Obituary of Lawrence Gittelson

Lawrence �Larry� GITTELSON, age 78, formerly of New York and Chicago, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2010, surrounded by family and friends at his son�s home in Fort Atkinson. Larry was born in Brooklyn, New York on February 12, 1932, the son of Lillian Gittelson and Joseph Cersosimos. After high school, Larry joined the U.S. Army and was a proud member of the 26th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon during the Korean Conflict. He helped invent and design carriers for injured persons and for dogs on military �bubble chopppers�. He was awarded the purple heart and bronze star for falling on a grenade and becoming grievously wounded. After the war, he worked with the Chicago Park District as a horticulturist for 30 years, retiring in 1988. While at the Park District, Larry found that he had a love for the stage. He was involved in various local Chicago productions, including �The Wizard of Oz� and �His Honor Mayor Daley.� He also was in many commercials, did many voice overs, and was a hand model. During his theatrical career, Larry met Laura Scott, and they fell in love and later married. Laura preceded Larry in death in June of 1978. Following his retirement in 1988, Larry moved to Cambridge, Wisconsin where he lived for 15 years, owning a small hobby farm, where he raised various animals. He was a member of the National Guard for 14 years, Cambridge Optimist Club for over 10 years, and the Vietnam Doghandler�s Association. Larry also belonged to AFTRA-SAG, and the Actor�s Equity Association. Surviving are: Daughter: Lisa (Jeff) Kopke of Arkdale, WI; Son: Jacob Gittelson, Fort Atkinson, WI, and Grandchildren: Ian Kopke and Lillian Kopke�of Arkdale, WI. He is further surived by many dear friends. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, April 11, 2010, at 2:30PM at the Nitardy Funeral Home Chapel, 1008 Madison Ave., Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin with Rabbi Kenneth Katz officiating.