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Lawrence (Larry)

(D.)

Reitman

Obituary

Lawrence (Larry) D. Reitman, 55, of West Simsbury, Connecticut, beloved husband of Sandra Lagana Reitman, died Thursday January 27th at St. Francis Hospital after a strong and courageous 3-year battle with multiple myeloma cancer. Larry was born on May 18th, 1955 in Washington D.C. and lived most of his life in the Hartford area. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a dual major in Business and Biology and went on to get his MBA at the UConn Business School. Larry had a long and successful career as a financial analyst in the insurance and banking industry working at Constitution Corp, Phoenix, Travelers, and LIMRA among other institutions. Larry loved the outdoors and, despite having diabetes from a young age, was a lifelong hiker, skier, canoeist, and general explorer. His many adventures included backpack trips along the Appalachian Trail, climbing New Hampshire 4000-footers, skiing in the Rockies, plus visits to many of our National Parks including Sequoia & Kings Canyon (CA), Denali (AK), Grand Canyon (AZ), Mt. Rainier (WA), etc. He was a long-time member of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Connecticut Forest and Parks Association, and many other conservation groups. Perhaps most of all, Larry loved our local Connecticut woodlands; he found endless joy and satisfaction in discovering new sites and features while meandering along the virtually endless Blue Blaze trail system. Larry is known far and wide for his quick wit, sharp insight, and generally humorous attitude towards all earthly matters. Equal parts compassion, sarcasm, and generosity — a potent and memorable combination that touched everyone and resulted in his wide network of lifelong friendships. Larry had two great loves in his life – his wife Sandra and his border collie Nola. Sandra was a wonderfully loving companion and partner and they were a great team. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his parents Seymour and Shirley Reitman, his brother William Reitman DMD, his sister April Reitman, and nephew Jake Rubin; also his inlaws, Virginia and A. Ugo Lagana, brother and sister-in-law Joseph and Gail Lagana, niece and nephews Michael, Lauren, and Ryan Lagana. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law Steven Rubin. Larry’s family would like to thank the doctors and staff of St. Francis Hospital and the Cancer Center for their excellent medical treatment and personal long-term dedication to Larry’s health. Special thanks to Dr. Bilgrami, Ann Edison RN, and Glorivey, Sara, Brenda, and Blanca. There will be a memorial service in celebration of Larry’s life at Congregation Kol Haverim, 1079 Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury, CT on Friday Feb. 4th at 10:30am (www.kolhaverim.org). A memorial period will be observed at his home on Saturday Feb. 5th from 2-6pm. In lieu of flowers, Larry requested donations in his memory to these charitable organizations: The St. Francis Hospital Cancer Center (www.stfranciscare.org/foundation), The Simsbury Land Trust (www.simsburylandtrust.org), The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org). Weinstein Mortuary of Hartford is assisting with arrangements. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Larry, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm. Larry was an original and it is hard to overestimate how much fun it was to be around him.

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Lawrence (Larry) Reitman

(D.)

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From: joann Carufel

From windsor, ct

Posted On: February 5, 2011

Sandra, I still talk about Larry and playing flintstone golf. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I remember visiting and being in awe of his honey pot collection. It is truly a loss, my sincere sympathy. JoAnn

From: Whoops

From Bolton, CT

Posted On: February 4, 2011

Needles we shared many humerous travels together over the years. Many formal meals and flintstone golf at the huts were spent with friends. Long study hours at UConn working through our degrees. You were always the best of friends. And here you are breaking trail again for the rest of us. You will truly be missed. A long heartfelt HOOT. Whoops

From: Ron Strickland

From Bedford, MA

Posted On: February 2, 2011

I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Needles. I had heard about him for so many, many years that it was almost as if I knew him.

I believe that he was a person who overcame difficulties with panache, that he was an inspiration to others with his humor.

I will keep Needles in my thoughts,

Ron

From: Huck and Bernice Saxe

From DelRay Beach,, FL.

Posted On: January 31, 2011

Our deepest sympathies to our dear friends Sy and Shirley Reitman and their families. We wish we could have known Larry and exchanged his adventurous stories with Huck. They both had hair raising experiences, I'll bet! Bernice and Huck Saxe

From: Roxanne Everett

From Seattle, WA

Posted On: February 2, 2011

A long time friend of my husband, Trapper, you became one of my closest friends too. I will always remember the wonderful times we had plus the great trips near and far. A kind and generous person with a healthy dose of humor and sarcasm, you always made me laugh, sometimes at myself (more often at you), without a trace of any misplaced intent. You will be sorely missed. Climb high and eat lots of pork there.

From: Tina & Larry Salvo

From Stow, MA

Posted On: February 2, 2011

Sandra, There are no words to express how we feel. We are so happy that we got to spend time with you both in October and Larry was his usual self. We are going to miss his humor, witt and charm and most of all his friendship. We will miss him always!
Love Tina, Larry and LJ

From: Phyllis & Robert Cherlin

From West Hartford, Ct.

Posted On: February 1, 2011

Shirley & Sey:

Warm thoughts and our sincere sympathy to you and your family.

From: ANNETTE AND GEORGE FISHER

From PALM BEACH, FL

Posted On: January 31, 2011

ALTHOUGH WE CANNOT PHYSICALLY ATTEND THE MEMORIAL SERVICE, OUR HEARTS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.

From: Kathryn Gardow

From Seattle, WA

Posted On: January 31, 2011

"it is hard to overestimate how much fun it was to be around him" That sums it up... you'll get them laughing in heaven, too! Will miss you Needles! Kathryn

From: Maurizio & Mary Formica

From Hartford, CT

Posted On: January 31, 2011

Our sincere condolences for your loss to Ugo & Virginia Lagana and the Reitman family.

From: Don Antaya

From South Windsor, CT

Posted On: January 31, 2011

My deepest condolences to all of the family on the loss of Larry. Dealing with Larry on business was always a joy due to his wit and sarcasm. We had numerous afternoons on the golf course sharing many laughts.

From: Rosalie Goldstein

From Naples, FL

Posted On: January 31, 2011

With a sad heart I read the news of Larry's death. Losing a child is a terrible thing, and my heart breaks for you. I know you are both strong, and will find the strength to endure. I remember his Milwaukee years, and know that he grew up to be a fine man that you can be very proud of. I send my love and wish you strength. Rosalie

From: Dave Bradlee

From Seattle, WA

Posted On: January 31, 2011

I'll never forget you coming up to Natick and Newton to help decorate for our theme parties -- Bow Tie, Time Capsule, Tropical Vacation. When you, Trapper and Whoops got together, the creativity was unbelievable. We'll miss you.

From: Dave Fitol

From East Hampton, Ct.

Posted On: January 31, 2011

I worked with Larry at the Phoenix many years ago. What drew me to Larry was his quick wit, and I shared his love of sarcasm. We also shared a love of skiing. My first trip “out west” was with Larry to Steamboat Springs. We had a blast!! I think I’ll always remember Larry for the way he’d hit you with a good dose of sarcasm, followed by words of encouragement or compassion along with his funny chuckle. I hadn’t seen or talked with Larry in years, but when I heard the news of his passing, I was greatly saddened. My deepest condolences to all of Larry’s family.

From: Mike Lagana

From rocky hill, CT

Posted On: January 30, 2011

Was always a joker and made everyone laugh

From: Steve “Spider” Robbins

From Moretown, VT

Posted On: January 30, 2011

Flintstone golf in my yard, at the park, in the mountains, at the campground, along the river...and the sharp wit, comraderie and fierce competetion Needles brought to every match.
We also shared an important love of smoked meat products.
I've lost a brother and miss him very much.

From: Gail and Joey

From Newington, CT

Posted On: January 30, 2011

To our much loved brother-in-law. We cannot put into words how much we are going to miss your insane sense of humor and appreciation of all things beef! We are so lucky to have had you in our family and it will never be the same without you here. We love you and miss you tons already....Love Gail and Joey

From: Trapper Robbins

From Seattle, WA

Posted On: January 30, 2011

Hey Needles, How many miles? How many peaks? How many Flintstone Golf matches? A lot, but never enough. The new england woodlands just won't be the same without your distinctive "Hoot!" echoing through the blue-blazed trees. Go long, my friend.

From: Sheila and Howard Mark

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: January 30, 2011

Our deepest condolences to all of the family on the loss of Larry. While we did not know him, we know the parents and Bill.and want to express sincere sympathy at this most difficult time.May his memories serve as a solace and source of comfort to you, and may he be bound up in the book of eternal life.

Sincerely, Sheila and Howard Mrk

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