[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.

                          ____________________