Lawrence Humphries

Lawrence Humphries, 95 years young, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 6, 2022. Born in Springfield, MA on August 10, 1926, he was the son of the late Leonard and Josephine (Cowhey) Humphries. He was raised by his foster parents John and Mary (Cope) Leonard.  He served in the Army’s 76^th Engineer’s Construction Battalion during the Korean War. After the war ended, Larry went on to a successful career over the years working as Publicity Director for Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival; Gallery Manager at The Little Gallery; Co-Director and Owner of Ballet Theatre School of Springfield; and semi-retired as an esteemed Dance Publicist and Impresario.

As a small child he took tap dance lessons, sparking a life-long interest in dance. He went on to perform in many productions and soon amassed a reputation as a local talent and dance instructor. Larry was a longtime supporter of Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, MA.  Although Larry was legally blind, he could see shadows, and enjoyed attending the many dance performances at Jacob’s Pillow over the years.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings: twin sister Claire Duffy; brother Edward Humphries; sisters Gertrude Hadenchuk, Julia Flanders, Norma Berard and Marion Myette.

Larry is survived by his loving nieces Jeri Humphries of Ludlow and Judi Humphries of East Longmeadow and nephews James Duffy and Roger Duffy, as well as caring niece Susan Rowe, many other nieces and nephews and his adopted son Yong “Jackie” Hwang of Ohio. Larry will be dearly missed by his longtime fellow dancers: Lynn Jasmin,  Lynn Connolly and Gayle Midura, and his many other close friends, including Norton and David Owen, Richard and Steven LaBorde, Gary Maharne, Arabinda Saoo and Ipshita Sahu.

A special thank you to all the administration and staff at Life Care of Wilbraham for the loving care and attention provided to Larry while he was a resident there.

Per Larry’s wishes there will be no services.. Donations may be made in Larry’s memory to Jacob’s Pillow, 358 George Carter Rd, Becket, MA 01223 or a charity of one’s choice.