Lawrence Bizar Obituary

Hello, my name is Christine Cotromanes. Your family knew me when I attended Washington school with Jeff and Dawn many, many years ago. Dawn and I were close friends and played often at your house. I am now 33 and teach at Apollo School. That is how I found out about Dr. Bizar. I remember last year running into Mrs.Bizar at an East Maine function. I recognized you right away, (you were always such a beautiful woman). I mentioned that I knew Dawn way back when. I always see Jeff performing at school events getting the kids all excited and pumped up!
You may also remember my older brother Lou and younger sister Angie (she is also a teacher).
Communicating with your family after all these years is bittersweet. My family is no stranger to having a loved one with an illness. My mom has had Multiple Sclerosis for about 28 years and has been in a wheelchair for about 6. It has been a struggle but has really made me into the compassionate and fun loving person/teacher I am today. We are a close-knit family and has madeus cherish our own good health and abilities that have been taken away from those who are ill.
I hold so many chilhood memories in and out of Washington School, I am proud to say that Dawn and your family were a part of that.
I wish you all strength and happiness in your future.
Sincerely, Christine

Doreen, Jeff, Dawn, and the entire Bizar Family,
We are truly sorry for your loss. Words can not express the shock and sadness that I feel for the loss of your father. I had the distinct pleasure of growing up, and spending MANY wonderful days(years) in the Bizar household. I feel lucky and honored to have known and been loved by such a wonderful man. I will truly miss him. Again, we are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Andy, Stacy, Lucas and Ashley Schlabowske

While I was not able to come to see you, my thoughts are with you as I lost my brother , Michael one day after his 66 birthday, January 19, 2007 due to a tragic auto accident. My prayers are with yor family. Paulette

Dear Doreen,Jeff,Dawn, and your families,

We have all been out of town and just heard the sad news about Larry's passing. It has left us with heavy hearts.
He was a very special person who will always be remembered with a warm smile by our entire family.
He made Devonshire School a wonderful place whether you were a student or a member of the P.T.A..
Our thoughts,prayers and love are with you all at this most difficult time.

Dear Doreen: April 6,2007

I have been out of town these past two weeks and I was shocked to hear about Larry's passing. I remember seeing you guys just a few weeks ago and, of course,discussing our beloved White
Sox.

I always admired Larry beginning from our days in Champaign and I was well aware of his tremendous educational contributions.His most lasting legacy will be the beautiful family you both raised and the thousands of young people whose lives he impacted. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jack Jacobson

Dear Doreen, Jeff, Paulette, Dawn, Scott, Ben, Jack, Dylan, and Tobey,
I was shocked and saddened to hear ofLlarry's death. He was a person who so fully lived life even in the face of adversity.
He was my principal, mentor, and friend. As a teacher I appreciated the respect he had for the teachers and staff of Devonshire. He was always professional, yet there was a feeling of "family" at Devonshire. As a friend he was always a "mensch" and someone you could surely trust.
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband,father, father-in-law, grandfather, and beloved friend.
Joan Silins

Uncle Sol, Cousin Phil, Doreen, Jeff, Dawn and family,

I just heard the sad news. At least you know that Larry was given the gift of life from Aunt Beck. I know how close you are and hope you find solace with each other.

Nephew David

To The Whole Bizar Family:
I am proud to have been part of Devonshire and to have been hired by your husband/father. It was always an honor to sit in the chair across from his in his office and share ideas. He always wanted what was best for the children at our school. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. You already carry on his spirit.

I was shocked and saddened to read of his passing today.
Both my children were Devonshire students and we look back on that time with great memories.
I remember my youngest, Kimi, won a "Principal for a Day" promotion. As we walked into Dr. Bizar's office she was excited, nervous and scared. He gently led her to his seat behind his desk and the smile on her face was priceless.
She spent an hour with him, her Kindrergarten class came in and visited also, and ten years later, we still talk about it with great fondness.
Dr. Bizar was missed greatly when he left Devonshire, and he'll be missed even more now.

I just heard about the sad news. I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts & Prayers. He was such a special person to so many.

Love, Jennifer & Scott Phillips

Dear Jeff, Paulette & Family,
My children & I were so saddened & shocked to hear of your dad's sudden death. Though you don't know me very well, I was an involved parent at Devonshire, as well as a neighbor of Paulette's growing up in Skokie.

I know my children's lives were enriched by having such a warm & caring principal as Dr. Bizar, evident by sporting his many kid-friendly neckties, which did not go unnoticed.

I had a special connection to your dad, as he was not only my gym teacher at Highland School, but my 5th grade teacher as well. It was fun to reconnect after moving back to Skokie many years later. (especially after showing him our 5th grade class picture)

When my oldest daughter, Amy, had a very hard time adjusting to her new school, Mrs. Ardell walked us down to his office where he helped make her feel better by giving her a "Devonshire Dolphin" key chain. She is currently a senior at Niles North, and still has it.

I also enjoyed those early PTA meetings, when things seemed more relaxed..and calendar dates were always checked so there were no conflicts with Jewish holidays.

One more thing...you know someone is special, when, while they are living, a plaque is hung in Devonshire's foyer, as well as naming the "driveway" at the school Dr. Bizar Lane. What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful human being.

We know he will be greatly missed, and are so sorry for your loss.

Dawn and family,

You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Lisa Berns and Michael Shalin

Dear Doreen, Dawn, and Jeff,

I was so moved by the eloquent and loving tribute you gave to Larry last Thursday. I know you will cherish the precious memories of the time you spent with your beloved husband and father, especially the sports events and all the movies you saw together. Doreen, I think of you often and I hope that as each day passes, it will get easier for you and your family. Larry will definitely be missed. It was evident how much he was loved and how much he loved all of you. All my best to all your loved ones.

Dear Jeff, Dawn and family: I was so shocked when opened the paper last week and saw your dad's obit. I was thinking how much fun your mom and dad had at the bar mitzvah a few months ago. They danced the night away. I can't even express how I feel. When I lost my dad, my best friend, I was a basket case. I still think about him every day. I'm sure you will too. I have so many things of his, I just can't part with them. Anyway, please accept my deepest condolences to you and your children and your family and your wonderful mom. I was at the service. I couldn't go to the cemetary. Not good at funerals. Love you all....

Dear Doreen, Jeff, Paulette and Family,

It was my good fortune to have worked with Larry as a fellow principal in District 68. He was a wonderful mentor during my beginning years. When I felt overwhelmed with work tasks one day, he offered a special bit of advice that has always stuck with me, "Life is unfinished business!" Doreen, I remember Larry telling me that you made him this sign for his Devonshire office as a reminder to leave the work behind and go home! While it is not always easy advice to follow, it sure reflects that you and Larry had your priorities straight.

To get know Larry as a loving grandpa of some of my Kipling Elementary students has been a special bonus for me. Seeing Larry in the front row of our school's special programs and shows was evidence of his deep commitment to his family.

You have my deepest sympathy and please find comfort knowing that Larry touched many lives.

P.S. Jeff, not to argue with one of my Kipling dads, but 63 is YOUNG!

Sincerely,

Dear Dawn and Family,

We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
You are in our thoughts.

Sincerely,
Nicole, Brett, Braeden and Landon
Fuenfer

Doreen and family
My deepest condolences to you and your entire family. My thoughts are with you.
Sincerly Nina Rapper

Dear Doreen, Jeff, Dawn, Paulette, Scott and Children,
Strange that you (Doreen) & I taught at Devonshire ('66--) before Larry became principal and then I had the "boss" for several years after I returned to teaching in the 80's. Larry & I had a wonderful, congenial professional relationship and, as a friend, he was reliable, considerate and supportive always.
I'm shocked at his death at such an early age and will always remember him as someone who touched my life as well as others. In fact, remember the time I "ran into you" at the Morton Grove Theater & the first words out of my mouth were: "You shaved off your mustache!!" Larry never let me forget that!!!
My sympathy to all your family.

Dear Bizar Family,
We are so saddened by your loss.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

With love,
Steve, Risa & Lilly Schecter

Dearest Jeff, Paulette, Doreen, and Family...
Marla, Steve, Teri, Jeff, all of our children share our heartfelt sympathy at the loss of a wonderful man we were all very fortunate to have known. As your neighbors and your friends, we are available to help in any way we can. Wishing to help make this time one of memories to remember and open hearts to listen.
With all of our love and sincerely sympathy...
Marla, Steve, Sammy, Jaclyn Dorf &
Teri, Jeff, Dougie, Rikki, Davey, and Kiley Spreckman

Dear Jeff, Paulette, Doreen & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Sincerely,
Jennifer & Jolie Blumberg

We extend our deepest sympathy to the entire Bizar family. Our hearts go out to all of you.

The faith that Larry had in people and in life was an inspiration. I feel very fortunate to have been one of the Devonshire family that Larry hired. He was a wonderful principal, always gracious and kind, he will be missed. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time.

Jeff, Paulette, Jack, Ben, Dylan, Doureen, Dawn and the rest of the Bizar/Berks family,

I'm sorry to hear the tragic news. You truly have a wonderful family that will get you all through these unpleasant days. I have learned to try to appreciate life each and every day and it is momemts like this that keep that thought fresh. I wish I could say I knew Mr. Bizar better than I did, however, I know the influence he's had in Jeff, Paulette, Dawn, and his grandchildren, and I can see how remarkable of a man he was. Jeff, I know that this totally sucks and there's not much else I can say other than I'm here for you bro if you need anything.

Dear Doreen and Family,
I just hard about Larry. I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. My deepest sympathy.

Dear Bizar Family, All of the beautiful words I heard yesterday still linger in my mind. Yes, there are still wonderful and loving families left and yours is a true testimony of the high standards with which I spoil my own. My now grown children, Ryan and Jennifer had the gift of attending Devonshire School. I remember looking to move and sitting on different school playgrounds during recess time before making our final decision. Devonshire's was the one that felt just right. As our children attended Devonshire, I always felt welcome and consequently became very involved. The neatest part of it all, besides the excellent staff, was how much I personally learned from the many converstations I had had with Dr. Bizar, who was a terrific administrator and a righteous human being. As Jeff said, he was always ready to answer any question and made sure we were well informed. My children had very happy times learning at Devonshire School. Their days were smooth and their growing experiences were very rewarding. Thanks to Dr. Bizar's unmatchable work behind the scenes, we are ever so grateful to be able to have beautiful memories. Or was it that he was on the front line?
Ralph, Ryan, Jennifer and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the entire family.

Doreen and Family,
I was blessed to have the opportunity to teach at Devonshire with Larry as my principal and friend. The service yesterday was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. My sincerest condolences to all of you.

We have happy memories of so many moments spent during 8 years at Devonshire School and Dr. Bizar was always in the center of them. Will never forget that invisible Halloween dog! He was truly a special man and we are so sorry for your loss.

TO DOREEN AND FAMILY.

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Dear Jeff, Dawn and the entire Bizar family-
We are very sorry for your loss and our deepest condolences go out to you. We hope that all of the wonderful memories give you comfort and strength during this very difficult time.

My daughters' childhood and Devonshire School are some of the highlights of my life. I will always remember those years and Dr. Bizar. I will think of you often and miss you.

Dear Jeff, Dawn & Family,
Through the years I've had the pleasure to work with not only you, but with your dad at fairs as well. At the funeral, the amount of love and compassion that was expresed was not only a tribute, but something you can always remember. Your family was indeed lucky to have had Larry...and I know his legacy will continue.

Dear Doreen, Jeff, Dawn, and family,
The service and tributes for your dear husband, father, and "papa" were incredibly moving. Larry clearly celebrated each day and lived life to its fullest. He touched and enriched so many lives, but his greatest gift was the legacy of love and putting family first. We feel blessed to have known him and hope to be among those you count on during this difficult time. With much love and deepest sympathy...Melanie and Eli Horowitz and family

Dear Doreen and Family,
How fortunate you all were to have Larry. He was truly a nice man and my heart goes out to you all.

I will always remember Larry for his warmth and thoughtfulness. He loved the football pool and helped me run it. He always had a great finish in the pool also.

Doreen, Jeff, Dawn: I was so moved and touched by all the words spoken about Larry at the funeral. The concept of celebrating a life rather than mourning a death is truly honoring the man. May your loving memories of Larry remain a heritage for your family. Zichrono l'vareych.

Dear Jeff

Our most sincerest condolences to you and the family. Your dad was a class guy!!!

Jeff, Paulette and boys,
Our deepest sympathy for the passing of your father/grandfather. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

The Cole Family

Dear Doreen, Jeff, Dawn and Family,
Our heartfelt condolences
on the loss of your beloved husband and father, Larry.

Zichrono Livracha ,
May his memory be a blessing.

I am sorry I am unable to attend the service, but you have my deepest sympathies.

Doreen and Family,
I am currently out of town but received Melanie's e-mail about Larry. It was such sad and shocking news and my thoughts, since yesterday have been of your family. Please accept my sympathy during this deeply emotional and difficult time.
Beth Carow (Mali and Jonathan)

Dear Bizar Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts our with you during this difficult time. Your dad was a true inspiration to everyone that knew him.
Sincerely,
Aaron and Eve Getlin

DOREEN, JEFF, DAWN AND FAMILY,
JERRY AND I ARE VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. LARRY WAS A WONDERFUL HUSBAND AND FATHER

Dear Family,
Both Terry and I extend our most sincere and deepest sympathy. Our paths have crossed so many times thru the years. It was always so much fun to remind Larry that we shared the same Bar and Bat Mitzvah weekend. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May the wonderful memories give you comfort and strength at this time and forever.

I was so saddened to hear about Larry. Larry was a wonderful person and an exceptional principal. I will always be grateful that he hired me to be part of his faculty. His warmth, compassion and intellect made him an excellent leader and it was because of Larry that Devonshire was such a wonderful place to work. He touched the lives of so many teachers, parents, and students and he will forever be a part of our Devonshire family. The Bizar family is in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.

Our heartfelt sympathy to Doreen and the entire Bizar family. We knew Larry in college. I loved working with Larry when I taught at Devonshire. He will be missed.

Larry was a very special husband, father, and friend. I always felt fortunate having him as a principal. He believed in his staff and always supported them. He made children feel positive about themselves and left a wonderful legacy. He treasured his family and my thoughts are with them at this time.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time with both Larry and Doreen these last couple of years. From my experience with your family and the great stories I have heard from all my family members, he was an amazing man and will be missed by all.

Larry was an incredible principal, mentor, and friend. He created a very special atmosphere at Devonshire School. The Bizar family is in my thoughts and prayers.

I will forever remember Dr. Bizar hiring me at Devonshire School. He was a wonderful man who always had a smile on his face. My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Bizar family.

We wish to extend our deepest sympathies on your tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Larry,

It was only yesterday when we shared a moment at the Camelia Room at the Drake. It was only yesterday when we were young. Today I am sad but know we will meet again. Thanks for sharing your life and love.

Best to your wonderful family.

Our deepest condolences to the entire Bizar family. We both attended elementary and high school with Larry and carry many fond memories of our times together. It is heartwarming to read comments of the many people that Larry touched in his personal and professional life. Our thoughts are with you.

Lawrence Bizar will be thought of as a true gentleman of honor. My deepest sympathy to all for this great loss.

Dearest Doreen and Family,In all of your sadness, how proud all of you must be to have had Larry in your lives.He was truly a most loving gentle and kind man. I certainly was proud to hear him call me Aunt Addie I pray for all of you in this very dark time. It helps to think of all of the good thoughts you have of him. Love you all ,Aunt Addie

Jeff & Dawn, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family during this extremely difficult time. Give your mom, and your kids an extra hug the next time you're with them.

Dawn-
Mark, Hannah and I are so sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

My deepest condolences to the entire Bizar family. My thoughts are with you.

It was only a moment ago when I was driving Doreen up to see you at your summer camp job. It was only a moment ago you had me lapping Hanson Park at football practice. It was only a moment ago you had me telling Jeff stories about our younger days. I will miss you for now my friend, but save me a place on the team.

Dr. Bizar changed my life. He offered me the chance to student teach at Devonshire, and eventually hired me there for my first full time teaching job. My parents used to tell me it was like winning the lottery. I owe it all to Dr. Bizar. All of the wonderful memories, experiences, and dear friends. My heart goes out to the entire Bizar family during this difficult time.

My deepest condolences to the Bizar family. I will always remember my grade school gym teacher with fond memories.

Jeff, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts are with you.

Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Bizar family, immediate and extended. With Love, Sari, Max, Myles & Haley

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I hope all of the good memories you have together help you thru this difficult time. He will be remembered by all that knew him.

Dear Bizar Family,

My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you at this very difficult time. I have known your entire family for over 20 years. Larry was a wonderful, kind, and terric man. He will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am sad for your loss.

Larry-
You will be missed dearly, but your life was inspirational to everyone you touched. All my love and sympathies to all your loved ones.

Cousins Gail, Kevin, Jared and Alexis Corrigan

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Bizar family. I am saddened by your loss. (I went to High School with Larry and had a chance to visit with him at our last reunion bringing back many fond memories)

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mr. Bizar was like a father to me growing up. My condolences to the entire Bizar family.
-Rob Lederman

Thinking about you at this time of sadness. Memories of your father will live on in each of your hearts.
Barbara Moss

Our condolences at the passing of a great man and dearly remembered principal. May his memory be for a blessing.

I am truly sorry for your horrible loss. My family is thinking of you during this difficult time in your lives. We love you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.