Larry  Melissen's Memorial

Larry Melissen
(1963 - 2010)

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General Details

Name: Larry Melissen
Gender: Male
Age: 47 years old
Lived: Saturday, 23 February 1963 - Wednesday, 11 August 2010

My Story

Larry was eighth born of 16 siblings. We lived on 20th Street in West Oak Lane until he was two, when we moved to Gowen Avenue in Mt. Airy. Larry went to Holy Cross Grade School, and Cardinal Dougherty High School. During his third and fourth year of high school, he took baking classes at Randolph Technical High School in Philly.

Larry was interviewed and written up by the Phila­delphia Daily News food writer, the Phila­delphia Style Mag by author and beer journalist – Lew Bryson, the Chestnut Hill Local, and the Germantown Courier for the menu he created and executed at McMenamin’s Tavern, and his baking skills at Jamison’s and Roller’s Bakery. His chicken wings won a 2001 Best of Philly Award by the Philadelphia Magazine, and Lew Bryson named McMenamin’s “Best Food in a Philly Bar 2004” for Larry’s ‘impressive bistro menu.’

Larry enjoyed creating the “comfort food” menu and home-made soups, stews and chili he offered at McMenamin’s, but delighted in surprising his customers with offerings such as escargots in puff pastry, shrimp and crab manicotti, filet mignon served on a nest of fried leeks, and apple tarte tatin.

But Larry’s first career love was baking. The cinnamon buns he made from our mother’s recipe became famous, and loyal customers followed him from bakery to bakery for them. Once you had Larry’s cinnamon buns, no others would do.

Larry had many passions in his life – fishing, bicycling, most music, sharp knives, watches, pretty girls, silver jewelry, black clothes,  Marilyn Monroe, maps, collecting fishing rods, interesting art pieces, unusual boxes and antique tools, growing plants from seeds (he started a grapefruit tree!), and deviling bureaucrats.

He was fiercely loyal to his friends. He was very gener­ous to restaurant and bar workers, and he listened so intently when you talked to him –  you felt like the most important person he knew. He could party hardy, and loved to dance.

But the most important thing in Larry’s life was our family. He would do anything for us, and often did. You barely had to ask, and Larry would provide if he possibly could. He treasured each and every one of us, and could recognize our hearts’ desire sometimes before we did. He appreciated and celebrated each of our unique talents and characteristics, and was our biggest supporter in our endeavors and struggles.

Latest Tributes

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Memory Memorial Tribute
From: CarolR
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Larry contributed so much to my plan to sell my condo across from his, and move to North Carolina to be near my famil...
Candle Memorial Tribute
From: esterrick
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Here are some thoughts on Larry: http://theomnivorenow.blogspot.com/2010/09/he-was-gastropub-before-gastropub-was....
Flower Memorial Tribute
From: esterrick
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I was the Daily News writer who profiled Larry for his skill and amazing talent at working in a very very samll kitch...

Biography

Mothers Name: Mary Jean Melissen
Siblings Names: Tish, Sammy, Angel, Leo, Tom, Carl, Gerry, Jack, Paul, Bernie, Mary, Evie, Rob, Billy, Carrie
City of Residence: Philadelphia, Fort Washington
Occupation: Other

Interests

Favourite Sport: Hockey
Favourite Team: Flyers
Favourite Music Genre: Miscellaneous

Passing

Place of Passing: Fort Washington, PA
Date of Passing: 11 August 2010
Cause of Passing: Diabetic ketoacidosis
Funeral Date: 17 August 2010
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2,756 Visits    |    Online Memorial Created By: saMel on 27 September 2010    |     Back to Top





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