STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for Larry Anderson, a deeply respected and beloved community leader and longtime advocate for Staten Island’s cultural and LGBTQ+ communities.
Anderson, 59, remains in critical condition in a Manhattan hospital after recently suffering a major heart attack.
According to family members, Anderson’s heart stopped 11 times during the medical emergency. Rapid intervention by doctors — and what loved ones describe as nothing short of a miracle — kept him alive.
Anderson remains in the cardiac intensive care unit on a ventilator and is on mechanical support for his severely damaged heart.
“Our dear friend Larry has suffered a major heart attack, and our hearts are with him and his husband, Matt Walby, during this incredibly difficult time,” said Carol Bullock, former executive director of the Pride Center of Staten Island. “Larry is deeply loved by so many in our community. Let’s all rally and send our love for his healing.”
For the last decade, Anderson has been the director of performing arts and public programs at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, and a beloved presence on the Snug Harbor campus and at countless community events and fundraisers.
He is currently the board chairman of the Pride Center of Staten Island.
“During the years we worked together—Larry as Board Chair of the Pride Center of Staten Island and me as Executive Director—I saw firsthand his unwavering compassion, leadership and generosity,” added Bullock. “Larry is already a miracle. But he and his husband, Matt Walby, can’t face this journey alone.”
(Feb. 2022) Carol Bullock accepts her Lou Miller Business Award from Larry Anderson.
Larry Anderson
Anderson’s recovery is expected to be long, difficult and uncertain, requiring extensive rehabilitation and posing significant physical and emotional challenges.
“He has always shown up for others. Now, we hope our community will come together to show up for him,” Bullock said. “Contributions to the GoFundMe will help support Larry and Matt with the mounting medical and recovery costs.”
As Anderson’s hospitalization continues, the financial toll has been mounting. Costs are tied to extended ICU care, mechanical cardiac support, ongoing treatment and anticipated long-term rehabilitation.
Walby is also facing lost income as he remains by Anderson’s side around the clock.
(March 2022) From the left, Ed Burke, Larry Anderson, Jessica Baker Vodoor, and Ken Mitchell. (Staten Island Advance)Staten Island Advance
ABOUT LARRY ANDERSON
Anderson, now in his third year on the Board of the Pride Center of Staten Island, is widely known for his decades of service to the borough.
A native Staten Islander, he has spent his life deeply engaged in community service and volunteerism.
For the past 10 years, he has served as director of performing arts and public programs at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, where he managed two theaters, three outdoor performance spaces and more than 650 events, drawing over 134,000 people to the historic campus.
Before joining Snug Harbor, Anderson built a 30-year career in the live entertainment industry.
His contributions to Staten Island extend beyond his professional work: he has volunteered with the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, served on the Snug Harbor Neptune Ball Planning Committee and spent years as a member of the Richmond County Democratic Committee.
2017: Matthew Walby, Kathleen Ryan, Larry Anderson, Maryanne DiLeo, and Gus DiLeo are perfectly dressed for an outdoor soiree at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens. (Dr. Gracelyn Santos/Staten Island Advance)(Dr. Gracelyn Santos/Staten Island Advance)
Throughout his medical crisis, Anderson’s husband and partner of 22 years, Matt Walby, has remained by his side. The couple lives on Staten Island with their two dogs, Luna and Simon.
Those close to Anderson say he and Matt have long been the type to quietly support others — and now hope the community will return that generosity.
Community members are encouraged to donate, share the fundraiser as Anderson faces this unimaginably difficult medical crisis.
To donate, please visit: GoFundMe.
(March 2022) Larry Anderson, right, is pictured with Martha Neighbors, left, and Jessica Baker Vodoor. (Staten Island Advance)Larry Anderson
(March 2025) Larry Anderson, the Chairman of the Board for the Pride Center of S.I. was also the Master of Ceremony at “The Flannel Farewell Fundraiser” for the Pride Center of Staten Island which also honored Carol Bullock who is the outgoing Executive Director of the organization. The event was held at LiGreci’s Staaten. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White for the Staten Island Advance
Larry Anderson is flanked by Howard Leifman, left, and Judge Matthew Titone at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center’s Art Lottery in the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, Livingston, in 2004.Larry Anderson
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