Clarence "Larry" Metzgar

Clarence Lance Metzgar "Larry", 77, of Mansfield, beloved husband for 54 years of Eileen (Morris) Metzgar, passed away on November 8, 2012 peacefully in his sleep. Larry was born in Philadelphia, PA on September 9, 1935. He graduated from Atlantic City High School, and continued on to receive a Bachelor's degree, MBA and CPA from Rutgers University. In a lifetime of achievements that feature a beautiful family, a lifelong commitment to the church, and a successful career in finance, Larry accomplished one of his greatest feats when in 2011, he published his memoirs in a book entitled "Atlantic City Memories..and Beyond". Larry was brought up in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in his French Grandmother's large, comfortable home on Aberdeen Place. His early summers were spent in the shadow of the lifeguard stands on the beach, building Camelot-like sand castles and tidal moats. Growing up on the beach was an unforgettable magical time for Larry and his sister, Dina. They spent many hours swimming and riding in on the waves under the watchful eyes and shrill whistles of the Atlantic City lifeguards. Larry always loved the beach, and especially, the lifeguards. Later, as Larry reached college age, he became one of those lifeguards, which he absolutely loved. Larry was always very industrious, starting his working career at age 10 sweeping floors part-time at Ackley's Drug Store on Ventnor Avenue and delivering grocery orders for tips in his wood-sided radio flyer wagon for the neighborhood American Store. At age 13, Larry writes in his Memoirs, "Atlantic City Memories... and Beyond" that he came into his first big money job as a busboy at an Italian restaurant on the famous Atlantic City boardwalk and in his mid-teens also worked as a driver's helper for a Linen Rental service. All leading up to his days of becoming an Atlantic City lifeguard and then off to Rutgers University. Larry met Eileen on a blind date while at Rutgers and they married in September 1958. Larry and Eileen settled in Scotch Plains and then Mountainside, New Jersey where they raised their 3 daughters - Laurel, Bonnie and Betsy. In 1970, the Metzgar family moved from Mountainside to Darien, Connecticut, where they resided for over 30 years. In 2002, Larry and Eileen retired to Mansfield, close to their grandchildren and the University of Connecticut. Larry was an avid supporter of the UConn Huskies, as well as his Alma Mater Rutgers. It was always an exciting day when UConn and Rutgers went head to head in football and basketball!! Larry was loved by so many people and had hundreds of friends who admired him for his courage during his 15-year battle with Parkinsons disease. Larry is survived by his wife, Eileen, and his three children - Laurel Metzgar Grisamer and her husband Russell of Mansfield, CT, Betsy Metzgar Harakaly of Storrs, CT and Bonnie Metzgar of Chicago, IL. Larry was blessed with 7 grandchildren who loved him dearly - Lyndsay and Kent Grisamer; Cali, Jacob and Juliana Harakaly; and Zora and Rosalind Metzgar-Rugg. He is also survived by his sister, Dina DeAnnuntis, of Mays Landing, NJ and his nephew, James DeAnnuntis. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 17th at 10:30 am at the Storrs Congregational Church, 2 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT, 06268 followed by a reception in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Youth Group at the Storrs Congregational Church, address above. Online remembrances can be left for the family at potterfuneralhome.com.