Larry Glickler was new to Dayton and only 25 years old when he became the owner of a funeral home and began his passion for Hospice of Dayton. “A representative from Hospice of Dayton came to a meeting of funeral directors and asked for volunteers. I volunteered and I never left.” Thirty years later, Larry is still involved with The Hospice of Dayton as a volunteer with the Hospice of Dayton Foundation Development Committee and Ethics Committee.

He is proud of his decades of dedication to the mission and philosophy of hospice, and proud to be part of the historical legacy of the organization. Larry was a member of the first Board of Directors. As the demand for hospice services grew, so did the realization that some of the patients being served were too sick to remain in their home, but they did not want to be hospitalized and faced with futile, unwanted procedures and treatments. The idea of building a care center to meet the needs of patients came at the same time Larry assumed the role of President of the Board. He introduced the motion to build the care center and helped spearhead the capital campaign to make it a reality.

He credits Carol Cline, whose gift was at the time the single largest donation, for enabling construction of the facility. Larry takes most pride in the fact that The Hospice of Dayton serves everyone equally, regardless of ability to pay, and regardless of cost of care. “We never turn anyone away,” Larry says. “What is most dear to my heart, “ Larry shares, “is how often I’ve talked with families who have had an experience at The Hospice of Dayton and they talk with me about the “angels” at hospice and the wonderful care their loved one received. It makes me proud to be a part of it.”