HONORING LARRY CONDON

HONORING LARRY CONDON

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 7 (Tuesday, January 14, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 14, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E29] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LARRY CONDON ______ HON. RITCHIE TORRES of new york in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to honor the life and memory of Larry Condon. A New York Advocate and well-respected man who dedicated much of his time providing transformative philanthropic funding to a host of initiatives. At the time of his passing, Larry was still working tirelessly for others. He was serving as Chairman Emeritus of the Mertz Gilmore Foundation, a Life Trustee at the New York Botanical Garden, and an honorary advisor to the Public Theater. Larry became one of the six original trustees of the LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust, which during its 30-year life distributed 450 million dollars to the Public Theater, The New York Botanical Garden, the Joyce Theater, WNET, and many other cultural, environmental and civil rights organizations. This was coupled with his leadership of the Mertz Gilmore foundation which focused on climate change, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, community engagement, and the performing arts in New York City. His work with the New York Botanical Garden was immense. Larry underwrote multiple initiatives including exhibitions, visitor programs, scientific works, and important capital projects including the Haupt Conservatory. Larry also worked diligently to protect and endow the LeEsther T. Mertz Library, the world's leading botanical library. Larry Condon lived his life in pursuit of improving the world around him for generations to come. From his first job as a high school teacher to his philanthropic work, Larry provided growth and love to those around him. He will be sorely missed. ____________________