Larry Killick

Athlete, soldier, businessman, writer, nice guy. I knew Larry until after his death only as a sweet guy and a friend. He was related through marriage to my wife through his wife. We met several years ago, and discovered quickly that we both loved jazz; how pleased he was when he found I could identify "Big Noise from Winnetka"! Soon we were chatting about old-time radio, 20th-century history, and more, laughing and joking despite the 40-year difference in our ages. Despite our brief time together, I really hit it off with him and had a lot of fun with him. Thanks, Larry! You are awesome!

It wasn't until he passed on that I found out that he had been a famous athlete! Who'd a-thunk it?

Lawrence Findley Killick was born in Burlington, VT on May 31, 1922, and departed this earth on January 31, 2013 at the age of 90.

Larry attended the University of Vermont and Dartmouth, playing basketball for both schools. He was in the UVM Basketball Hall of Fame and the New England Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, and was one of Sports Illustrated, "50 Greatest Sports Figures of the Century", from the state of Vermont. After playing college ball, he played professional basketball for the Baltimore Bullets.

A patriotic American, he was a captain in the Marine Corps, serving in the Pacific Theater during WWII, as well as the Korean War.

Larry married Rhoda Hershoff in 1960 and they moved their family from New York City to Brevard County in 1962. He worked with Carroll Distributing and soon became an active member of the business community, serving on several boards of directors.

One of his personal successes was having his memoirs published; his book, Boots, Hoops and Troops, recounted his time in the Marines, basketball and the war.

Larry Killick was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rhoda; his daughter, Debbie; his sons, Alan (Holly), Tom (Kellie) and Barrett (Heather); and six grandchildren, Leighton, Ariel, Aiden, Joelle, Brody and Kyson.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Holiday Inn Melbourne-Viera Conference Center (8298 N. Wickham Rd.) on Saturday, March 2nd at 2 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Space Coast Honor Flight (PO Box 560975, Rockledge, FL 32956).

He will be missed by many. We love you Larry. Semper Fi!