Laurence Herbert Bishoff, affectionately known as Larry, of Boston, MA, passed away on June 6, 2021, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in 1937 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Sophie and David Bishoff, Larry came to Boston at the age of 17 to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Larry majored in management, became president of the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity, and served in the ROTC. Following his graduation, Larry served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army and trained as a sharpshooter.
After his army service, Larry returned to MIT as Director of Housing and Dining, spearheading the renovation and development of several dormitories and dining facilities. Subsequently, Larry became the Executive Director of the MIT medical department and created an HMO for the MIT community, the first in the country not affiliated with a medical school. Larry spent most of his career in healthcare administration, working at MIT, Harvard University, and private corporations. In his later years, Larry became a serial entrepreneur, founding several successful companies that combined his expertise in healthcare administration and technology.
Beyond his incredible work ethic and accomplishments, Larry had many interests. He was an avid Boston sports fan, enjoying the same pair of seats at Fenway Park every year since 1967, as well as season tickets to the Celtics and Patriots. He played squash, basketball, and golf, and served as a head coach for Newton Girls Soccer. Larry was a longtime member of the Harvard Club of Boston, a jazz and classical music aficionado, and an avid reader. Larry dazzled family and friends with his formidable intellect and extraordinary math skills, such as instantly calculating in his head the sum of long lists of numbers, patiently providing the correct answer no matter how many times his children tried, unsuccessfully, to stump him.
On top of his intellectual curiosity, Larry’s unfailing kindness, optimism, and sense of humor were legendary. He was generous to a fault, offered a kind word and smile to all, and told great stories. Larry was a mentor and friend to many, always willing to patiently listen, offer words of wisdom and encouragement, and help find solutions to life’s challenges. Larry delighted in hosting family and friends over a beautiful meal, talking and laughing until late into the night. Despite bravely fighting through health challenges for many years, Larry never complained and always praised the wonderful medical staff of Massachusetts General Hospital who cared for him.
Larry is survived by his beloved family: wife, Ann Bishoff; son, Marc Bishoff; daughters, Amanda Muros-Bishoff and Alyssa Muros-Bishoff; son-in-law, William Droste; stepdaughter, Wendy Falchuk and family; grandsons, Marc Bishoff and Liam Palkhiwala; sister, Janey Bishoff, brother-in-law, David Blumenthal, nephew, Daniel Blumenthal, and his partner, Danielle Youngman; niece, Tobey Pearl and family; and many friends.
Funeral services will be private. Shiva will be observed on June 10, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at the home of Alyssa Muros-Bishoff and William Droste, and on June 11, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., at the home of Janey Bishoff and David Blumenthal. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to MIT, in memory of Laurence Bishoff for the Class of 1959 Student Aid Fund. Checks may be made payable to MIT and mailed to: Memorial Gifts Office; 600 Memorial Drive, W98-500; Cambridge, MA 02139. Credit card gifts can be made from the following website: https://giving.mit.edu/laurence-bishoff
