Glenside Local:
Former Montgomery County Commissioner
Lawrence “Larry” Curry Dies

December 18, 2018

Mr. Larry Curry, former elected official on the local, regional, and county level, died on Monday, December 17th.

"The Montgomery County Commissioners extend their deepest sympathies to the family of former Commissioner Lawrence “Larry” Curry, who passed away Monday at the age of 82," according to a statement issued today by the Montgomery County Commissioners. "Mr. Curry was elected to two terms as County Commissioner, serving from 1972 to 1980."

"Among his many accomplishments, he participated in the creation of the Montgomery County Community College," the statement continued.  "He later served on Jenkintown Borough Council from 1986 to 1994, and as a Pennsylvania State Representative for the 154th District (Jenkintown, Cheltenham and Springfield) for 20 years from 1992 to 2012."

"Larry was both a friend and mentor to me as an elected official," said Dr. Val Arkoosh, Chair, Montgomery County Commissioners.  "He once told me that through his many years of public service as an elected official, his favorite was the time he spent as a Montgomery County Commissioner.  He was an example of a leader who cared deeply about his community and who fought tirelessly for those unable to fight for themselves."

According to Montgomery County, all "County flags will be flown at half-staff on December 31st to honor Curry (all flags are being flown at half-staff until December 30th to honor the late President George H. W. Bush)."

"I met Larry when I was a student at Temple University and he was a State Representative," said Mr. Ken Lawrence, Jr, Vice Chair, Montgomery County Commissioners.  "He encouraged me to become involved in government.  Larry epitomizes a public servant for me and Montgomery County is lucky to have benefitted from his leadership."

"The role of minority County Commissioner has its own unique duties and challenges that are inherent to being the odd man out," said Commissioner Joe Gale. "Larry fully recognized the nature of the position and I thank him for his service to Montgomery County."

"Mr. Larry Curry was an institution and mentor in Pennsylvania politics and in our community," stated Congresswoman-Elect Madeleine Dean.  "His life was one of dedication to public service, decency, education, and helping others.  My heart goes out to Shirley and his family.  He and his signature laugh will be dearly missed.  May he rest in peace."

Officials from Cheltenham Township also expressed their sympathy for the passing of Mr. Curry.

"This is not a political post as we don't do political posts," according to a statement issued by the Cheltenham Township Department of Emergency Management.  "This is a thank you to a man who was a friend to the emergency service in Cheltenham, and to the Township in General...[The] world, and Cheltenham lost a true gentleman.  Mr. Lawrence "Larry" Curry passed away today at the age of 83.  Mr. Curry served our community as our representative to the Pennsylvania House for over 20 years.  He often attended events, from fire company banquets to parades just to show his support for our community.  We appreciate all that he did for Cheltenham.  Rest in Peace Mr. Curry."

"Likewise, Larry was a great supporter of Cheltenham Police," according to a statement issued today by the Cheltenham Township Police Department.  "We always knew he stood in our corner.  Larry will be greatly missed."

The School District of Jenkintown issued a statement of remembrance of Mr. Curry:  "It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of Larry Curry.  Larry was a 1952 Jenkintown graduate and State Representative from 1993-2012.  Larry was a strong supporter of the Jenkintown School District and a longtime Borough resident.  We are grateful for his countless contributions to our District and Borough.  Larry will be greatly missed and forever remembered."

In 2016, the bridge that carries Greenwood Avenue near the entrance to the Jenkintown-Wyncote SEPTA Train Station was named in the honor of Mr. Curry.  You can view a video of that dedication at:

The biography of Mr. Curry from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives indicated that he was a "representative from Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties; born on February 21, 1936; graduated, Jenkintown High School, 1952; B.A., University of Pennsylvania, 1957; M.A., University of Pennsylvania, 1958; associate professor of American Civilization, University of the Arts, Philadelphia; adjunct professor, Acadia University, Montgomery County Community College, and Rutgers-Camden University; guest lecturer, Philadelphia Community College and Camden Community College; elected as a Democrat to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 1993 term; served 9 more consecutive terms; not a candidate for reelection to the House (2012); elected, delegate, Democratic National Convention (2004)."

Credits:

The video and photograph of Mr. Curry are provided courtesy of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 2016.

The photograph of Mr. Curry and others at the dedication of the bridge naming is provided courtesy of 
Congresswoman-Elect Madeleine Dean.