Lawrence "Larry" Alan Gelbert Jr.

Lawrence Alan Gelbert, Jr., known to everyone who loves him as “Larry,” passed away on November 29, 2023, a few days before his 55th birthday. Larry was born in Cocoa Beach, Florida and grew up in Cocoa and Virginia Beach. He graduated from high school in Virginia Beach. Larry suffered brain damage as an infant and was unable to do many things that most people take for granted. Some people may refer to Larry as a person with “special needs,” but his family chooses to focus instead on his special gifts and the joy and love that Larry inspired in each one of us. Larry loved to laugh, swim, dance, and shake hands with everyone he met. Knowing, loving, and caring for Larry has enriched each the lives of each of his family members.

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved stepfather, Jim Baker, who so generously gave his love and care to Larry for 18 years before his death in 2004. Larry is survived by his loving mother, Nancy Baker, his father, Lawrence Gelbert, Sr., his sisters, Lauren Moore (Jim), Lisa Gurri (Joe), Pam Martini (Bill), his nephews Steven, Ben, Nicholas, Noah, Charley, and Shane, and his nieces, Lauren, Sarah, Haley, and Jameson. Larry had many friends from his time at The Brevard Achievement Center in Rockledge, EasterSeals in Palm Bay, and Lakeview Court in Orlando.

Larry’s family is thankful for the blessing of Larry’s life and how he changed the trajectory of each of their lives. Larry inspired his sister Lauren to become a nurse, his sister Lisa to become a speech pathologist, his sister Pam to became an attorney, and his niece Sarah to become a neurologist. Larry taught each member of his extended family and everyone who knew him how to feel and express empathy, patience, and compassion. Larry was unable to speak except for a few words. If he liked something or someone, it was “My Own!” Larry participated in equine riding therapy, loved to take rides in a boat or on a motorcycle, and especially loved the annual Christmas visit by Santa Claus on a firetruck in Melbourne Beach. Larry always loved a siren. “Ho Ho” was another favorite expression and his family takes comfort in celebrating Larry’s life during the Christmas season.

Larry touched everyone he met, first by extending his hand for a handshake and if you got to know him, he touched your heart. His life may have been short, and he may have had limitations, but for those who loved him, his life had deep and lasting impact. His life had value which won’t end with his physical being, it will go on through everyone he touched and each of his friends and family who loved him. Each of his 55 years was a bonus and a blessing to his family. Larry, we hope you are at peace and that you are dancing, laughing, swimming, and being as loud as you want.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, 428 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Funeral services will follow at 2 pm. Interment will take place at Florida National Cemetery at a later date.