Lawrence Wayne Anderson

Lawrence “Larry” Wayne Anderson, a cherished Staten Island native whose generosity, creativity, and unwavering commitment to community touched thousands of lives, passed away on November 30, 2025, at the age of 59.

Born on September 24, 1966, Larry spent his entire life devoted to the borough he loved. He was widely known for his joyful spirit, his deep appreciation for Staten Island’s history and culture, and his remarkable ability to bring people together.

Larry attended Susan Wagner High School and studied at the College of Staten Island and Baruch College. He also pursued landscape design and architecture at the New York Botanical Garden School of Professional Horticulture.

A man of many talents and passions, Larry loved gardening, cooking, painting, reading, and researching genealogy and local history. He found meaning in creativity, connection, and everyday beauty, and shared those gifts freely with others. His backyard was his sanctuary and his greatest source of pride. A devoted gardener, he spent countless hours nurturing his plants and creating a space of beauty and calm. Known among friends and neighbors as the go-to expert for anything that could grow, Larry generously shared his knowledge, always ready to lend a hand or offer guidance.

Larry dedicated decades of his life to serving Staten Island’s cultural and LGBTQ+ communities. At the time of his passing, he was the Board Chair of the Pride Center of Staten Island, where his leadership, compassion, and steadfast advocacy helped shape a more inclusive and supportive borough. He was admired for his warmth, humility, and unwavering belief in lifting others up.

For nearly five years, Larry served as the Facilities Site Director at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, having previously held the roles of Director of Performing Arts & Production Management and Director of Performing Arts & Public Programs, where he helped shape the artistic and cultural programming that brought the campus to life. He played a vital role in supporting the center’s theaters, outdoor performance spaces, gardens, and public programs, contributing to more than 650 annual events that welcomed over 134,000 visitors each year. His pride in Snug Harbor, his professionalism, and his boundless dedication made him a beloved member of the cultural community.

Before joining Snug Harbor, he built a 30-year career in the live entertainment industry, and spent more than a decade as the Director of Tour Management and Booking Agent at Columbia Artists Theatricals, a role that reflected his deep connection to the arts community.

Outside of his professional career, Larry generously shared his talents across Staten Island. He served as a Committee Member for the Staten Island Democratic County Committee, contributing his integrity and civic spirit to local public life. In addition, he was the Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, supporting the preservation and vitality of one of the borough’s treasured institutions of Tibetan Culture. He also co-produced two performances held at Snug Harbor, further weaving himself into the cultural life of the borough.

His dedication to supporting others extended beyond leadership roles. For more than 25 years, he volunteered with Community Health Action of Staten Island, offering support within their social services programs and showing up for vulnerable members of the community with empathy, humility, and consistency. Above all, Larry was known for his exceptional kindness. He always made time for those who needed help, offering compassion freely and without hesitation.

Throughout his life, Larry embodied the very best of community service — quietly supporting others, offering kindness without fanfare, and showing up whenever someone needed a hand. Friends and colleagues remember him for his optimism, his encouraging presence, and the smile he carried everywhere he went.

In 1997, Larry met the love of his life, Matthew Walby. Their bond grew over 28 years of devotion, partnership, and joy. They married in August of 2019 and spent their years together building a life of love and partnership on Staten Island, shared with their cherished dogs, Luna and Simon.

Larry is survived by his husband, Matthew Walby; his father, Lawrence Anderson and wife Beverly; his mother Mary Ann Wayne-Anderson; his siblings, Mark Anderson, Peter Garcia and wife, Dina, Andrew Garcia and wife, Leah, and Mark Garcia; his nephews, Riley Anderson, Lucas Garcia and Noah Garcia; his mother-in-law, Nancy Walby, and late husband, Michael Walby; his sister-in-law, Jacqueline Bocchino and husband, Cody Bocchino; and his aunts, Barbara Pietracatella, and Maria Walby; as well as countless cousins, dear friends, colleagues, and a community that cherished him. He will be remembered for his optimism, kindness, quick smile, and the genuine love he extended to all who crossed his path.

His loss leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of those who knew him, but his legacy—of service, compassion, humor, and humanity—will endure for generations. He will be remembered for his kindness, creativity, humor, and the profound love and positivity he brought to the world.