Lawrence (Larry) Sheldon Katzman

PHOENIX – September 19, 1925 — September 2, 2019

On Labor Day, September 2, 2019 (just short of his 94th birthday), Larry Katzman took his last breath surrounded by his loving family.

Larry was born on September 19, 1925 to Frank and Nettie Katzman in Syracuse, New York. He was the middle of three boys and was a good athlete from a very early age. Sports, teaching and coaching were the highlights of his career, and he was physically active well into his 80s.

Larry was a loving husband to Elaine Menter Katzman, his childhood sweetheart and his wife of 71+ years. Larry was a wonderful father and a guiding light for his three beautiful daughters: Linda Tenenbaum (Jerry), Judy Isaacs (Marc), and Joanie Katzman (Donnie Samora). Family was his pride and joy throughout his lifetime and as the Patriarch of the family, he enjoyed participating in the lives of his 3 girls, 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

At 18 years of age, having just graduated from high school, he enlisted in the US Navy. After training, he was stationed on the USS Pasadena in the South Pacific during World War II. Though he didn’t say much about his experiences, he was always proud of his military service. It was a life-changing experience, and he returned home after the War a much more mature young man.

Back home in Syracuse, he entered Syracuse University and achieved a Bachelors, Masters and eventually a PhD in Health and Physical Education. During his time at Syracuse, Larry was a member of the Varsity Gymnastics Team. This led to a lifetime of teaching, coaching and counseling kids in various camps about the importance of physical fitness and value of sports, with basketball becoming the main focus for this (5’5”) giant of a man. Throughout his life, Larry was in excellent physical condition and felt that this was the best way he could set an example for his students and his family. “Coach” taught at the high school and collegiate levels, including at Erie Community College (ECC), Buffalo State University, Syracuse University and Arizona State University.

At ECC in 1950, Larry was the first athletic director and basketball coach. Their mascot name, the KATS, was named after him and that remains their name to this day. Larry was also inducted into the ECC and Buffalo State University Athletics Halls of Fame.

Larry was predeceased by his Mom and Dad (Nettie and Frank Katzman) and his older brother, Norm. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife and soulmate of 71 years, Elaine, and a loving supportive family including: his brother, Dr. Ed Katzman, Linda and Jerry Tenenbaum, Judy and Marc Isaacs, Joanie Katzman and their fantastic kids and grandkids: Todd and Mary Tenenbaum (Brandon and Jack), Neil and Liza Tenenbaum (Leah, Evan and Noah), Kerri Tenenbaum (Dylan and Cody), Scott and Jennifer Tenenbaum, Adam and Melanie Isaacs (Charlie and Anna), Dena Isaacs, Paul and Jessica Venesky (Natalie, Lilly, and Paulie), Alan and Shara Venesky (Adelynn and Charlotte).

The World is a Better Place thanks to this kind, generous, loving man, Larry Katzman. Rest in Peace Larry, Dad, Papa and Grandpa!