped mountain lore, including his occasional joking requests for my favorite squirrel recipes. When Helen thanked him for letting me add a week of vacation to a conference trip, he replied, “Well, it’s a small price to pay for a whole week without any of Tom’s long emails.”
Larry was enthusiastic about the work. Less than two weeks ago I was privileged to be with him on the water (picture attached). We talked about the marshes and the change of seasons as the boat headed out of Stony Brook Harbor into Smithtown Bay, both places he loved so much. He took pictures as we hauled the mooring, then while I pulled data and prepped the instrument to redeploy he had the boat motor over toward shore so he could take pictures of bluff erosion. It was a perfect day in the field, which is better than the best day in the office.
Scientist, leader, teacher, mentor, supervisor, colleague, shipmate, friend. Larry was outstanding at all of these and more. I will miss him terribly, but I will feel even more strongly the honor and privilege of having known him. The greatest tribute I can offer is to continue the planet-saving work to which he gave his full measure of intellect, energy, and devotion.
Second star to the right and straight on ’til morning, sir.
From Johan C Varekamp, Professor geochemistry, Wesleyan University, CT
Larry has supported our work on Long Island Sound from our early days (1980’s) doing work on sea level rise in coastal salt marshes, then on marsh fundamentals, and then on our subsequent work on hypoxia in LIS based on core work in collaboration with the USGS/WHOI (1990s to 2010). We were newcomers in the field of LIS science, and Larry has always welcomed us. I met Larry last year for the last time when I gave a colloquium at SBU / Marine Sciences. A great scientist and wonderful colleague. He will be sorely missed.
From Gina Gartin, SoMAS Staff Assistant (retired)
It was a pleasure working with Larry. He was very easy to talk to and took a special interest in the concerns of the staff at SoMAS. I was delighted when Larry became Interim Dean because that meant he would be in the same building I was in. Almost every day Larry would stroll down to my office for cookies and gossip. Sincere condolences to Larry’s family, friends and colleagues. I will miss him.
From Karin Schweitzer, SoMAS Alum
I wasn’t even Larry’s student, yet without his kindness, support and expertise, I certainly would not have finished my degree. My fondest memory is when we went to the sewage plants on LI to collect wastewater. He was like a kid in a candy store! He convinced them to give us full tours of every aspect of the treatment plant. His curiosity and keen interests were inspiring…and hard to keep up with! No matter how many times he did things, it looked like a pleasure and something to learn from. His genuine concern and involvement for his students…or any student… was bountiful. And his passion for the, ahem, non-biological aspects of water – and the environment – was limitless. He almost got me away from my critters! I am so privileged that I got an office next to his and could stop by any time for a laugh…which is the sound I remember most coming from that office.
From Sharon Pavulaan, former student
Larry was part of my Graduate Thesis committee when I attended SoMAS (MSRC then) in the late 1990s. I shared an office in WRMI (in Dutchess Hall) with David Tonjes and worked on various assignments for Larry.
In my first few months of studying at marine sciences, I lost my father to cancer, which he had first developed when I was a junior in High School. I felt like I lost my compass and was just wrecked. Around that time, Vince Breslin, who was my advisor, gave me the opportunity to work in Larry’s office in order to receive my graduate funding. What I walked into was really an experience that shaped part of who I am today as an Earth Science teacher. I don’t mean just the work, which was also incredible important. Each day we all gathered for one hour: faculty, staff, and students, to share lunch and to talk about topics besides work. To this day, I remember the importance of this ritual. People are more than just bodies in a room, we each have a story to share. Each day at the beginning of my own classes, I chat with my students and ask them questions about their lives, their interests, and their families. I do this in the spirit of Larry Swanson and think of him often when I am talking with them. I want them to know that no matter how they are doing as a student, that we can talk as humans. They are valued, and it is Larry that instilled this in me. The other thing I wanted to share about Larry is the books he liked to give as gifts. I remember how excited he was when Dava Sobel came to do a reading of Longitude in the SoMAS library. I still have a copy of her book that Larry gave me and use exerts when I am teaching about the shape of the Earth. The other book Larry gave as gifts one Christmas was Cod by Mark Kurlansky. The inscription from Larry said “Any good oceanography must read this book”. In that light, I may give it a second read very soon. Larry was full of fantastic stories, a wonderful teacher and mentor, and I am glad to have met him. I was very saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family and current colleagues.
Maria Brown, Lecturer at SoMAS
I first met Larry at the Friday seminars and then got to know him better at SoMAS events. We later worked on language for grants to included educational outreach for the NYS Science Standards.
I always enjoyed talking with Larry. He had a warm way of taking an interest in the work I was doing with students at both the university and the high school. He would always stop me and ask me how the bats were doing! When I presented the work I did in the Amazon, he asked me at the end of my talk, what the initials PWS stood for after my name. No one has ever asked me that, not even sure most people pay attention to a cover slide unless it has a cool photo (which it did)! Larry was one of those people who always noticed the small things, the details. I will always appreciate how much interest he took in the people he worked with whether you were faculty, staff, student or guest. Larry was so humble and I truly value you that in a person. His passion for protecting the environment was and still is, inspirational and his ability to recognize and celebrate others who shared that passion is heartfelt. I will miss him dearly.
Kim Knoll, Staff Assistant at SoMAS
Larry and I were very similar in that he was and I am an early bird. When my office was in Discovery Hall, Larry would very often come in to say good morning around 7:30 a.m. with his coffee, he would sit in the rocking chair in my office and we would just chat. He would jokingly start the conversation off by asking what was the latest gossip going around SoMAS. He honestly didn’t ask to be nosy, he asked because he really did like to know what was happening around him especially if he could help with something. 
On many mornings, I would bring in homemade muffins, cakes, cookies, etc. and Larry did have quite the sweet tooth. He always managed to come by on the days I brought something in, I used to tease him that he had sweet tooth radar – he would just give you that impish smile of his and gratefully accept the treat. Larry was also one of my biggest supporters for the Bay Scallop Bowl, and his sweet tooth was present again when he donated his own money to pay for the ice cream sundaes that was part of the afternoon’s tradition. The only caveat was one of the flavors had to be salted caramel, to which I gladly agreed; it actually turned out to be a favorite for quite a few volunteers! Many have said that SoMAS won’t be the same without Larry and I believe that to be true with my whole being. He was the heart and soul of SoMAS and we will never, ever forget him. Rest in peace Larry, you will be missed more than words can say.
Nancy Seligson, LISS CAC CO-chair and Supervisor of Town of Mamaroneck
Larry was very excited when I was elected to the position of Supervisor in the Town of Mamaroneck and let everyone know in the LISS STAC that it was important.
Erica Shannon, Financial Business Coordinator at SoMAS
Larry and I were always bumping into each other in the afternoon when we were making a cup of tea. He was so incredibly pleasant and I will miss the afternoon chats that ensued while warming up.
Ginny Clancy, Graduate Program Coordinator at SoMAS
Larry was a terrific and optimistic leader who always took the time to say hello and always made everyone feel part of the SoMAS family. He will be dearly missed.
James Pizaro, Undergraduate research assistant at SoMAS
I was a research assistant for Dr. Swanson this past semester as a student in ENS 301 Spring 2020, which he co-taught with Malcolm Bowman, working on the Smithtown Bay mean high water line project. Working with him and learning from him was a great, grounding experience. I’m hoping for a career as an officer in the Coast Guard, and learning from Larry, who was a NOAA Corps Officer, helped me see where I want to be in life. I am so, so thankful for the opportunity to work with and learn from Dr. Swanson, seeing and his passion for service has helped grow that same passion in me.
Brian Gagliardi, Captain
The first time I met Larry I was captaining him around the Forge River on an 18 ft Whaler. He made sure we stopped for a Pizza lunch and stories before continuing the survey! I always respected Larry’s calm demeanor and stories as sea captain during his time in the NOAA core.
Martin Garrell, Professor Of Physics at Adelphi University
Met Larry while on sabbatical at MSRC in 1990 and remembers all sorts of back and forth about things marine and things “waste management”. Humor and wit and content!!! We’ll miss his laugh soooomuch!
Charlie Yarish, Professor Emeritus
Larry and I spent almost 18 years as my counterpart as the co-Chair of the Long Island Sound Science Technical Advisory Committee (STAC). He was always a delight to discuss any issues dealing with the STAC and our co-editing our book on Long Island Sound. His interest, his wisdom on some many issues and kindness was always appreciated and will be missed. I met Larry when I was working with my close friend and colleague, the late Bud Brinkhuis. We met through Bud in 1988 shortly after Larry arrived at the Marine Research Center.
Matt Gove, Mid-Atlantic Policy Manager, Surfrider Foundation
I worked for NYDEC in 2011-2013. Even though Larry didn’t know me at all, and was very busy, he helped me set up a bunch of events between NYDEC and SOMAS and was kind and generous the whole time–thank you Larry!
Kate Aubrecht, Associate Professor, SoMAS/Chemistry
I appreciate Larry’s dedication, leadership, wisdom, and kindness.
Jessica Salmon, undergraduate student in MAR 333 Coastal Oceanography in spring of 2019.
He told us at the beginning of the semester that if we all would write a poem about the ocean and shared it with the class, he would share one he wrote. Each person in my class shared their poems, so on the last day he shared his. He touched on the modern stresses on the ocean and how they were growing. Though I do not remember exactly what he said, I remember the ending message. He stated that even though the situation may seem bleak there is always a solution. He made us feel like we could find that solution. He was, hands down, the most motivational professor I have ever and will ever have. He will be missed.
Jeff Herter, NY Department of State Office of Planning and Development
Larry was always a gentleman and made me feel welcome in any meeting. He was inciteful, and cut to the core of any discussion or issue. I truly enjoyed seeing and talking with him at every meeting we both attended. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to work with him on the NY Ocean Acidification Task Force for the past 3 years. I first met Larry in Fall of 2006 as we started to form the Science Advisory Councils SAC, (one Council for Great Lakes and one for ocean) that supported and fed information in to the NY Ocean & Great Lakes Ecosystem Conservation Council as they worked on producing a report advising how NY State could incorporate Ecosystem-based Management into policy and actions. I facilitated both SACs and Larry really made me feel at ease in that role.
Wengui Liang, graduate student at SoMAS
When I first came to SoMAS, at the freshman orientation, he gave us a wonderful welcome. My office is also at Discovery Hall, so I could always come across him in the hallway, every time we met, he always gave me a warm and kind smile, and asked me how I was doing. That means a lot for me, you know, as an international student, I found it hard to get used to the new environment, but the enthusiasm and passion I felt from his big warm smiles really encouraged me, he really made me feel like home at SoMAS! Thank you Larry! Your kindness and your passion will always be remembered here at SoMAS, forever.
Diane Vigliotta, former Admin at ITPA, now at Laufer Center
For my first day on the job at SoMAS I was early as I wanted to make a good impression. Well, no one else seemed to be around. Charise Kelley, whom I knew from being on campus before we both wound up at SoMAS, brought me into meet Larry. He made me feel so at home on my first day, inviting me to sit on his couch in his office. He was truly interested in finding out about me. We talked about our our dogs. I have a champion Westie and we discussed our experiences showing our dogs. It was such a nice welcome into what I came to discover was such a friendly and tight knit group of wonderful people. Anyone who came into contact with Larry would tell you he made them feel welcome with his warm heart, just like he did with me.
Paul E Stacey, Principal (and only) scientist, Footprints In The Water LLC
I spent many years with Connecticut DEP participating in the Long Island Sound Study in various roles, starting as state liaison in 1985, when I first met Larry. I always remember the fearful days when I first started with the Long Island Sound Study in 1985, knowing very little about estuarine science, or Long Island Sound. I was the CT DEP liaison to the Study, partner in crime with my good friend Karen Chytalo.
My callowness, and lack of confidence, stood out I’m sure. My worries were needless, and it turned our to be a defining career experience thanks to all the wonderful, and supportive, people I met through LISS. Larry was certainly one of them. His knowledge and wisdom of LIS, and role as a mentor and advisor, contributed to my growth as a scientist and a person.
After 25 years of involvement with LISS, I retired from CT, to take a job in NH. Fortunately, I was able to stay connected to the LISS as we worked on the LIS Synthesis, “Long Island Sound: Prospects for the Urban Sea”. And as a co-editor of the volume with Larry and a group of my favorite scientists, we also authored the summary chapter. I have to say that Larry always kicked it up a notch, with his knowledge and style that yielded an excellent volume, polished to a high shine with the editorial skill of Bonnie Stephens. That will be part of his written legacy which I am happy to have shared.
After my 7 years of exile in NH, I was pleased to rejoin the LISS STAC in 2017, which Larry had co-chaired for many years as NY co-chair with Charlie Yarish from CT. Though the co-chairs had changed, the spirit of the STAC carried on, and I feel fortunate that I was able to chat with Larry and catch up at a few meetings. Actually, Larry was the sometimes van chauffer for the CT contingency, so it was a good opportunity to talk as we rode along to the Stony Brook campus. Still sharp, kind and interested (and with better hearing than me) we caught up on a few of the science and social issues of the day. I’m glad to have had that last chance, and will miss him. He was an exceptional man.”
Ellen Pikitch, Inaugural Endowed Professor of Ocean Conservation Science, SoMAS
I’ve taught an early morning course on Fridays for many years and would arrive at my office by 7:30 or 8 AM to prepare for class. Larry was the first person I’d see at work every Friday. He always had a kind word to say, and seeing him always made me smile and got my day off to a great start. I also remember fondly the Liblit breakfasts that Larry MC’d. I have been lucky to have several of my students win the Liblit Award – but Larry invited me every year – winning student or not. It was always such a happy and warm occasion – honoring the accomplished student winners and the memory of Evan Liblit who had such a lasting impact on so many. Now we honor Larry, and I am so glad that there is a scholarship in his name. I hope that we will gather at least annually to honor the recipients, and to remember Larry.
Marci Bortman, Former student of Larry’s, currently Climate Adaptation Director, The Nature Conservancy
Larry was a wonderful friend and mentor. I met Larry when I was working as a congressional staffer and had invited him to testify at an ocean dumping hearing. We became friends and he convinced me to go to graduate school at Stony Brook. I was his first PhD student and he put me to work at WRMI. At my dissertation defense he told me I couldn’t sit unless I was invited to (which I was not). We always talked politics and science and disagreed a lot and laughed a lot until the tears were streaming. We worked on a boat together sampling dissolved oxygen and he always reminded me that in the old days women were considered bad luck on ships, and I would always retort with a threat to start whistling which was his other apparent superstition on a boat (i.e., whistling up a storm). He loved eating his egg salad sandwiches for lunch and he always kindly turned me down when I offered him some ethnic food. He had high standards and a strong work ethic and was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known. I will miss him greatly.
Chris Gobler, Professor
Larry was a wonderful colleague, mentor and friend. One of my first interactions with him was an invitation to co-write an editorial which we had published in Newsday entitled: “Long Island can simply grow now more”. It was in the process of writing that Editorial that I realized that in Larry I had a great mentor, specifically another faculty member who was dedicated to using his science to better the local environment. Thereafter, it was my honor to work with him on the SoMAS Forge River project and Western Bays, and NYSRISE project projects from ~2006 – 2016. For these projects, Larry was, once again, a great mentor, as I witnessed him organize large, interdisciplinary multi-faculty research projects for the benefit of local and state communities and government as we collectively lived out the motto of ‘Making Scientific Research Count’ under his leadership. And, when SoMAS was in its deepest need, Larry stepped in, to selfless serve as Dean. I will forever be indebted to Larry as a mentor, someone who strove to make regional research be as useful as possible for protecting the environment. And, perhaps as important, Larry was leader who served with dignity, integrity and was open, kind, caring, and humble.
Maureen Krause, Professor of Biology, Hofstra University
Larry took over as Director of the NY Marine Sciences Consortium in 2010 when Dave Conover left SOMAS. Larry very much believed in the mission of the Consortium, as did Dave, to unite all of the academic institutions in NY State to speak with one voice to promote science-based policy decisions, and not view us as competitors for resources or students. He invested his time, energy, and attention to the organization with great passion, as he did to so many organizations. He promoted, as always, student participation. He helped us draft a white paper to the Governor to encourage the state to prohibit fracking and consider its environmental effects. I am so grateful to have spent years working with him on the board of the NYMSC, to get to know him better, and to witness someone who lived his life with such purpose. He made the world a better place, and isn’t that how everyone wished they could live their life? He will be missed.
Claire Vervack, SoMAS Undergraduate Class of 2021
Dr. Swanson was the first person I ever met at Stony Brook. My dad and I were visiting the campus in April of my senior year of high school to meet with Dr. Lwiza and talk about the SoMAS program. It was 7am and we had no idea where we were going when we saw an old man walking into the building. My dad approached him, said I was a prospective student, and asked if he knew where Dr. Lwiza’s office was. He agreed and then introduced himself as the interim dean of SoMAS. I wish I could have seen what my face looked like because I could not believe that we just happened to stumble across the DEAN.
We had some time to kill before the meeting so the three of us chatted for a while. I was terribly shy and incredibly sick with the worst double ear infection of my life, so it was mostly my dad and him, but I stood there too. My dad complimented his baseball hat, which had the Orioles logo on it, and said that we were from Baltimore. Imagine our shock when he said he was from Baltimore too. It felt so surreal that I had managed to find a little piece of home all the way on Long Island.
Dr. Swanson told my dad and me that if we swung by his office after our meeting with Dr. Lwiza, he would give us a tour of the SoMAS campus. Sure enough, when we knocked on his office door afterwards, he dropped everything and walked us all around the buildings. He told us all about the history of the things we saw, and about the different people whose offices we passed. I was in so much ear pain, but I loved every minute of it. When we got to the Boathouse, I could hear in his voice how proud he was of that building. I had never heard anybody been so passionate about waste management before in my life.
I am still in shock that I managed to get a personal tour from the dean himself at the time. I think that encounter was one of the main reasons why I wanted to come to Stony Brook; I wanted to go to a college where people like him existed.
When I came to Stony Brook, he reached out to me and we stayed in contact throughout the years. We would meet every now and then and he would ask me about my classes and how I was enjoying the university. He would ask me about the Orioles’ season that year and I would try my best to hold a conversation despite knowing next to nothing about baseball. He wrote letters of recommendation for me, and encouraged me to try out for all sorts of leadership positions. I never thought I was anything special, but his encouragement and his words made me feel like I could really be someone.
One of my favorite memories of him is when I once invited him to my club’s musical as an aside, as I did not think he would be able to make it. However, he actually came and saw it. He even stayed afterward to talk about how much he enjoyed it with me. I was absolutely stunned that such an important figure at the school would make the time to see this B-grade college production. It meant the world to me that he came, and I will never forget that.
I always thought I would be able to shake his hand at graduation and thank him for being in my corner all four years. I may not be able to do that anymore, but my gratitude for him will always persist.
Carl Safina, Endowed Professor for Nature and Humanity, SoMAS
Larry once asked me to have a look at an op-ed he’d drafted for Newsday. Because it was Larry asking, I took my time to try to make my most helpful comments. A simple “Thanks” from him would have been more than adequate. But Larry showed his appreciation by making me co-author of the piece. It was a kind and generous thing for him to do—in other words it was pure Larry.
Stefanie Massucci, Senior Assistant Dean, SoMAS
A funny little memory, this while Larry was serving as SoMAS Dean. I came into work one morning and heard that we’d hosted a pretty contentious meeting, mostly consisting of dozens of local fishermen, in our conference room the evening before. About an hour later, I happened to walk through that conference room, and noticed a pile of… well, no way to say this nicely… poop. Needless to say, I was beside myself. I raced to Larry’s office, and said, “What do you want to do? I can’t imagine why someone could be THAT mad at us.” Larry just looked at me and smirked, and I said, “This isn’t funny!” Larry smiled broadly, and said, “Yeah, it’s a little funny, actually. I’d wondered where Lily (his dog) had gone off to while I was working last night!” Larry never took himself too seriously, and was a kind and gentle soul. I’ll miss him very much.
Michael French, Assistant Professor
For my first year at Stony Brook, I had the office next to Larry in Discovery Hall. I know he found it strange that there was a tornado scientist residing next to him, but he couldn’t have been more kind to me. As an academic, one of the greatest professional days of your life is getting your first proposal funded. For me, the notification of this occurred on the Friday afternoon before the 4th of July weekend in 2015, as the funding agency wanted to get the decisions out before the holiday. There was hardly anybody around SoMAS, but Larry, of course, was there. He was the first person I told and whether he was actually excited I’ll never know, but he was so supportive and congratulatory. It was a tiny gesture, but I was so appreciative of having someone to tell and talk to at that moment. After I moved offices, he would still chat with me often and I was looking forward to giving a Montauk Lighthouse lecture at his behest before they were postponed this year. Thank you for being such a kind colleague, Larry. I’ll miss you.
Sabrina Holsborg, Student
Dr. Swanson was a professor of mine and I was lucky enough to be on a research team of his focused on waste to energy research. He was an important mentor and is a big part of the career path I have chosen to pursue.
I was a student in Dr. Swanson’s waste management class and his contemporary environmental issues class. He was an amazing professor because he could not only teach and make material interesting, but because he inspired us to think on our own. He taught us lessons that extended past the classroom and shaped the way we thought about things. By giving us assignments such as weighing our trash for a week or writing our own op-eds, we were inspired to think about our actions and how we processed what we learned in his classes. Getting to be in Dr. Swanson’s classes and on his waste to energy research team was a privilege and he will be missed.
Nickitas Georgas, Senior Scientist, Jupiter Intelligence
Dear Dana, Larry, and family,
I am very deeply sorry for your loss. Larry was my graduate advisor at MSRC and employer at WRMI between 1999 and 2001. He funded a good chunk of my Masters studies those years through his research. Dana, you may recall, we worked in the New York City DEP 1999 Harbor Survey together.
Larry was all around a wonderful man. A giver. A teacher. Captain, our captain.
Some people never leave our lives, whether they are physically there or not. Larry has been and will continue being one of these people in my life. He was a good, decent man. A source of light. I will always remember him with his smart, sparkly eyes, playful grin, adventurous spirit, and warm heart. The loss is great, for so many. But his light will continue shining through you and all his friends and students.
Cheers to you, Larry! Thank you!
Kirk Cochran, Professor, Stony Brook University
I met Larry in the 1970s when he was the Project Manager of the NOAA MESA New York Bight Program and I was a lowly graduate student. Bob Aller and I took cores in the Bight to study bioturbation using thorium-234, and I think Larry remembered our advisor, Karl Turekian, telling him “Just give me the funding and I’ll do great things with it.” Larry said, “It doesn’t work that way, Karl” but he saw to it that the funds came through. Larry’s skillful management of the MESA program made it a success and a model for future similar studies.. Later, after I finished grad school, was on the MSRC faculty and serving as Associate Dean, I interviewed Larry for the directorship of the newly created Waste Management Institute (now WRMI). He made the most of that position, training numerous grad students and recruiting and building faculty. When I was Dean, I greatly appreciated Larry’s advice on navigating the minefield of University administration. His more recent service as Dean took us expertly through budget restrictions and a transition that saw us recruit the first external Dean since 1994. I will miss stopping by his office for chats (and sometimes coffee). My sincere condolences to Dana and his family.
Kamazima Lwiza, Stony Brook University
Larry was a colleague, my boss, a mentor, best of a true friend. He would always drop my office and with a cup of coffee early in the morning around 7 am. We would talk shop, about family, history, politics and everything. He did not necessarily lead the discussion he asked questions that prompted you to talk. He loved loved listening to my African stories, and boy was a good listener.
I also want to point out he valued people and may be that was his biggest talent. When became dean one prospective undergraduate student who was not selected by the Admissions Office wrote to him for their file to be reconsidered. Larry asked me to look at the file, and after reading it, I agreed with the Admissions decision. The student insisted on meeting Larry, and after the meeting Larry pleaded strongly for the student to be accepted. I told him in order to accept the students we would have to accept everyone who got a grade equal to her or higher, and he said yes. We had to admit 18 students or so. The student came and maintained good grades, but after sometime moved to sociology. My point is that he believed in everyone’s potential. A good friend he was and I loved him. We lost a hero. My Sincere condolences to his wife Dana and his two sons. He is probably smiling at us now!
Teresa Schwemmer, SoMAS Graduate Student
I was Larry’s TA for the class “Contemporary Environmental Issues and Policy”, and assistant for the NY Marine Sciences Consortium.
Even with all of the commitments and projects Larry was busy with, he always made an extra effort to keep up with the grad students, ask how their work was going, ask them about themselves, and find out if they needed anything. I knew Larry since my first year at SoMAS and many of the opportunities I’ve had, places I’ve gone, and people I have met during my time at SoMAS were because of Larry and his efforts to get graduate students like me involved. One example is the summer lecture series he organized with the Montauk Historical Society last year. He remembered that I had been looking for opportunities to do outreach, and invited me to give one of the talks. It meant so much for me to get to go out and meet the wonderful people at the lighthouse museum and share my work with the museum visitors. I know there are countless other students whose experiences at SoMAS and beyond were deeply impacted by Larry!
John Halenar, Former Manager of Environmental Issues at Verizon and former director of the NYSAR3 College Council.
I knew Larry primarily through my work with NYSAR3 and the Federation of NYS Solid Waste Associations. Stony Brook was a founding member of our NYSAR3 College Council and we worked closely with Larry and the Liblit Scholarship recipients as part of that program.
While I knew Larry primarily through New York State environmental activities, my fondest memory was when my son (now 35) was in elementary or middle school and he and a friend thought they wanted to become marine biologists when they grew up. They were working on a career paper for school and I asked Larry if he would be willing to be interviewed for the paper. He never hesitated and he graciously agreed to let my son do the interview. Larry imparted a wealth of valuable information and wisdom and my son still remembers that experience fondly. He was as sorry to hear about Larry’s passing as the rest of us. By the way, my son eventually changed his mind about marine biology and he now has his Master’s in Public Health from Temple University and does public health research in the suburbs outside of Washington, DC.
Randy Young, Associate Dean, Macomb Community College and former student and staff scientist at WRMI
I recall accompanying Larry when he testified before a U.S. Senate hearing conducted at the World Trade Center. He was so cool and collected, whereas I felt awestruck — like I was witnessing history unfold before my very eyes. There are so many more stories and memories. Looking back, Larry was one of the most important and influential people in my life. He will be missed.
DeWitt S Davies, MSRC student (MS 1972; PhD 1990) and now retired after a 47-year career Suffolk County Planning
I met Larry 49 years ago after his lecture on the tides and tidal currents in Long Island Sound given in 1971 during the early years of MSRC. He actually gave me the hard copies of the charts and reports he used in his presentation!
Over time, I addressed him as Commander Swanson, Captain Swanson, Dr, Swanson, and then, just as “Larry.” I was indeed inspired by his leadership role in the NOAA/MESA Program and the ocean dumping quandary in the NY Bight. Larry did not demand respect, he just got it.
Larry was nimble in his ability to to jump across disciplines and communicate effectively with people with various backgrounds and perspectives. This was evident in his involvement and chairmanship of the Suffolk County Council on Environmental Quality over the last 20 years or so. Before meetings of the Council in Hauppauge, Larry would often drop by my office in the H. Lee Dennison Bldg. to chat about County environmental issues, and how his opinions could engender reactions from others. This was fun!
It was an honor for me to participate with Larry in the “Koppelman” documentary prepared by SoMAS students Anna Smith and Megan Gallagher last year. We mused about retirement. I did retire. Larry did not. Many people benefitted from his decision and long tenure at the helm.
Michael White, New York Sea Grant Board Member, Adjunct Faculty at SoMAS, and fellow Garbologist
I met Larry at SoMAS, worked with him on NY Sea Grant Board, and on solid waste management issues. Larry always shared his intellect, wisdom and saw the best in humankind .
Gregg Cademartori, alumni, SoMAS/SBU
I was definitely the luckiest graduate student. I didn’t have to TA, I didn’t have to fetch coffee or dry cleaning, I just had to be ready to drop everything and play squash. He taught me the game and so much more. A true mentor.
Laurie Murray, sister-in-law
When Dan and I were little kids our big sister Dana was dating this very cool guy named Larry. One of our favorite things to do was to hide behind the couch and make smooching noises. We are lucky he put up with us and married Dana!
Larry Swanson’s first photo, taken when he was meeting the in-laws
Dawn McReynolds :
From all of us at DEC. We will miss Larry. He was a wonderful man and excellent colleague over the years. And also for some of us a great teacher. Your up front “wisdom” over the years was very much appreciated! Condolences to the family.
Louise Badoche:
Larry truly was an inspiration for me and for all the students I am sure. Everyone was found of him. Last classes of the year, when he asked « any questions ? » everyone wanted him to tell stories about his life and experiences because it was so fun and inspiring. He was so interesting and passionate. It is thanks to him (or because of him?) that I decided to do the environmental and waste management studies. I couldn’t be happier with this choice and with the opportunities it gives me today. Thank you Larry, forever. On the fun fact, he used to say « I don’t know why people don’t like France, when I went to Paris, years ago, after the war, when people heard we were Americans, they were all very welcoming, inviting us for a drink and proposing any help. I had a great time !
Dina Brennan, alumni, SoMAS/SBU
I was a grad student in the Waste Management program in 2005 and Larry was listed as the advisor- which nobody had told him! He was still happy to help and advise me, introduce me to professionals in the field and made me feel like I was part of the group even though I was the lone WM student. Couldn’t have asked for a kinder and more helpful person to lead the way.
Arnoldo Valle-Levinson, Alumni, SoMAS/SBU
As a graduate student I was Larry’s first ‘secretary’ when he started the Waste Management Institute in late1987. As his secretary, I learned unforgettable lessons on how to write. But he also taught me to work efficiently and to try to make things simple and clear… always through his affable approach. These are lessons that helped me immensely as a graduate student and later on throughout my career. Thank you, Larry. I love you!
Marci Bortman, alumni, SoMAS/SBU
When Larry said it was a “good first draft,” you knew you needed to start over! 🙂
Jim:
I would like Larry’s family to know that even in far-away Connecticut Larry was deeply appreciated. He came to UConn a few times a year for much of my career here. They were short visits, but memorable. Larry demonstrated how to behave by example. There are many people with strong opinions and high intellect in academia, and Larry was certainly in that group. But he was nice. I think that was how he got things done. And he enjoyed it. He was always grinning and I never heard him complain. He was respectful and thoughtful. and forceful in a measured way. He was humble too. My fondest memory is seeing him driving the SBU bus to pick up CT people from the ferry. I wish our deans were that committed to supporting others. I will miss him and remember him fondly.
Christine Gurdon, alumni, SoMAS/SBU
I was one of Larry’s advisees and was so fortunate to have him guide me through my research. We had great talks, poked fun at each other, and shared the love of the ocean. He helped me get my first job out of graduate school and I couldn’t be more thankful for him. He is surely missed.
David Conover, Former Dean and Director, SoMAS
No one was more dedicated to the mission of SoMAS. He championed research that solves practical problems and then pushed that knowledge into the policy arena. In the process his enthusiasm engaged students in the effort and this led to many additional careers devoted to the same goals. He also provided wise counselor to numerous Deans of SoMAS including me and ultimately stepped in the role himself when the need arose. Moreover, Larry was a trusted soul and respected by all he encountered. His loss will be felt for years to come but so will his impact on all of us.
Citizens Campaign for the Environment:
Thank you to Larry for being a champion for LI Sound, the Western Bays and all our marine waters! May you be wrapped in the wings of angels and soar across the heavens. Thank you for the many gifts you gave all of us.
Rasheed Lucas, alumni and Liblit Award Winner:
Larry’s Waste Management Issues course was an eye opening course filled with a lot of stories and field trips, and helped cultivate a care and love for environmental management and planning. He also let me intern in the WRMI office and I worked with Bonnie (Hi Bonnie!). I’m thankful for his advice and mentorship, and he will be missed.
Mary Scranton, Professor Emeritus, SoMAS
Larry was my go to guy when I had questions about recycling and always answered patiently. I will miss him.
Anne McElroy, Professor, SoMAS
When I sampled Newtown Creek sewage, you didn’t even need to label it. It was by far the worst of ANY WWTP we sampled in NYC. They’ve improved it since then I’ve head.
Ginny Clancy:
Larry would come by each morning to get his coffee and in his cheerful booming voice I would hear “Good Morning”! Rain, shine, snow, it did not matter :- )
Anna Webb, alumni, SoMAS/SBU
I was a TA for Larry and Malcolm early in grad school. I specifically remember that he took the time to teach me how to grade essays, something I was really struggling with at the time and felt overwhelmed by. I highly valued the time he spent with me and the encouragement he offered. Over 10 years later and this experience still sticks with me. Thank you, Larry!
Christine DeSalvo:
Larry served on the Suffolk County Council on Environmental Quality for 32 years and we will miss him
Kaylee Engellenner:
I worked with Larry on Joint Coastal Management (managing the LWRP) in the Villages of Head-of-the-Harbor and Nissequogue and I always marveled at his vast knowledge of the Coastal environment and, more specifically, our Coast. What was even more remarkable than the breadth of his expertise was the infinite patience and tolerance with which he dealt with the rest of us who were well-intentioned volunteers but, by comparison, mere mortals. He was generous enough to grace our Board with his presence a couple of months ago. For me, it was as though no time has passed since I had last seen him sitting at our Board table but, in fact, it had been years. It never occurred to me that it would be the last time that I would see him. I feel like a huge hole has been left in our community and in our hearts.
Wen Cong, graduate student, SoMAS/SBU
I took two courses taught by Larry during my undergrad – Coastal Oceanography and Waste Management Issues. He always started the first class with Jamaica Bay, for both courses. Since then every time I take a flight landing at JFK, I look at the bay through the window, and I am flashing back to Larry’s classes. I will miss him.
G Mark Miller, NOAA Corps
On Behalf of the NOAA Corps: Thank you for your years of service in uniform and after. Your recent mentorship to NOAA Corps Basic Officer Training Classes (BOTC) 118 and 119 was invaluable, especially coming from a member of BOTC 1. Captain Swanson, Fair Winds sir.
Valerie Cartright, Councilwoman for Council District One in the Town of Brookhaven:
What an amazing tribute to such a wonderful soul! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of celebrating Larry’s life and legacy. This is truly a testament to how loved, respected and valued he was and will always be to so many. In his efforts to bridge the gap between “science and policy”, he was always there to be of assistance to the Town of Brookhaven in our environmental efforts. At times, he served in the role as an advocate, at times as an expert, but always as a partner to us local Elected Officials. My last interaction with him was a few days before his passing in his role on the WMB Stewardship Committee. He was so committed to this work and his perspective on that Committee was invaluable. I feel blessed to have known him and worked with him over the past few years. He will be missed but his memory and his work will always live on. My sincerest condolences to Larry’s entire family. 🙏🏾❤️May Dean Swanson Rest In Peace 🙏🏾❤️
Nancy Steinberg:
This has been an amazing tribute to a great man. It’s also been wonderful to see so many MSRC/SoMAS folks. Hello from the West Coat and Larry’s PhD alma mater, Oregon State University.
Vivian Viloria Fisher:
Dear Dana, My deepest condolences to you and your sons. Larry was a very dear,kind and special person. His patience and support and wisdom were such a gift for me during my time in the legislature.
Jennifer Martin:
Thank you for coordinating this amazing celebration of Dr. Swanson’s life. As a person without a background in science it was a privilege to learn from him and see his passion for science and the environment through his work with the Town. He was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed. Our condolences to his family. We are all blessed to have known Dr. Swanson in some way.
Mark Lang, Senior Systems Engineer, SoMAS
As Interim Dean, Larry Swanson became my supervisor. Meetings with Larry were like having coffee and catching up with a friend. It was at one of those meetings where we became partners in crime, planning the MSRC/SoMAS 50th Anniversary, and later, planting the seeds about documentary films about important people in history of the school and Long Island, starting with Lee Koppelman. Upon the premiere of the Koppelman film, we shook hands and I smiled to Larry and shared my enthusiasm that we were able to see the amazing film on screen.
When my daughter was in the office with me, we would go visit people and Larry would sit with her on the couch in his office, listening to a six year old tell share her stories. She still remembers those visits.
Getting Larry to smile in a photo required a sneaky camera or a moment of pure glee, and digging through the photos revealed some great gems, like the time Larry tried on the shark mask.
Larry was great at including people in the events and causes that were important to him, like his invitations to the Annual Liblit Breakfast, or on a trip on the R/V Seawolf. He was proudly the face of SoMAS at events, and was a trooper for all of the big events, like Earthstock and CommUniversity Day. But he was also there for the “smaller” events. It is a gesture that spoke volumes without saying anything.
Rest in peace, Larry.
Pat DelCol:
This has been such a lovely tribute to an absolutely wonderful human being. Thank you for allowing me to join and hear your stories, we are all so fortunate to have had Larry in our lives. As a former municipal solid waste official, I had the opportunity to work with Larry through the years, as we tackled solid waste issues on Long Island. His guidance, wisdom and calm cool demeanor will be missed, My deepest sympathies and condolences.
Cassie Bauer, alumni, SoMAS/SBU
This has been a beautiful tribute to Larry. Thank you to the planning committee for putting this together. As Christine said, Larry loved spending lunchtime sharing stories. I had the pleasure of having lunch with Larry, Bonnie, and Christine nearly every weekday during my three years as his graduate student. I have such fond memories of those times. He will be greatly missed.
Maureen Krause, New York Marine Sciences Consortium
Larry took over as Director of the NY Marine Sciences Consortium when Dave Conover left SOMAS. He very much believed in the mission of the Consortium to unite all of the academic institutions to speak with one voice to promote science-based policy decisions in NY State, and not view us as competitors for resources or students. He invested his time, energy, and attention to this organization as he did to so many organizations. He promoted, as always, student participation. He helped us draft a white paper to NY State to encourage then Governor Pataki to consider the environmental effects of fracking. With two deaths now, the Consortium has languished, but I am so grateful to have worked with him for so many years on the Consortium board , to get to know him better, and to witness someone who lived his life with such purpose. He made the world a better place. He will be missed by many.
Charles Yarish:
What a beautiful tribute this afternoon to Larry Swanson. We worked for over a decade together as the science co-chairs from Connecticut and NY to the Long Island Sound Study, Larry and I worked together mentoring LIS Fellows program, moving the research grants program forward and then seeing the development and publication of our edited book “Long Island Sound Prospects for the Urban Sea.” Larry was instrumental in bringing the book to its final completion and publication. Thanks to the Swanson family for sharing Larry with all of us! G-d bless Larry!