Larry Isaacson

Larry Isaacson, age 92, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026 at Cadia at Broadmeadow in Middletown, DE. Larry was born in Rochester, NY, Sept. 15, 1933, the son of Lawrence Ernest Isaacson and Harriet (Knapp-Pierson) Isaacson. (A sister, Kay, died in infancy).

Larry earned Eagle Scout ranking in the BSA, graduated from West High School (1950) in Rochester, NY, and attended NYS College of Forestry at Syracuse University (Delta Upsilon social fraternity) majoring in Landscape Architecture. He later attended the University of Chicago for a Fellowship in Public Affairs. As an ROTC cadet, he received his commission in the USAF as a 2nd Lieutenant and served active duty as a navigator in the USAF from 1956-1959.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nancy Hammond Isaacson, of Bradford, NH, a son Stephen W. Isaacson (wife Holly Isaacson) of Cecilton, MD, daughter Holly I. Holmes (husband Steven Holmes) of Golden, CO. His 5 grandchildren include, Caroline Hendon, Andrew Isaacson, Peter Isaacson, Roxanne and Conrad Holmes, and 5 great grand-daughters.

He began his professional life in June of 1955 as a landscape architect with the National Park Service, US Dept of the Interior in Philadelphia, PA. He worked on projects in Acadia NP, Saratoga Springs NHP, and Cape Cod National Seashore. With the passage of the Highway Beautification Act in 1965, he joined the US Bureau of Public Roads, later the Federal Highway Administration, US Dept. of Transportation in Albany, NY. Later, he transferred to Washington D.C. working in the area of highway beautification and then environmental program management, acting as the agency’s Chief Landscape Architect. Working in DC required a formidable commute over the years by car and later by train from Brunswick to DC. Coming home from work, quick to have a drink in hand, he would head out to the barn to look for eggs from the free range chickens. Mr. Isaacson happily retired in 1990 at age 59.

Mr. Isaacson resided 46 years in Middletown, MD on their 16 acre farm. He was devoted to Nancy and supported her every interest, various careers, and educational pursuits. He encouraged his children to pursue their dreams and be independent. In his later years, Larry ran a successful small business as the Middletown Valley Chimney Sweep, servicing Frederick and Washington counties. He enjoyed showing up in black tophat and tails and scaling home roofs with his battery of ladders. Peaceful summers after retirement were spent with Nancy on Lake Blaisdell in South Sutton, NH Larry and Nancy crafted their cottage into a functional living space for relaxation and small space living.

Mr. Isaacson loved to alpine ski, sail, and shoot. He captained his Syracuse club ski team, studied and put to test many skiing manuals, and competed in local and national NASTAR ski racing programs into his 80’s. He visited up to 140 different ski areas throughout his lifetime enjoying annual trips in later years with fellow sportsman, Leo Rocca. Sailing was learned in the Adirondacks at summer camp and Larry enjoyed sailing small craft in NH lakes. He was an accomplished competitive marksman shooting skeet, trap and sporting clays. He taught his friends and family and loved to organize shoots. (Groundhogs and other over abundant critters on the farm had best beware of Larry).

Larry’s artistic eye allowed a lifetime of creations including aesthetic drawings of buildings and landscapes, paintings, woodworking, and sculpture. His impressive penmanship from early drafting experience helped his innate high level of organization, list making, map drawing, and communications with friends and family. Larry was well known for reading every instruction booklet to a fault. Larry was poetic and contemplative. Larry was highly proficient in the kitchen, a connoisseur of wild game, seafood (oysters, lobsters, mussels), mint juleps,  and organizing healthy meals. He researched recipes and procured special ingredients late into his 80’s.

Larry was a fastidious dresser and took pride in his fine alpine sweaters, jeans and slacks, dinner jackets and occasional black tie attire. He proclaimed he didn’t care to dress up, but did so with ease and style. His high fashion usually upgraded the Goodwill origins of his garments. He gave as much as he found in the archives of many second hand stores and was always proud of his unique finds. Above all he was frugal and very resourceful. Always the boyscout ready with his multi tool and flashlight, pen and notebook.

Dancing was a gift performed with steady guidance to all his ladies, making each feel a little more special with every turn, spin, and encouraging gaze. Larry was a suspenseful storyteller, smooth and organized with his delivery and insight. He was quick to laugh, especially at himself, but definitely not at another’s expense. Larry was a true gentleman and his company was enjoyed by all.

Interment and a private service will be held later at the convenience of the family near Bradford, NH.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Blaisdell Lake Protective Association by clicking here; Mount Harmon Plantation by clicking here; or a charity of one’s choice.