Lawrence "Larry" I Marcus

Cohoes, NY – Lawrence (Larry) I. Marcus, 78, formerly of West Bridge St, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, February 15th at St. Peter’s Hospital surrounded by loved ones. Born July 30th, 1946 in Kingston, NY, he was the son of Benjamin and Elaine (Lehr) Marcus. He graduated from Kingston High School in 1964, where he served as class president and played varsity basketball, and went on to attain his Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Albany while on a basketball scholarship. He went on to coach at South Colonie and Saugeties High Schools, while teaching Driver's Education and Social Studies, before eventually entering into his 40 year career in the shoe business. Following in the footsteps of his older brother Richie, he served customers nationally and internationally as a well-known and loved salesman and executive.

Growing up in Kingston, Larry had what he described as a modest but idyllic and wholesome childhood. In his younger years, he was a shy and studious athlete who happily followed in his big brother’s footsteps wherever they led - from their humble beginnings sharing a room in their family’s small apartment on West O’Reilly St, to the many years spent together caddying at Twaalfskill Golf Course, the two shared a truly special connection spanning the entirety of their lives. Larry remembered often and fondly that his big brother taught him everything he knew. The brothers held an extra special place in their heart for their little sister, Teri, who they sometimes teased, but mostly doted on, and supported in her musical endeavors whenever they could. Any time the three siblings got together, the overflow of joy just to be in each other’s company was palpable to anyone who witnessed it.

Larry attended SUNY Albany, recruited by Doc Sauers, and played basketball all four years at center position, serving as leading scorer and team captain in his freshman year, and as a starter in his sophomore, junior and senior years. In his final season, he reprised his role as team captain and helped lead the team to an 18-4 record. During this time Larry covered his tuition by working odd jobs for the university, which he later comically described as “watching the paint dry.” He graduated in 1969 and continued to be a lifelong supporter of the Great Danes, both as a season ticket holder and as a friend to his teammates whom he not only played with on the court but also lived with for a few years at the affectionately known Hooper House.

After college, while working as a teacher and coach in Saugerties, Larry met his future wife Connie thanks to her little sister, Mary Lou, who had invited him, her social studies teacher, to come over to her mother Fay’s beauty shop for a haircut. A haircut turned into a dinner and that dinner turned into a beautiful 37 years of marriage. Larry and Connie were known and loved by many, especially throughout their hometowns of Saugerties and Kingston, and they took pride as a couple in serving their community through their collective involvement in various clubs and committees, with Larry also serving on the school board at Saugerties High School for a time.

Shortly after meeting Connie, Larry again followed in his brother’s footsteps and made a career pivot into the shoe business with Richie’s encouragement and leadership. In the shoe industry, Larry became a very popular and successful businessman. He traveled all over the country and world, even moving to and living in Taiwan with Connie near the beginning of his career. He was a hard worker and took great pride in his work, serving many customers and making many life-long friends. Wherever he traveled, he took great pride in being recognized as one of “The Marcus Brothers.” He loved to talk to people and was someone you would describe as never knowing a stranger. He truly had one of the kindest hearts, always worrying about others before himself, and was a source of great comfort and motivation for many. 

As successful as he was in the business world, Larry’s greatest role was that of father and grandfather. He was a loving and present dad who gave the best advice and hugs. Despite a busy work schedule, he always had time for his children and gave what seemed like an endless supply of unwavering love and support. In the last months of his life, he lived with his granddaughter who was truly the light of his life and he soaked up every second of snuggling, playing, talking and singing to her. Like his older brother before him, he will be remembered as the wonderful, caring person he was – an exemplary husband, father, “boompa,” and uncle, a beloved friend, and a strong mentor, volunteer and coach to many.

Larry was predeceased by his brother Richard Marcus, wife Constance “Connie” Marcus (Washburn), brother-in-law David Einfeldt. He is survived by his sister Teri Einfeldt of West Hartford, CT, daughter Alexandra Lowry (Patrick) of Cohoes, NY, son Brett Marcus of MA, beloved granddaughter Eloise Lowry, several cousins, nieces and nephews and countless friends.

His Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday February 21st at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Inc., Corner Of John & Lafayette Streets in Saugerties, NY. Friends will be received on Thursday February 20th, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Dad was a longtime supporter of St. Jude and The Wounded Warrior Project. He also was recently treated with quite a few blood transfusions, which prolonged his life, and the family would love, in lieu of flowers, for a donation to any of the above to be made in his honor. Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family on Larry’s Tribute Wall at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com 

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