STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Larry Anderson, 59, a passionate community leader and longtime advocate for Staten Island’s cultural and LGBTQ+ communities, died Sunday night in Mount Sinai Hospital, Manhattan.
A lifelong Staten Islander, he had been hospitalized in critical condition since suffering a catastrophic heart attack at home on Nov. 2.
For the last decade, Mr. Anderson served as director of performing arts and public programs at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, and was a steady presence on the Livingston campus and at numerous community events and fundraisers.
“Larry was a beloved staff leader and one of Snug Harbor’s most ardent supporters,” said Jessica Vodoor, president and CEO. “His care and love for our beautiful culture park was unrivaled. He was passionate about ensuring that the Staten Island performing arts community had access to the support and resources it needed.”
Before joining Snug Harbor, Mr. Anderson built a 30-year career in the live entertainment industry.
Born on Sept. 24, 1966, he was a graduate of Susan Wagner High School and studied landscape design and architecture at the New York Botanical Garden School of Professional Horticulture. He also attended Baruch College and the College of Staten Island.
Larry Anderson, center, with husband Matthew Walby, left, Kathleen Ryan, Maryanne DiLeo and Gus DiLeo at an outdoor soiree at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens in 2017. (Dr. Gracelyn Santos/Staten Island Advance)Dr. Gracelyn Santos
He served as board chair of the Staten Island Pride Center and board treasurer for the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art. He was also active in the Richmond County Democratic Committee.
A devoted gardener, his West Brighton backyard was his sanctuary and a great source of pride. He enjoyed cooking, painting, reading, researching genealogy, and exploring Staten Island history.
Family and friends who held a steady vigil for Mr. Anderson at the hospital said he rallied during a visit on Thanksgiving Day, his favorite holiday.
“We felt he was turning a corner,” said Joanne Gerenser, longtime friend and executive director of Eden II Programs. “We didn’t think it was his time.”
Survivors and arrangements
Mr. Anderson’s survivors include his husband, Matt Walby; his mother, Mary Ann Wayne; his father, Lawrence Anderson (Beverly Garcia Anderson); his siblings, Mark Anderson, Peter Garcia (Leah) and Mark Garcia; his nephews, Riley Anderson, Lucas Garcia and Noah Garcia; his mother-in-law, Nancy Walby; his sister-in-law, Jacqueline Bocchino (Cody), and his aunts, Barbara Pietracatella and Maria Walby. He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Michael Walby.
A wake will be held on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Harmon Funeral Home, West Brighton, and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later time.
A complete profile will follow in the Advance/SILive.com.