Larry M. Blizzard

Larry Marshall Blizzard, son of Mildred Blizzard and Hezekiah Brown was born on March 29, 1949 in Baltimore City, MD. He departed this life on March 7th, 2024 after a lengthy illness.

Larry grew up in East Baltimore and was educated in the Baltimore City School system, graduating from Baltimore City College in 1967. He went on to earn his B.A. from Morgan State University in 1971 and from the University of Michigan a Masters in Social Work. He worked several social work jobs in Baltimore and Washington, DC. He had a special interest in counseling young people, which was appreciated by the scores he touched. These jobs included stints at Coppin, UMBC and Morgan. At Morgan, he was the director of the Trio program which focused on preparing minority inner city youth for college. Larry was also devoted to his family and friends. He was especially fond of his young nephews and cousins.

Larry’s leadership potential was evident early. He organized one of the only high school fraternities in Baltimore in the late 60’s. As president of the “OOP’s” fraternity, Larry encouraged his frat brothers to lead lives of purpose, while also having good clean fun. Larry was an impeccable dresser and was once featured in the Baltimore Sun for his collection of hats. Larry had a keen appreciation for the finer things in life. He had an extensive collection of art and jewelry from around the world. He appreciated music and theater, frequently taking many trips to New York to attend Broadway shows, including many by the great August Wilson. He was comfortable in any surrounding and with anyone, whether it was the average person on the street or musicians and movie stars.

Larry suffered a debilitating stroke in 2010 which cut his work career short. Despite entering a nursing care facility, Larry remained upbeat, interacting with the other neighbors and staff. While in the
facility, Larry would light up when he received visitors, gifts, home cooked meals, and especially snacks.

“Larry walked softly among us, leading a life of simplicity. Still his footprints are planted in the sand of time, as history records his gentle good nature…his smile of approval…his nod of acceptance…his touch of hope and encouragement…his promises kept…his gift of love…and a life well lived.”

Larry is survived by his dear friend and caretaker Charlene Dyches, his close friends Peggy Boozer, Martina Hunter Pack, Terry Edmonds and Barry. W. Powell; his older cousins Clara Smothers and Doris Cheek; his brother Everett Marshall; his first cousins Faye Manning, Garland Davis, and Maurice Cuffee; his first cousins once removed, Gil Davis, Glynn Davis, Tatum Manning, Sophia Ndiyo, Selena Benitez Cuffee; his first cousins twice removed, Talon Manning and Josefina Ndiyo; Erica Brown and Kyrie Brown; a host of other family and friends.