Larry Anderson Dies At 59 |Staten Island Culture And LGBTQ+ Rights 

Larry Anderson Dies At 59 |Staten Island Culture And LGBTQ+ Rights

Staten Island is mourning the loss of Larry Anderson, a passionate advocate for its cultural institutions and the LGBTQ+ community, who died Sunday at age 59. A lifelong Staten Islander, Anderson had been hospitalized in critical condition since suffering a catastrophic heart attack at home on Nov. 2.

For the last decade, Anderson served as the director of performing arts and public programs at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. He was a steady and beloved leader, described by Snug Harbor’s president as an “ardent supporter” whose care for the cultural park was unrivaled. He was deeply committed to ensuring local performing artists had the support they needed to thrive.

His advocacy extended far beyond the arts. Anderson served as board chair of the Staten Island Pride Center, tirelessly fighting for the rights and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. His dedication to civic life was also reflected in his role as board treasurer for the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art and his activity within the Richmond County Democratic Committee.

A devoted gardener, painter, and history enthusiast, Anderson’s West Brighton backyard was his personal sanctuary. Family and friends, who maintained a vigil at his hospital bedside, noted he briefly rallied on Thanksgiving, his favorite holiday, giving them hope. His passing leaves a profound void in the community he so passionately served.