Larry L. Dishman

A true Ann Arborite and pillar of the community, Larry LaVern Dishman,”LLD” “Dishman” “The Dish” was born on November 10, 1947, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He passed away on March 4, 2024, at Trinity Health Hospital in Ypsilanti, Michigan, surrounded by his family and friends. He was preparing for treatment to fight cancer for the fourth time as his DLBC Lymphoma had recently relapsed. He fought Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for the last 21 years, ultimately dying from it although cancer never won. He was the eldest of five children born to LaVern and Evelyn “Dickie” (Wiehn) Dishman. As a young boy, Larry deeply bonded with his mother and enjoyed spending time with her, reading and eating her delicious stuffed cabbage and applesauce cookies. He loved playing cowboys, airplanes and toy soldiers and organizing neighborhood sandlot games with friends. Larry attended St. Thomas the Apostle School in Ann Arbor, graduating in June 1965. The highlights of these years include: causing frequent trouble for the nuns, becoming the starting nose guard on St. Thomas’s football team, “the leatherheads”, and being a proud member of the Washtenaw County Sheriff Department Junior Deputies, where he fielded footballs in the end zone at University of Michigan and provided support during a presidential visit. After graduation he attended Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan where he earned three graduate degrees in Language/Linguistics. He pursued his PhD in linguistics but instead ended up with his ABD (all but dissertation), a joke he often told when asked about his highest level of education. His early careers involved working at Otis Elevator Company with his father and spending nights making and delivering pizzas out of one of the first Domino's Pizza locations. He also worked at the Brookside party store, the SS Kresge Co on State St. along with several roles at the United States Post Office. Of course in true “Dishman” fashion, these roles weren’t without adventures or great stories. Anyone who has spent some time with him has heard of the story about the DeLorean with the warming oven that eventually caught on fire one night, or the time he was robbed at gunpoint while working at the convenience store. He tested the elevators working at Otis by riding on top of the elevators and using sandbags for weights, occasionally having to make interesting maneuvers and crawling out of small spaces. Larry was even recruited for the CIA due to his linguistic abilities and intelligence. He was given a test to see if he stacked up to his acclaimed skills. He finished the test in record time and the “man in charge” asked what was wrong. Larry informed him he was finished, and the man was in disbelief because of how quickly he completed the test with a perfect score. What he would call his true calling started in 1975 when Larry began working for Ann Arbor Public Schools Recreation Department in Team Sports Division. He ultimately became the Coordinator of Team Sports, retiring after 40 years of service in 2015. During this time, he expanded the adult softball program to include over 9,000 players and 500 teams during the summer season. As recounted by so many, Larry had an open door policy for team managers, players and staff. He was committed to fully listening before making decisions, even though not everyone always agreed, they knew Larry had heard them out and respected him for that. Larry would often visit Annie’s Dugout, where he couldn’t pay for a meal or a drink, as people were lined up to treat him for his commitment to the community. He developed the first recreational youth soccer program in Ann Arbor. He coordinated and ran the Ann Arbor sister city programs with Hikone, Japan and Petersburg, Ontario. He also served as the athletic director for AAPS high schools. However, his most enjoyable endeavor was umpiring. Although he didn’t make the cut to be a major league umpire due to his height and the fact he wore glasses, that didn’t stop him. He umpired for 32 years, regularly officiating Big Ten and Mac fast-pitch softball games. If you played in a game Larry called, you can still hear his distinguished umpire voice. He was often told there was no one better calling balls and strikes. Larry was lovingly called “Mr. Baseball” and the “Softball King” of Ann Arbor. He was inducted into the MASA hall of fame in 2006 for his meritorious service. Larry was a true intellect, problem solver and enjoyed challenges of the mind. He enjoyed playing Trivia with his friends, engaging in word games with his grandkids, and watching Jeopardy, pausing and answering questions before the contestants could buzz in. Larry was also a fan of U of M football and enjoyed attending games, as well as watching his favorite sports teams at home. Additionally, he participated in fantasy football and fantasy baseball leagues with his long-time friends. Larry had a heart of gold and enjoyed connecting with others. He was a fantastic storyteller with a wealth of knowledge and he loved sharing it with others. The room was never silent for long, as Larry would fill it with historical accounts from his ancestors or stories from his childhood growing up. Larry met his wife Donna “Schultzie” while working for the Ann Arbor Public Schools Recreation Department. They spent 41 loving years together raising their beautiful and accomplished daughters Megan “Mugs” and Bethany “Rosie-Sensi.” Larry loved his family and friends. His most prized roles being a husband, dad and a grandfather, “Gampy.” He adored his daughters and grandchildren and had a special connection with each one. He would always say being a “Gampy” was the best job he has ever had and would put aside anything to spend time with them playing cards, watching old cartoons, or singing them songs to lighten their moods. Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Donna, and two daughters, Megan (Christopher) Citarella and Bethany (Scott) VandenBrand. Larry leaves behind his five grandchildren who will cherish his memory and continue his legacy: Nicholas Citarella, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Vandenbrand, Olivia VandenBrand, Amelia Citarella, and Callen VandenBrand. Lastly, Larry is survived by his siblings Debbie Dishman, Rich ( Randy) Dishman, Cindy (Bruce) Dishman, and Thomas (JoAnna) Dishman, along with several nieces and nephews and dear friends whom he loved so much. Larry will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. Larry L. Dishman's visitation will be held at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home in Plymouth, MI, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 2 to 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, MI. An Irish wake to celebrate Larry’s legacy and achievements will be held at Conor O’Neill's Irish Pub following the Mass on Thursday, March 14 from 3 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers we will be creating a Larry Dishman memorial fund to support sports in the community via the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan. Please make checks payable to: Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, 333 West Fort, Suite 2010, Detroit, MI 48226. Please include, “in memory of Larry Dishman” in the memo line of the check or in an attached note. We will have more information and a website in the coming weeks to accept donations. To share a memory, please visit vermeulenfh.com

Larry L. Dishman

November 10, 1947 - March 4, 2024