Laurence Sterne ’52

Laurence Sterne ’52—born at home in Queens, New York, on May 18, 1930—passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023. He loved his Columbia University neighborhood and resided there for more than 60 years. Larry lived a remarkable life. He made Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts’ highest rank ,and graduated from Flushing (New York) High School before attending Dartmouth, where he majored in economics. Larry was an active undergraduate and an active alumnus all his life. He most recently attended his 70th class reunion. He earned a Ph.D. in literature at Columbia University. Larry joined the U.S. Marines in the early 1950s, graduated from officers candidate school, and remained in the Marine Reserves for more than 20 years, retiring with the rank of major. Larry was a man of multiple talents. His careers included merchant marine, Sunday school teacher, college professor, author, psychotherapist, divorce mediator, business owner, and dog walker. In his leisure he was a marathoner, distance cycler, sky diver, and adventurer. He traveled to more than 60 countries and all seven continents. He was the master of the corny joke and delighted in making people smile. Larry was unique. He will be missed.