Lawrence H. Slezak

Lawrence (Larry) Haverl Slezak of Houston, Texas, passed away on July 28, 2017 in hospice care at the age of 71. Larry was born February 12, 1946 in Manhattan, New York to the late Edward and Anna Slezak. Larry was preceded in death by his loving wife of 37 years, Annie (Ann) L. Slezak. He is survived by his son Joseph Slezak [Melissa], his brother Ed Slezak [Caroline], and a host of other relatives.

Larry decided early in life that he wanted to be a musician and so began playing tenor saxophone at age ten. He eventually mastered all the saxophones, clarinet and bass clarinet, flute, piccolo, oboe, and English horn. By age 14 he had begun what proved to be a long and esteemed career working with many well- known artists such as Ray Charles, Bob Hope, Natalie Cole, Nancy Wilson, Burt Bacharach, Tony Bennett, and many others.

Larry enlisted in the United States Army in 1967 and was deployed as part of the 7th Infantry Division to Camp Casey, South Korea. He served in the army band as a clarinet player. By the end of his active duty and reserve service in 1973, he had been awarded a National Defense Service Medal, a Marksmanship badge for the M-14 rifle, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.

In 1973, Larry and his family moved to Houston where he began performing with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, The Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, The Theatre Under The Stars Orchestra, and with his own jazz ensemble and organ band. As much as Larry loved being a performing artist, he loved teaching and mentoring even more. He spent many years teaching private lessons in his home, at San Jacinto College and at Rice University where he also taught Applied Jazz Studies and conducted the Rice Jazz Ensembles. He felt honored to have the opportunity to spend time with “the kids.” Larry had such an unbeatable work ethic, drive, and passion as an artist that it was impossible to be around him for any length of time and not feel inspired.

Larry was an avid car enthusiast. It was his love of vehicles that led him to begin working as a mechanic in New York after his return from Korea. When he wasn’t playing or teaching, he could be found tinkering in his driveway under the hood or the chassis of one of his or his friends’ cars. He collected cars, car magazines, car manuals, and car parts. If anyone ever needed a replacement part, Larry had it in a little box in his garage.

Larry was a man of great humility and gratitude. It is a completely inadequate task to attempt to express on paper exactly who he was and what he meant to so many and how he changed so many lives. You just had to know him. He had a habit of saying two things during his performances. When the band was ready to take a break, He would lean into the microphone and say, “Thanks everyone for your support. Stick around, we’re going to take a short pause for the cause.” When the gig was over, he would ask, “Well, was it any good?” So, we are not saying goodbye forever. We are just going to take a pause for the cause and yes, Larry, it was always very good.

If you prefer to do a donation in Larry's name, you may do so to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center or Northwest Assistance Ministries.