Of course there just had to be something about Trump. Can't a person even die without an appearance by Trump? Good God. He won. Let it go. Or be like a McCain standing in the long shadow of someone like George H.W. Bush.
3
Eisenberg wrote a lot of delightful and insightful limericks about Trump, so yes, they did need to mention him.
22
Larry Eisenberg pondered the times
And the follies--calamities--crimes.
With a smile, he relieved
All the millions that grieved
With his five clever lines--and some rhymes.
40
People like Larry Eisenberg,
are the people that made
and kept America Great.
Not the
maulers, grabbers, and abusers,
The do whatever you choosers
Non-thinkers, non-readers,
The spoiled-children breeders
An every trick-in-the-book users.
And thank you New York Times for celebrating the life of this great man.
55
He wrote limericks--
Can't follow in his footsteps...
I just write haiku.
32
We should all be as lucid, literary, and liberal as you at 99, Larry. RIP.
40
May his memory be a blessing
Any less would be depressing
He made us all laugh
Now he must pass
The world will be a lessening
Z"L
28
There once was a Yellen named Yetta,
Her son wrote limericks, none betta!
Larry Eisenberg was his name
And he earned his fame,
By sending letta, after letta, after letta.
39
Larry’s witty verse
made the news feel less worse
40
I have always despised poetic verse in all its forms with my loathing of limericks second only to that of haiku. But for some reason I found Dr, Eisenberg's ditties to be a gem in my day when I should run across them. And as a staunch conservative, I even appreciated his leftist verse that would make my blood boil had anyone else expressed the same sentiments.
So count me as one right wing, poetry hater who will miss him.
25
Richard L, too, has passed on! I did not know that. Oh, how I would love to hear Larry and Richard's conversations in that Great Beyond! They will both be missed within our large expanded Times' family. God speed, good men.
14
I’m grateful for this piece, to let Mr. Eisenstein’s many fans know of his passing. His reliable and clever participation in the comments made me feel like he was a familiar and most pleasant friend. What a unique, gifted, and productive person he was! Condolences to his family, and thank you to the New York Times for this forum that has allowed the sharing of many great minds, especially Mr. Eisenstein’s. I will miss him, but I’ll never forget his gift of witticisms that brightened my days.
18
I first saw Larry's obituary very early this morning and I've been thinking of him throughout the day - in poetry.
Incandescent, a mensch and a wit
Any topic, Larry got It
Straight off the cuff
Never dull, trite or duff
Lighted us with his singular spirit.
Deepest condolences to Dr. Eisenberg's family and dear ones. He is missed.
25
May his memory be a blessing.
14
Awww. I loved this guy. Thank you NYT for publishing this. He gives me hope, at 63, that the next forty years or so will be just fine.
20
I just poured a glass of wine and am about to lift the glass to him.
He will be missed and fondly remembered.
15
Oh Larry! I left for three months, return to the Western Hemisphere and it is less by your absence!
Oh how I loved you sir!
I weep at this horrible loss.
Goodbye good sir!
Aloha!
15
I first met Larry about six months ago. My wife Dara and her partner Dave had just started filming a documentary about Larry. They had managed to find out that he wouldn't mind having some tender brisket. Since I am the chef at a private club in Manhattan it was easy for me to make.
We iced the food, headed up to Boston and met the fabulous Bees; Larry's daughter Beth and her wife Betsy. We brought Larry the brisket and for the next three plus hours he recited poetry, quoted Shakespeare, sang Gilbert and Sullivan. He spoke of Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Archimedes, Herbert Hoover, FDR, radar systems, pacemakers, Beethoven again. He told of shooting darts into a whale from a helicopter, characters from the stories he had written, the army, his beautiful Frances.
My head was spinning. Not only didn't he slow down but he kept bouncing spryly up from his chair, where he was posting to the NY Times while simultaneously researching certain principles of the chaos theory, to retreive something from the bedroom.
We returned few months later with short rib stew to be treated to a four hour encore. Imagine getting this as a thank you note:
Thoughts after a very tasty lunch.
My cup runneth over no doubt,
With gobbets of brisket about
For thanks to Chef BILL
I’m eating my fill
With hunger pangs all put to rout.
The brisket’s incredibly tender
My compliments go to the sender
The gravy’s so tasty
Bread dipping is hasty
So praise to the Chef I do render.
What a mensch.
283
I was lucky enough to trade a few emails with the great Larry Eisenberg in the last year of his life, one of which I include below that has a previously unpublished Larry limerick original.
Larry was a mensch of the highest order, a funny, super-bright, warm, kind, and soulful human being who dipped his great wisdom and verbal daggers in honeyed limerick.
From: Larry Eisenberg
Date: August 5, 2018 at 11:13:46 AM EDT
To: Glen Handler
Subject: a verse I can't post
Dear Glen: I have been enjoying your fiery comments as always.
I have a G & S disagreeable man comment with a Yiddish flavor I hope you will enjoy.
My very best, Larry
------
A shonda for the neighbors that Trump is the President
A shmuck of the first water and a nahr that I resent
A cabinet of momsers, all ganoven, everyone
There isn't anything they wouldn't steal under the Sun,
The Donald is a shtooper, every koorvah that's in sight
He never pays a debtor and you know that isn't right,
The nation is farblunget, he's put us in a mess
There hasn't been a President so farshtunken I guess,
And I can't think why?
------
You are beloved and you live on in all of us, Larry Eisenberg !
105
@Socrates
Glen, thank you for sharing this private missive. Seems Larry was equally colorful in multiple languages... which somehow comes as no surprise.
27
My limerick tribute: https://twitter.com/twitmericks/status/1078389874460422144?s=19
4
@@twitmericks...might as well show it here, too.
There was an old man, 99,
Whose verses were ever so fine,
Enriching the Times
With limerick rhymes
Till sadly he reached the last line.
53
when the call came through,
she was eating her lox
Eisenbergs' gone,
We need you Fox
6
A clever, brilliant chap with balanced brain hemisphericity. His left brain gave us scientific insights; his right gave us literary humor. His limericks are far from doggerel. What a thrill to have known him.
14
Eisenberg translates to “iron mountain”, not a bad moniker for a man who lived to be 99 and left a mountain of hard work.
18
There was an old man, 99
Whose verses were ever so fine,
His limerick rhymes
Enlivened the Times,
Till sadly he reached the last line.
25
I have been missing his pithy poems, and now am saddened to learn of his death. He captured my anger and frustration with our so called president, and always left me with at least a bit of a smile, thankful for his wit and humanity. Gilbert and Sullivan will hail his arrival.
17
My own words could not do justice to how Larry Eisenberg has touched me and evidently many others.
John Dunne wrote ".... every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the see, Europe is the less ....."
With Larry's passing, we are certainly the less. Because of his life, his work and his writings, all of us, if I be so bold, are so much the better.
When I get home this evening, I will listen for the not-too-distant church bells tolling the hour, knowing that it is not just that passing hour for which they toll.
12
How sad. Many a time I was greeted in various comments sections by an offering from Dr. Eisenberg. I knew nothing about him beyond his own words.
I'm glad to see that the paper posted an obit, and even gladder to see all the responses.
RIP, Dr Eisenberg.
27
No matter how gruesome and infuriating the news Dr Eisenberg's limericks made me smile and regain some of my equilibrium. Thank you and RIP
17
I’m going to miss him.
12
I will miss him terribly. He was wonderful. RIP
9
A gentleman, a scholar and a humble humane empathetic humorous witty human being who made good use of his 99 years. See you later Larry.
14
Reading Mr. Eisenberg's limericks was a highpoint of perusing the readers' comments. I once replied to one of his offerings suggesting that he collect his work in book form. Then I found out more about the man and was bowled over by his life, career and longevity. We will miss you, Sir!
18
So THAT was the guy! You always hoped to run into one of Mr. E’s usually spot on ditties as you rolled through the comments. A life well lived, sir.
18
Thank you, Larry Eiseberg, for your intelligence and wit. You made me smile through some very difficult times. RIP
13
Larry is no longer with us!
Oh My Dear!
Who will now kick up a fuss
He was a man who had no fear.
No it is up to the rest of us to keep up his keen and always spot on ruckus!
Rest in Peace Mr. Eisenberg! You were wonderful! RIP!
13
Here's another Larry Eisenberg gem I saved---to a Dowd column Aug 6.
"Apologies to G & S
My name is Robert Mueller I am on the Donald’s trail,
If he cannot pardon himself he may end up in jail,
His lackeys were colluding, that clearly is the case
His lapdog links to Putin he simply cannot erase,
His operations, more than shady, to Heaven they smell,
And when I peek under his Rock, the Donald starts to yell,
To play footsy with Putin is a very risky deal
And yet he’s keeping at it with zest and zip and zeal
I've a notion why.
The Donald's thoughts
My life is getting difficult, I cannot sleep at night,
It doesn't seem a single thing i do ever goes right,
Bob Mueller is relentless, gives me no breathing space
I'd really love to fire him, it would really please my base,
My son is in a hot spot as is my smart son-in-law,
Maybe I ought to pardon them, who knows who else they saw,
I love meeting with Putin he tells me how smart I am
Yet every day that passes I am in a deeper jam
And I can't think why?"
25
Let’s hope the nyt hears our pleas for a compendium.
11
Thank you Larry. I read you here from the beginning. Yiu had many fans and many grateful followers of your wit, for you eased our pain. Shalom.
13
What is this, that I spy;
A tear in my eye?
Larry’s subtle wordspin
Always gave me a grin!
I sadly say farewell and goodbye.
26
I just happened to see this obit. I've admired Larry's posts for years.
I once posted this reply:
To Larry---
I'm getting educated in Gilbert & Sullivan thanks to you. I was inspired by your recent verse-- “My name is Scaramucci, to my friends I am the Mooch”, that you posted to Roger Cohen’s column.
You said 'with apologies to G & S's "Disagreeable Man”. I’d never heard of it, so went to youtube and found this great audio of the famous G&S singer John Reed doing the song Disagreeable Man from the show Princess Ida. Very entertaining and hits the nail.
Says it’s about “ the concept of entitled boorishness--
He complains----"Yet everybody says I'm such a disagreeable man! And I can't think why"!
What could be more apt for Scaramucci and Trump than entitled boorishness?
The lyrics to this superb song sum up the whole Trump attitude. Trump ‘can’t think why’ everybody’s constantly criticizing him!
SNL should use it.
Thanks again Larry!
24
Wow! I have read loads of his comments over the years. Nice piece.
11
• By day, Dr. Eisenberg was a biomedical electrical engineer who had been a longtime faculty member of Rockefeller University in Manhattan. By night, he was a writer whose stories appeared in magazines like Galaxy Science Fiction and Asimov’s Science Fiction.
Who knew?
Will definitely be missed! Please 'channel' from wherever you are.
~ RC.
13
The perfect, almost mechanical order of a good limerick surely is characteristic of the brilliance and orderliness of this man's fine mind. It doesn't surprise me to learn that he was an engineer. RIP
11
Eisenberg's gone to the sky, after so many verses so wry. He seemed everlasting, Couldn't imagine a passing, But of course we all have to die.
18
A talented, true mensch! Rest in peace, sir.
11
There once was a young man named Larry, to whom name rhyming seemed a bit scary, "My other choice, absurd, is the rough Eisenberg." to compare, Larry isn't as scary.
7
With a wry little wave and a chortle,
Dr. Eisenberg slipped through the portal.
He had nothing to fear
As he slipped from this sphere.
His limericks had made him immortal.
402
@Bill Shunn
Lovely! Please write more!!
48
@KdG
I must admit feeling quite wary
When thinking his mantle to carry.
To pen so much verse,
So insightful and terse—!
There's no one who could replace Larry.
95
Some amazing people died this year. But I will miss this man the most. He made me smile.
177
@Steve Beck
I completely concur Mr. Beck. So many of those "amazing" people who passed on this year were famous and celebrities. Such was not the case with Larry Eisenberg.
He was "just an ordinary guy", like the rest of us. He was a common man who possessed an uncommon gift of weaving the cleverest limerick and rightfully take his place alongside the likes of Ogden Nash, Rudyard Kipling, Lewis Carroll and Mark Twain.
I think one of the dearest send offs we, his fans and devoted followers, could give Dr. Eisenberg and his family are the many beloved, touching, sweet and honest sentiments written in these comments. While he was a "stranger" in one sense, he was a respected and revered member of the Comments Club. He did indeed make us smile. He was an original and will be a difficult act to follow, if that's even possible.
Thank you NYT for allowing us the opportunity to say good bye and thank you to Dr. Eisenberg in our own unique and personalized way.
47
I hope the Times puts together a collection of Larry's greatest hits and presents it to his family. I suspect that Larry's limericks, all by themselves, caused thousands of readers to spend more time reading the Times on line. Today, we need Larry's wit and wisdom more than ever, and we will truly miss his voice.
17
Grave spelling mistake in my comment submission a few minutes ago. Here’s the correction:
Mr. Eisenberg cheered up this paper
With his small and witty word shapers.
Now there’s a hole in the Times
To be filled with some rhymes;
Now who might be up for this caper?
7
Sad news indeed. Rest In Peace, Doctor Eisenberg.
I always enjoyed his insightful comments that were expressed in rhyme. After reading the notice it was clear that not only did he have a way with words, but also a way with ideas that resulted in meaningful contributions that made the world a better place. His was a life well lived and he will be missed.
7
Mr. Eisenenberg cheers up this paper
With his small and witty word shapers.
Now there’s a hole in the Times
To be filled with some rhymes;
Now who might be up for this caper?
1
In the age of Twitter
Brute bursts from the gutter
Larry show'd us true art
Not like this piece but smart
Rest in peace word master
5
Dear Larry your time has come
Of equals to you there are none
You’ve gone to the gates
More l’mericks to make
I’ll join you when my time is done
10
Great to read about "Our Larry"! I had no idea of any of this information, having just enjoyed his limericks so much.
I've checked out the comments on several major newspapers, including WaPo and LA Times - mostly not worth reading. NYT commenters are head and shoulders above them all, sometimes the comments are better than the article.
No Larry's found in the others.
11
Larry, I hope us you can hear.
For we are shedding more than one tear.
You became our friend, you know.
How we will miss you so.
You made us smile and at times cry,
About the past and present, you even made us sigh.
I hope there is "email" in that Great Beyond,
So we can still share in a wonderful bond.
It is time to leave, if indeed you must.
We will remember you. Please remember us.
12
It was a very deep well from which he drew and his bucket is already missed.
11
The best article and comments for me today! (What does that say for the news....)
Thank you NYT-reader/writer community!
I (gladly) spent way too much time reading every day!
12
While reading the news' comment thread
Will quite often fill one with dread
Dr E's were delightful
Frequently insightful
His wry verse was a joy to be read
13
Shed a tear
Take off your hat
It's sad to lose
A man like that
182
While I often disagreed with his opinions, I always respected his abilities. He will be sorely missed; a beacon of civility in the midst of rancor.
6
Miss Larry's limericks? I will!
They were not great poems, but still
They were right on the mark
With just enough snark
To give comments readers a thrill!
11
How truly sad. I always made a point to seek his comments. What was his last post?
3
The Times should publish a volume of Larry’s limericks.
14
Larry was the Kubrick of commenters
8
Dr. E had a way with a lim’rick
That you couldn’t beat with a stick
He often was first
With a well crafted verse
An all time NYT pick.
11
I read his limericks often, often very witty. My condolences. We will miss you.
8
If there is some sort of afterlife, I sure hope that it has a digital NYT subscription. What fun he would have reading the limerick explosion he set off by leaving!
12
Scrolling my iPhone,
No easy feat,
To find Larry's limerick,
A guaranteed treat.
Then fortified for
A second opinion,
Scroll for Richard,
The perpetual contrarian.
The bright butterfly and
The fly in the ointment,
Each in their style
Contributing a comment.
I'll miss them so much,
So much more than expected,
These writers of wit,
Wordsmithing perfected.
I bid them adieu,
It is so hard to part.
Their absence of words
Leaves two holes in my heart.
My thanks to Larry and Richard, and condolences to their families and the NYT commenting community.
35
Thank you Dr Eisenberg for the joy you brought to so many of us. May you Rest In Peace. Blessings to your family and all who loved you.
9
From my sister, Val Jensen
There was an old gent, name of Larry,
He knew soon his old bones they’d bury,
So he picked up a pen,
Jotted time and again
Thoughts that make us all a bit more Merry!
11
Thank you for this article. I had no idea of Mr. Eisenberg's age or background.
He was fabulous and obviously did what he loved right to the end. Now he'll be writing limericks in the great unknown.
Condolences to his family and friends. One is never ready to have a loved one leave this space but time really does heal and memories live.
12
Well that just sucks.
I know that it doesn't compare with the loss his family is feeling but, the overall quality of the NYT's comments has just shifted closer to that of the WaPo. His loss will be felt in places large and small.
8
For those who might have missed my earlier post in the thick of all the rest, all of Larry's posts since 2008 are at the link below, fully searchable and fully sortable.
The list was compiled through use of the NYT API, which is public.
Thank you, Larry Eisenberg, for inspiring so many of us.
https://nytimes-comments.github.io/
28
It was because of Larry's writings that I asked my son at some point to see if he could source them through the NYT public API.
Here they are up to about July in a form that is sortable and searchable.
The NYT changed comment format shortly thereafter, but I will ask him to update what he can in the next day or two.
https://nytimes-comments.github.io/
I was tired of having to find his works randomly.
To all, enjoy them.
What a prolific man.
267
@Technic Ally Thank you!!
44
@Technic Ally Thanks for this!!
34
@Technic Ally
Wow.
27
I always enjoyed his wit and wisdom He will be missed
8
Among the many things that unite us, some sadly like wanting somebody back, this little pop-up community of appreciation is a wonderful farewell to Larry and an inspiration to give.
Thanks everyone.
16
To out-limerick the good Dr. E
Is light years beyond the likes of me
So I'll stick with the prose
It's the metric I knows
And rue I'm not as brilliant as he
20
With Mr. E and Mr. L gone
Having delivered their songs of the swan
Now who will arise with the same lucid eyes?
with verse and prose just as wise?
9
How sad not to see this man’s witticisms any longer. I will miss Dr. Eisenberg. Thanks to the Times for making online commentary possible.
10
Every Larry Eisenberg limerick was a little bright spot of wit and levity. Thank you Larry Eisenberg for your generosity of mind and spirit with your fellow readers.
9
A writer of lim’ricks has died;
I just read his obit and sighed,
For the wit of his rhymes
Enlivened the “Times”
With a spirit that can’t be denied.
17
In the midst of this time of bereavement
I was taken by Larry's achievements
Larry showed how one man
Undeniably can
Make all of us smile in agreement!
www.newyorkgritty.net
21
Thanks, Margalit, for coming back for this one.
6
@Leslie
Good point, Leslie. I was happily surprised as well. Very nice for us and very nice for his family.
3
The sheer number of comments in tribute to Dr. Eisenberg should give some solace to his family, reading how much his words meant to NYT commenters.
I, too, will miss his verses. They were an encouraging and highly entertaining way to survive the insanity of the news. I feel privileged to be in the company of a community of people such as Dr. Eisenberg. Rest in peace, friend.
12
i regretted and puzzled the cause of the absence of his posts.
a doctor from offshore the bronx
used lim'ricks to scold errant wonks
when bad turned to worse
he'd inspire with his verse
and for that we give him our thonks.
13
@drollere Inspired by Ogden Gnash?
2
Larry op-punned the door to the hereafter.
11
What a mensch!
RIP Mr. Eisenberg
8
You should have just the headline, with the reader comment section containing the article.
8
Our time on this planet is fleeting
So make use of your heart’s ev’ry beating:
Be like Larry and write
with rhyme, wit and insight.
Even small dreams can be worth completing
15
RIP Larry. Your limericks were always wonderful to read. Thankyou!!
6
there came a late night when my jaw dropped wide open
For right there in comments turned out was a poem
Who is this wordsmith, who crafts into rhyme
forthright opinions honed over time?
Turns out it was Larry, who produced quite a koan
He challenged the tropes of the high and the mighty
& sharpened his pencil on the orange and unsightly
You better watch out
if you tend toward the pout
‘Cuz Eisenberg’s ghost haunts us, by rights—free!
5
His words were a salve for these times - so replete with the worst kinds of crimes. I'll miss his bright style I enjoyed for a while; Thank you, Larry, for your witty rhymes.
Rest in peace, Mr. Eisenberg.
11
A huge assortment of accomplishments, and now a great Margalit Fox obituary to boot.
Wow!
11
Larry Eisenberg, z"l
I miss his commentary already.
7
Some guys have all the puns.
7
Now, how many of you would chance
to give newspaper comments a glance?
Those who glibly replied 'never'
missed his limericks quite clever
Now he's passed on to his final reward...
8
Larry Eisenberg has gone to his rest,
Taking with him his verse anapest.
He enlightened our times
With his eloquent rhymes.
Commentary limerickly expressed.
9
A man with a razor sharp wit
Who never failed to take up the bit
He had lots to say
In AABBA
Daily lessons in political lit
13
Who knew that the deaths this year of two such diverse people as Stephen Hawking and Larry Eisenberg could make a person weep?
7
Always wanted to meet the gentleman whose brain rolled out some of the best of op ed comments, for free!
7
Anyone like me ever missing Craig Geary and googling him, together with New York Times or obituary for example? It's definitely worth the effort of your embalming grace. You'll find a lovely little, informative obituary, that will deeply touch your heart if you remember him from his contributions, it's from the Miami Herald, plus as your tremendous bonus the opportunity to restore an online guestbook into the permanent memorial treasure (to be enriched by you) that he sorely deserves. I'm a 100% sure this is in the spirit of loving, lovable, generous, and graceful Larry Eisenberg!
(Not entirely realistically) looking forward to add another 44 circumnavigations of the sun to my own humble, Amsterdam-cradled life to catch up with the contributive output of a fellow truth teller like the King whose inheritance we are honoring here, even as the moderation has for now unfortunately decided to treat the bulk of my contributive efforts like the Iron Dome is treating rocket imput from Gaza. I still truly adore who they and my fellow commenters have put to the fore.
Johannes van der Sluijs
2
PS Times, can you please do us a favor? Every so often can you dig into your archives and republish Larry's Limericks where and when relevant? I'm sure your Op Ed contributors will welcome that gesture. I know I sure will!
12
Thank you, Larry Eisenberg. Your poetry made the news come to life with your wit, word play and sense of humor. I will miss scrolling for your comments. Your poems always made me smile and laugh -- and think more deeply. You will be missed.
6
Thanks NYT for this lovely tribute to a wonderful contributor. I always looked out for his comments; brilliantly written, his limericks and poems added much needed humour to the stories of the day while also being on-point and incisive.
As others have said, please publish Larry's greatest hits for us all to enjoy and Save For Later.
Condolences to Larry's family on their loss. We'll all miss him.
10
So very sorry to read this. I, as so many others, loved his limericks the the amazingly pithy way he was able to sum up any topic of the day. He will be very missed and to his family, my condolences. Thank you for sharing him with us.
7
A wonderful model for us all, in wit and tone. Rest In Peace, sir.
7
Thank you Dr Eisenberg for the enjoyment you brought to this reader and so many others of these pages. Your wit and good cheer will be missed but your work will live on forever in the Times archive.
7
That was a good run. All of us who love to comment AND read others' comments will miss his cogent observations stated with prodigious wit.
6
I'm no poet. That was best left to Dr. Eisenberg, an expert.
Very sad to hear this news but much appreciate that NYT gave him a well-deserved lengthy obit.
To his family and friends in the real world, deepest condolences. Those of us in the online world, we have lost an important voice who comforted us during troubling times.
10
I didn't know Mr. Eisenberg was Dr. Eisenberg.
Or any of his accomplishments.
Thank you for featuring this on the front page.
Larry was my friend.
We'd never met, but I got to know him here.
Eisenberg's limericks were part of my daily routine.
I will miss his quick wit and humor.
7
Our Port Laureate of posts
Will now be missed by most.
Farewell my digital friend
You were great to the very end.
9
Oh no...I just read this. I loved that man and his comments. How I will miss him! He always, always brought a smile to my face and became my friend even though I never met him. Please rest well, Larry. And thank you for being you. My heart goes out to Larry's loved ones on my side of the universe.
12
A true New Yorker, a daily joy, most sorely needed 24/7.. thank you, LE, for your creative, lovely soul....
11
Like the other commenters, I always enjoyed Larry Eisenberg's limericks, even if I didn't completely agree with his point of view. I will miss him. His influence is felt in the fact that many commenters responded to his passing with limericks of their own. My condolences to his family.
4
Goodbye, Larry. You gave millions of people the benefit of your accomplishments and creativity. Thank you. You will be missed, but well remembered.
5
Blessed be those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
May Larry Eisenberg rest in peace.
A substantial stash of his limericks are nestled in my Word doc.s, cut and pasted, which will deliver reverie and comfort, like a tonic
2
Hey, Larry!
Yeah, You. The one with a heart of GOLD and that silver limerick tongue which flowed daily and made people all around the world smile back. You were so deeply loved. You knew the meaning of life: to love, to share, to bring joy, and the passion and power of words! Thank you, dear one.
Here's the thing about men whom I've loved in life; You can NEVER leave my HEART! My tears are hot as I'm writing this.
Love you Larry.
9
I wrote only one limerick in my life. It was a marriage proposal to Larry, in response to one of his. He never replied but I like to think he had a good laugh.
4
Thank you for this obituary. I always looked for Dr. Eisenberg's comments/limericks and he always made me smile even if the article was reporting or opining about something pretty awful. He was always on target.
Is there a site where we can read and reread his many NYT limericks?
Thank you, Dr. Eisenberg. Rest in peace.
8
I already miss him ,his smart limericks were the best part of the comments section . My condolences to his family.
6
So sad to read about Dr. Eisenberg's passing. I will miss him, along with all the Times readers ... Condolences to his family and friends.
6
Larry, Larry, quite contrary
in his views and commentary,
even were he sassy,
ever was he classy,
for his lines were lapidary.
7
An open request to the NewYork Times:
While this glorious wordsmith and humorist did not officially work for you, he had more print and cultural space than many who did. It would be a great way to remember and honor Larry Eisenberg’s contributions to humor and especially to political and social commentary, if you would name a special award after him. It would be given to the person who wrote the best political commentary in any given year - as political topics appeared to be his most frequent topic - and was where is humor best seemed to shine.
An award named for Larry Eisenberg would honor him - but also be a high level of recognition for work that was the best of the best in insight, wit, and perceptiveness.
Please do this, in memory of our wise, witty, and wonderful friend.
Thank you,
GWBEAR
16
This was not the way I wanted to wake up this morning.
First Richard and now Larry. A real kidney stone of an end of year.
Wonder what they're talking about now, in whatever ether they now reside in?
Although I suspect Larry would have, of course, versified his experience. "He was the very model of a modern major lyricist".
Rest in peace.
8
This guy was so good with the limericks in comments I wasn't sure he really existed. What a great life -- I'll really miss him -- best wishes to his family and I hope they enjoy reading these comments from many, many readers who loved his contributions.
7
As a poet, he was mighty fine;
He could write the most humorous rhyme.
We all smiled when our Larry
Shared his thoughts more than rarely
Right up to the age ninety-nine.
12
Dr. Larry was extraordinary,
And I see not a soul cared to tarry;
For better or worse,
We've all brushed up our verse,
To pay honor to wit legendary.
9
This year can’t end quickly enough! What a loss! I always marveled at the fact that these wonderful comments-in-the-form-of-verse were often the first published. How did he do it? Condolences to all Mr. Eisenberg’s family and friends. His wit will be so missed.
6
Always better to laugh than to cry and he made me laugh quite frequently when reading disturbing news.
When mischief was afoot with the President,
He wrote without fear and without precedent.
Now that Larry has gone
the days will be long.
Hail to New York's distichian resident!
5
A favorite commenter, Larry,
Stood out with his talent to marry
A wit that was keen
With verse (never mean)
And lightly the burden did carry.
8
Your limericks - always in rhyme,
A gift to us - always sublime.
Your words we will miss
They were hard to dismiss
They grow ever more weighted with time.
Farewell, Dr. Eisenberg. We will miss you.
8
I'm gutted that we lost Larry. His remarkable way with words, his rhythm and rhyme and utter cleverness made me smile and laugh out loud even in these dark times - especially in these dark times. It was a gift. He was brilliant and so prolific. A font of humanity. Trump's presidency is bringing out the worst in so many Americans but for Larry, it brought out the best. His Trump poems restored sanity for me amidst all the daily meshugas, with his ability to capture the absurd, again and again, and simultaneously get to the heart of the matter, always, often in a mere five lines.
I remember once when another commenter, noting that Larry was always one of the first to comment on an article or op-ed as soon as it was published, asked him in awe how he could come up with perfect poems so quickly upon reading a piece of news. And Larry's response to him stuck in my brain: "I think in poetry," he said.
It was a wondrous explanation and I knew it was true.
Here is one limerick that I saved, because it made me laugh at a time when I hadn't been able to laugh much at all and I wanted to be able to take this wee gem out again and laugh when needed:
It's a modern Nero I would say
Deranged In just every way,
A hostile dictator
A self venerator,
With minimal cortex in play.
~Larry Eisenberg, on Donald J. Trump
August 17, 2018
Larry was a delight and a diamond and he will be sorely missed.
11
Brilliant ending to the article. He knew himself well!
5
When time was short, I’d scan the comments section searching for Dr. Larry Eisenberg’s name. I found the essence of the article, and often a smile, by reading his limericks. I am missing him already.
I’ve read so many wonderful limericks today written in honor this fine man. I am in awe of your writing talents, fellow commentators. You do Larry proud.
9
On days of especially sad news
Through the readers' comments I'd peruse
Knowing that wise Larry
And his wry commentary
Would bring a smile and erase all my blues
(p.s. Who will now be our news muse?)
7
@JMB
Where oh where art thou, Socrates?!
2
This is indeed very sad, coming across Mr Eisenberg's rhymes in the comments section always presented a moment of levity regardless of the seriousness of the subject.
I don't understand why he was never named The Poet Laureate of The New York Times, because that is what he was.
8
There once was a poet named Larry
who when he graced us with parry
was so full of wit
and was such a big hit
we’d all feel a wee bit of happy.
The ‘happy’ is not right for the limerick, but it’s the right feeling. Rest in peace, Dr. Eisenberg. You will be missed.
5
RIP Dr. Eisenberg. Things won't be the same without you.
6
I cried too. Enough said.
7
Dr. Larry was extraordinary,
And I see not a soul cared to tarry;
For better or worse,
We've all brushed up our verse,
To pay honor to wit legendary.
6
I wish I could write a limerick but I have no talent for verse. Dr. Eisenberg was truly unique. I'll miss his humor and his poetry.
4
Drawing rhymes from a bottomless well,
with a metrical sense nonpareil,
Larry found the mots justes
to relay the days' news:
I will miss him, and bid him farewell.
5
Delighted to see Larry's verse
Each day was that much less worse
I could manage a smile
Over fools and their guile
And he kept it so wonderfully terse.
9
I will miss Dr. Eisenberg's the sharpness of his commentary in rhyme.
4
Ogden Nash would have been proud to see how Dr. Rosenberg carried on the genre. What a wonderful example for his family and readers-never stop striving.
1
@M E R
Eisenberg. Dr. Larry Eisenberg. Got it?
1
Dear Dr Eisenberg,
I have enjoyed reading your comments, this is my first one. I felt the need to join others congratulating you on a life well lived! Not only using your God given talents in the pursuit research, education and sharing knowledge, in retirement using your talents to bring similes to many!
Godspeed Dr E!
6
I loved poetry at one time,
The genius of the rhyme,
I never read an Eisenberg limerick,
How does he manage such a trick ?
2
RIP Larry. We frequent commentators admired you, and will miss you. Yours was a life well lived, amigo.
5
I cannot resist:
He will be greatly missed.
6
So sad
Didn't know you were as old as my Dad
Anapestic-terrific
Insightful-specific
The bestest we've ever had.
9
safe voyage larry! thank you!!
4
Dear Sir,
Thanks for your wit, for sharing it with the readers, especially of the NYT.
Genevieve
4
I will miss him.
3
Our "poet in residence" will be missed.
3
I join others in complimenting this well written obituary.
No, limerick writer myself or and never will I be one.
But he did it for a decade as reported here and died in his 90's?
Well, I just started this year of commenting as I no longer work.
And I do enjoy reading others comments.
So, with a 70 just around the corner - when Good Lord calls me in a couple of decades - who knows NYT will at least do a mention.
Now, that is worth waiting and looking forward to.
1
Just a simple thought
I’ll try to truthfully spin it:
The world’s a bit dimmer
Without Larry in it
7
I'll miss him.
4
He was "poet laureate" of the NYT comments section-we will miss him.
4
A rare guy. RIP.
4
Rest in eternal peace, Larry. Your clever limericks were always so enlightening and entertaining.
5
Rest well, Larry.
You will be missed.
14
I am deeply saddened. His brilliance shown through to the very end. What a mind! He brought so much joy to people. His comments were like a regular feature.
This paper and the reading public has suffered a great loss, a loss greater than any publishing metric will show. All on his own, and without any financial compensation, Larry Eisenberg gave this paper substance and grace. He was truly loved by us all.
In tribute to his accomplishments, The Times should publish a book of his poems and use the proceeds fund a scholarship for kids from the Bronx. He would have liked that.
56
Oh man I will miss him.
Thank you for this piece. I’m glad to know about him. Condolences to his family.
27
RIP, Dr. Eisenberg, and thank you for the delicious combination of wit, charm and humanity. I delighted in your contributions and will miss you very much.
18
Had NO idea of his age given the posted photo. Such boundless wit and tweaking humor. Will not even attempt a limerick in memorial knowing for sure I cannot come close. Hope that I can age as sprightly as he had. Very sad... He will be sorely missed.
17
Larry’s limericks in the comments section gave me great joy and amusement over the years. His voice will be missed here, and my deepest condolences go out to his loved ones.
15
So sad to hear this. Larry Eisenberg was a joy and a delight. His limericks were his calling card, but his encyclopedic knowledge of Gilbert and Sullivan verses yielded laugh-out-loud parodies to the delight of many. May he rest in peace, having brought a smile to multitudes of readers.
23
I SO looked forward to Larry’s Limericks and noticed they weren’t as frequent lately. I hope he knew how much his wise and witty prose made us giggle - and think! He will be sorely missed.
23
Reading the Times online has opened up a whole new world, where the written article is only the starting point. Comments that are perceptive rise to the top, as well as the clever and humorous . Dr. Eisenberg's were always near the top. Thanks for making the deplorable almost bearable
24
Oh NOOOOO! I'm inconsolable, heartbroken. The brilliant Dr. Eisenberg, the great sage, wit, and Poet Laureate of the NY Comments, has left this earth - leaving so many of us bereft.
A life so well-lived, with so many great contributions to mankind in science, medicine, literature - and political commentary expressed in rhyme. His wit and wisdom ever-sharp to the very end.
Age 99, yet he left us far too soon. This world has lost a great light.
33
I sort of can't believe I'm crying for a comment writer on the other side of the world, but I am. I've been admiring Larry's limericks for a decade, not having a clue who he was. He reminded me of how much smarts there on in the world. I've especially enjoyed reading all the limericks in the comments in response to his death. But not a one is as good as Larry's.
45
Always looked forward to his limericks from my corner of the world. Will miss them (and him) very much!
17
So sad to hear of his death and sympathy to his family. An inspiring fellow. I wish this article had quoted his most recent verse for us. I seem to recall that he must have been commenting pretty recently.
6
I'm very sad to hear this...I loved reading Larry's limericks. He had a gift for putting piercing wit into verse & infusing it w/humor. My condolences to his family, & to all of us who'll miss having our spirits lightened in the Comments sections.
7
He was a great one. Always fun to read his poems.
5
What always struck me about Dr. Eisenberg’s limericks was how dense they were with meaning. The great difficulty of rhyming verse is the temptation to sacrifice meaning to rhyme or scansion, but every word of his carried weight and drove home his peppery, wry point, whatever the subject.
21
Along with so many other commenters, I always enjoyed his poetry. Somehow reading his limericks often made me feel better even when they were about somber topics. I am so glad that I replied with a thank you to him just a few months ago.
Thanks to the NYT for sharing the fascinating story of the man behind the limericks.
6
I loved his lyrics. Please purchase the rights, compile and publish them!
8
Please, please publish his limericks! it would be an honor to have his works available! He was so loved by millions, and I would treasure it as an heirloom, to .be passed down to my family!!
5
I knew Larry's age because a while back one of the New York Today editors engaged him in a conversation which the paper printed. I did not know how very accomplished he was. I'd like to tip my hat to the fellow -- I wish I remembered which one he was, but one of the first ones. Because of that conversation, I tried to catch all the Larry Eisenberg limericks I could, knowing they'd not be with us forever.
8
Oh, man. I am so sorry to hear this. I enjoyed his comments; he managed somehow to combine good humor with germane commentary. That's a gift, and I shall miss it.
What I didn't know was that he was an accomplished engineer whose work improved lives. That is also a gift, and a significant one at that.
What a life. From one denizen of the comments section to another, Godspeed, Larry. To his friends and family, I offer my sincere condolences.
12
Dr. Eisenberg was a great writer in instant poems of NYT pieces. He would dispatch his comments almost as soon as it is posted in the paper.
Even at close to 99, his mind was crystal clear, with no trace of dementia. His brain is worth studying, if at all possible. It should have been studied with PET scan, MRI, etc. while he was live. It may still be possible to study his postmortem brain, if the family would permit.
I feel lucky to have followed his numerous comments over the years.
3
I have enjoyed Larry E.’s poetic comments and am sad to read of his death, but am glad the NYT has paid tribute to him. Reading about his life in general was interesting, plus I learned that he attended the same HS in the Bronx as my mother did (albeit they were several years apart in age).
8
Farewell Dr. Eisenberg. You'll surely be missed in the comment section. Your unique limericks were an expected part of my NYTs reading. Thanks for the memories. j
6
I am so sorry to hear this news. My condolences to the family and to everyone who looked forward to seeing his name in the 'Comments' section.
6
His sublime verses: divinely begotten.
His legacy: He'll never be forgotten.
RIP, Dr. Eisenberg.
11
What an inspiration Larry is: Never quit. Press on with what you are good at, to the very end.
9
I am 31 and one thing that marveled me as I read his obituary is that even though Larry Eisenberg was an accomplished man at the time of his retirement who had authored sci-fi books, he only gained fame in the last decade of his life when he started posting limericks online using a medium (internet) that did not exist for most of his life. Sometimes our greatest accomplishments occur later in lifer
12
Acknowledging the life well lived of Doctor/Professor Eisenberg with Margalit Fox's outstanding obit not only honors the beloved Larry but also is a sign of respect for and acknowledgement of the NYT's loyal and literate commenter community ....those who read the articles and then take the time to move the conversation forward. It is a substantial and substantive group of folks and judging by the comments on Larry's death one which has bonded with one another in a space in which accidentals such as age do not matter. RIP Dr. Eisenberg.
14
I don’t have the skill to pay homage to Larry Eisenberg in rhyme, but I want to send sincere condolences to his family. Many times his limericks skewered some ridiculous or harmful action by a politician and left me smiling instead of pulling my hair out in frustration. I think it would be wonderful for the NYT to make available his entire work as he was our poet laureate. May he Rest In Peace after a Life well-lived.
11
Larry was our house poet. I read and write comments but am not in the class of some of the truly great comment writers. We all know who they are but; the comments I always looked for first were Larry's comments, because they were funny and razor sharp.
I am really going to miss him and would be quick to buy a compilation of the collected comments of Larry Eisenberg. With guys like Trump playing strutting dictator, we need Larry or sharp and funny people to puncture their blown up egos. I have read this news before going to bed and now I am really upset.
8
I weep. Not alone among readers, I'm sure.
[Thank you, Larry. You always knew what's up and nailed it with wit and humor.]
9
I am so terribly sad! I feel this loss like a favorite neighbor or a long lost friend.
I LOVED Larry’s wit, his brilliant insight, his ability to comment on just about anything in a way that added value to the discussion. Countless times I have looked at the comments on an article, just to see what Larry had to say, it was always pertinent, always laser focused on point.
I was always amazed at the incredible volume: the stunning number of limericks Larry could pump out day after day. Was it easy? I do not know. What I do know is, world class humor doesn’t come on demand for most of us. It’s a rare gift indeed.
Like so many others, I replied to many of his comments. Yet, very often I could add nothing, except to provide a note of appreciation and applause for the words of a master.
It’s not just the New York Times: America has lost a great man - a true national treasure.
I hope God has a special place of honor for clever limerick writers in heaven. If so, you deserve a seat at the High Table. Rest In Peace Master Wordsmith - and thank you!
12
A long-time fixture that so enriched the Times' comments section, Dr. Eisenberg leaves a deficit that cannot be filled.
May this wise, humane and truly decent American rest in peace. He is already missed.
In the words of the poet,
Loss, and Possession, Death and Life are one.
There falls no shadow where there shines no sun.
— Hilaire Belloc, "On a Sundial" (1938)
5
You are already missed, Dr. Eisenberg. Cheers to The NY Times for paying tribute to him!
66
Wow, I had no idea the limerick commenter was such an interesting character and important part of the NYTimes commenting “community”. I’m also now more deeply aware of the importance of considered contributions. I feel like my own are paltry and not all that worthy in the face of such greatness. In these disconcerting times, I too often allow bitterness and negativity to bleed into my comments, rather than contribute in a more creatively positive way as Professor Eisenberg did.
I’m sad I didn’t take more time to actively look for his contributions (though it’s often daunting when I arrive at comments already numbering in the many hundreds). Had I known of his advanced age, I would have sought out his contributions more in light of the coming of this sad day. I too would love to see more of his comments collected and republished, especially with links to the articles so I can delve more deeply into the context of his work.
Thank you, Professor Eisenberg, for inspiring us. And thank you to the New York Times for creating and actively maintaining one of the few spaces on the Web where such creative thoughtfulness can thrive. This coming new year I will endeavor to be better (no, not inspired by Melania, just brain drained today) in what I contribute and think of Professor Eisenberg before I hit “submit”.
84
He was the best of the best of all the commenters in the NYT. Always clever, sharp, impish, and most important, never unkind. He will be greatly missed. I always skipped across the mind-numbing inanities of the pedants, trolls and whiners to get to his his wonderful limericks. Who will take his place? No one can.
Rest In Peace, Dr E.
78
Now gone is Larry Eisenberg,
Who saw our world with eyes unblurred,
When views ran delirious,
He remained not serious.
While others had the certainty of Heisenberg.
60
I remember his limericks well. A New York Times reader commenter for the ages.
Farewell, Larry.
43
Losing Larry - sad day for people who love words and wit.
83
This obituary is an example of how this artform, obituaries, can and do inspire readers to reach for new heights themselves. 99 years old. A creative mind to the last. I have a lot of catching up to do if this is a competition for the life fulfilled.
82
@Szeldim Wright
We all do!
14
An immeasurable loss to the New York Times and its commentators' "community". Bless Larry Eisenberg. Thank you, sir, for your talent, wit and goodness. I'll so miss your postings herein... (and so glad Margalit Fox wrote your obit!)
32
Ah no! Larry, not yet,
For you made us forget,
The aches of the day,
With what you would say,
And all wrapped in a rhyming couplet!
53
A newish reader I’m late to the party,
Had no idea Larry E was so smarty,
His numerous rhymes,
Published for years in the Times,
Elevated the limerick to a form almost arty!
44
Larry Eisenberg’s principled rhymes,
As he distilled the day’s NewYork Times,
Were ever a pleasure
And commenter’s treasure,
Among our two-cents worth, ten dimes!
101
He made us Times readers smile
And kept us reading a while.
His words made our day
But earned him no pay.
The future of New York Times style?
33
Our Larry is gone, but inspired
Poetic tributes from those who admired
His true wisdom and wit
That so often nailed it,
When hypocrisy made us unwired.
48
And not only limericks, all those Gilbert and Sullivan parodies scanned perfectly.
No mean feat!
31
I see that the man was from Kings
a boro from which poesy springs.
Without Favor or Fear,
he’d launch a Bronx cheer
at deserving people and things!
45
I always enjoyed seeing Dr. Eisenberg's clever, germane, and always amusing verses in the comments section, and will miss their presence going forwards. RIP.
23
A fella once wrote in the Times
Commentary in perfect said lines
Though we never have met
I’d have liked him I bet
Dr. E, we'll miss your fine rhymes
498
@JR Gilles
'a pity that fire
beamed over the whole universe'...А.Фет
5
Larry was akin to a crossword puzzle or sudoku to me. Always challenging me to see the most wisdom in a minimum of words. Thank you, Larry, for sharing your gifts so generously.
26
I will certainly miss his unique and creative commentsry. So lovely to get to know him better, but under sad circumstances. What an impact his limericks had - and he didn't start sharing them until he was 89. Hopeful and inspirational. My condolences to his children and family.
19
I so looked forward to reading his brilliant poetry. He will be missed by so many.
17
That is sad news indeed. I will miss his comments immensely.
Condolences to his family, loved ones and admirers... (which includes all of us.)
28
Dr. Eisenberg’s wit and comments will be missed.
When his signature location changed to Medford/Somerville I felt I was in extra-ordinary company as my daily commute to work brings me to Somerville. That he might be that person there, waiting to cross the street, buying a coffee, sitting just behind me at the red light.
Your insights and wit will be sorely missed in these confusing and dark times!
25
I'm sorry for his family's loss, and selfishly I'm sorry for our community's loss. He was the literary version of not only taking the high road - he paved that high road.
His intellect and humor will be sorely missed.
37
RIP Dr. Eisenberg. 99 years, great run! His verse is a delight; I only wish I had come across his limericks earlier than I did. It would be a fitting tribute to collect his writing and issue it in a volume.
22
His limericks truly cheered my day - and made the woes of the world a bit easier to bear. A well-deserved rest, Dr. Eisenberg.
18
My condolences to Dr. Eisenberg’s family for they surely will miss him. I will miss him too.
14
Dear Ms. Eisenberg,
This is sorrowful news for many of his admirers, and his absence was noted by this one in recent days, but I feared that he might be under the weather.
Your father was extraordinary in his contribution and inspiration to many of us who are not always able to articulate our feelings on paper; let alone create verse or limericks.
Earlier when revisiting the Spirit of the Past of a Christmas in Co. Limerick long ago, I wondered again about your father during this wintry Season before the advent of the New Year.
He will be missed. Please accept my condolences and although 'Gen'rally of good cheer', this reader is feeling bereft.
32
His limericks brought such joy to my heart. You will be missed Mr. Eisenberg. Rest well.
13
Thank you NYT for paying tribute to a man who made the comments section a little lighter. My thoughts are with his family, he will be missed.
18
I will deeply miss Mr. Eisenberg's comments, which never sacrificed an insightful point of view to fit a rhyme, and rhymed anyway. God bless you, Mr. Eisenberg, and my prayers to your family.
16
Dr. Eisenberg was one of the people who drew me to the comment section starting about 5 years ago.
I was a fan and am so sad we have lost this fine contributor.
His lovely limericks made me smile millions of times.
Those who knew him in real life were lucky indeed.
My deepest condolences to his family.
17
RIP Larry Eisenberg, your excellent poetic commentary will be sorely missed.
14
A truly remarkable wordsmith. A talented wit. A great mimic, satirist and historian of other rhyming giants (With freaquent takeoffs of G+S). Like Ginger Rodgers, he performed as well as all the other other top commenters, only he did it (figuratively) backwards and in high heels.
13
Mr. Eisenberg will be deeply missed in this comment section.
I thought of him frequently.
Thanks for all the laughs, Mr. Eisenberg.
11
We are halfway around the world, traveling in SE Asia and trying to avoid the news. I have been thinking of Larry quite often and knowing his age and noting his absence, thought this news would come soon. What a treasure of a man. We were so lucky he shared his wit, insight, and charm. Larry - nobody said it better.
23
Oh no. This makes me very sad. Dr. Eisenberg’s poems, and they were poetry, always made me smile. I will miss his sharp wit and spot on commentary. Much love to his family. He was one of a kind. Thank you for sharing him with the world.
23
I thought of Dr. Eisenberg frequently -- the last time just a few days ago.
I hope that his family is helped in their loss by the tributes of his many fans and admirers here.
48
First Richard Leuttgen, now Larry Eisenberg...I felt like I knew them from their daily contributions to the Comments sections, and now it seems my world is a little smaller without them.
I will especially miss Eisenberg's gentle rhyming humor.
45
@MaryC Did something happen to RL?
1
@rena RL died. Very sad.
9
@Janice Badger Nelson I was able to find the Times article. Only 63 (my age) - so very sad indeed.
Loved his comments, read like those of a kindred soul. We will miss you so much, Larry!
32
I enjoyed reading Dr. Eisenberg’s limericks. What an outstanding life he led right up until it was time to go. A little bit of light has left our world.
27
Larry Eisenberg was a treasure...I always searched for his take in verse. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace and poetry.
32
A man with poetical fire
Has joined the Shakespearean choir.
His works, anapestic,
So perfect, majestic,
Are something to which I aspire.
633
Just saw a post from a Facebook friend conveying the sad news. Larry lightened our day(s). Wit is in short supply, this sad era. Thanks to Larry, and condolences to his family,
33
I shall miss Professor Eisenberg with his beautiful, funny and poignant limericks. Rest in peace!
37
His insightful and playful lyrical comments and humanity to the end will be missed.
17
Humor keeps you young at heart, I guess. I had no idea who "Larry Eisenberg" was until now, and if you had asked me, I wouldn't have imagined in a hundred years that he was 99, or 89, or 79, or 69. Maybe 59 or 49. What I do know is that I didn't even need to see the name. As I scrolled down, I saw the form of the comment and rushed to read it and smile, and sometimes guffaw out loud. Sometimes just admire. How lucky we were that Dr. Eisenberg chose this outlet for his pithy comments ensconced in the clever and humorous form he made his own for the purpose. How sad I feel knowing I will not scroll down and find any more of his creations to lift my spirits from now on. Thanks to the Times and Ms. Fox for bringing us a bit closer to him today.
75
—Luettgen’s knee-jerk defense of Trump and the Republican agenda totally undercut his considerable language skills, and I had 322 comments suppressed that took incendiary issue with him (I kept count, moderators!). Since speaking ill of the dead is decidedly bad form, however, this may well be #323.
—Larry, however, transcended partisan politics despite his generally left-leaning, humanist sentiments. No one was better at detecting folly and fabrication, and no one else will ever wield the limerick form with such elastic elan.
I call upon the Times to commission two products in Larry’s honor: 1) As complete-as-possible compendium of his limericks, with illustrations commissioned from a wide variety of cartoonists, and 2) an on-line A.I. program designed by a team of specialists called “Virtual Larry Eisenberg,” which uses high-level linguistic analysis to make it possible for readers to create a facsimile of Larry’s work by typing in a word string describing a news story, opinion piece, or the name of a person in the news.
#2 may seem hopelessly pie-in-the-sky and potentially costly to implement satisfactorily, but I submit that the Times will be an infinitely poorer place without some way of at least simulating Larry’s ongoing presence—particularly in the near future, when we are going to need the lilt of his limericks more than ever.
He was our age’s Mark Twain, and we won’t see another one like him again. RIP dear Larry!
70
I really like your excellent idea about the Times publishing a compendium of Dr. Eisenberg’s limericks, perhaps donating the proceeds to leukemia research. I would certainly buy a copy. As to your 322 rejected comments, the answer is simple. Eisenberg was an unabashed liberal whose criticisms were frequently bipartisan but in recent years focused mainly on skewering Trump, and by extension Republicans in general. You could tell he hated Trump, but his limericks were universally good-natured and funny even if they were biting. I would bet the farm that your invective is shrill and sarcastic. Nobody wants to read comments like that. If Trump would have cured cancer, you would have crucified him for it, but Larry Eisenberg would have probably composed some witty ditty thanking Trump for saving him from dying of leukemia, while still questioning where Trump hid the profits, or something akin to that. Take a tip from Dr. Eisenberg and maybe you’ll see your comments published.
2
Larry E. Dead at 99. He had a helluva run!!
19
I’ll miss Larry Eisenberg a lot
Because he proved to me that I ought
To submit my writing
Whether cute or biting
To readers to find out what they thought
54
Gosh darn it, I will miss Larry.
39
Such a mensch. He will be truly missed.
39
Count me among those who will miss this brilliant wit. RIP.
27
Now gone is Larry Eisenberg,
Who saw our world with eyes unblurred,
When views ran delirious,
He remained not serious.
While others had the certainty of Heisenberg.
27
Until now he was merely the revered Op-Ed Poet
As to the rest of his life we admiringly now know it
As rich in achievement admired by family and NYT nation
A scientist and author who earned one final “recommendation.”
32
Not only was his poetry perfect but his points of view were level headed and distilled into a few lines.
That he is gone now... (as another poet might say:)
‘Tis true! ‘Tis true! ‘Tis pity!
And pity it is, ‘tis true!
(The Bard)
23
As a fellow NYT commenter who has read Larry's comments for years I would have never guessed he was in his 90's . Well played Larry and Rest In Peace MT friend.
26
When Russian fake news
Was giving me blues
Mister E was quite the wit;
On ev’ry topic, & ev’ry day
An insightful comment he’d submit.
Now Don is alone (poor him)
Crashing markets with every whim!
Writing the doctrine of Twitter
Is hard work when the wife won’t come hither;
Back to Mar-a-Lago he’ll slither.
Our Larry will surely be missed,
Don’t ask why;
Let’s remember him, for he’s gone
To that comment section in the sky.
37
Socrates,take note!
11
We shall miss him terribly.
14
His "Limericks for Lantzman" was such a high. It was such a thrill to find out he was cyber-hanging-out here every day. I didn't always agree with his limerick's opinion, but I'm betting he sometimes bent into a contrary position to be funny. Such an inspiration.
I tried a limerick, but no luck. So to the tune of a song about a rhymes-with-Larry name, in tribute to a true rhyming artist:
"I'm Just Wild About Larry"
We’re just wild about Larry
We love the way he opines.
His wicked rhyming
Sends spirits climbing
And all in only five lines.
A wit that could be relied on
As razor sharp as can be
Yes, we’re so wild about Larry
And Larry’s never gone
He'll live on and on
With online poetry.
47
I among many others will miss his pungent, rhyming remarks.
25
I'll remember Prof. Eisenberg's technical and literary contributions to humanity from now onward. I felt very dejected when I read the headline.
Now after reading the article I'm happy he lived a full life. Few can comprehend the level of intellect one must possess to obtain a doctorate in Electrical Engineering.
As my Ph.D. supervisor often says: "Anyone can obtain a doctorate. Only the best become educators and professors."
If I may offer a suggestion, NYT staff: If Larry held a Professor position with teaching and curriculum development duties at Rockefeller University, please refer to him as Prof. Eisenberg.
39
@SK
I'd bet he'd prefer Larry. He never talked about his academic career in these comments. They were just from Larry. Some folks are just like that, you know. He had that kind of confidence, I bet, that didn't need honorifics. On the other hand, I am entirely impressed. What a life. I hope his children and grandchildren read this obituary as well as all the comments here.
12
@Martha
I understand your sentiment. He may not have preferred to be addressed as Prof. Eisenberg.
I only meant to say that he should be addressed to as such because he is a person of singular distinction. Just my sentiment as a doctoral student. Thanks for your comment.
Dr. Eisenberg is one of the commentators that I would look for when I finished a particularly good op-ed. I will miss his voice and his rhymes. My thoughts are with his family and friends. As a matter of fact, I feel like I lost a friend.
61
Larry Eisenberg was my favorite NY Times writer. Hard to believe that we've read our last Eisenberg opus. This hurts. I echo the request by another reader that The Times reprint more of Larry's poems.
86
God Bless You Larry - You Will Be Missed!!
26
So peculiar the way we met
Swept up in this virtual net
A bard for our times
In comments he rhymes
His wit we’ll never forget
162
Oh, no, no! It has been a bad enough year without loosing the wit & cheer of Larry Eisenberg. 2018, you've got a lot to answer for.
373
Thank you to the headline writer.
38
Yes, perfect. Larry got a rhyme for his NYT obit. And Larry got an NYT obit!
3
Larry, I've been wondering where you were. Sorry to see you go. What a brilliant bunch NYT readers and commenters are. To tell the truth, often I will read only half an article and the quickly turn to the comments.
46
Not one wasted word
he made us all better
41
A life well rhymed...
42
Saw the header. Thought through the haze of my flu-ish stupor, “Please, let it be a Margalit Fox obit.” It is. I am happy. I mean, you know, for that. Thanks!
13
Larry Eisenberg, who, for the Times
Wrote all of his comments in rhymes
Took news that was frightful
And made it delightful
And now up to heaven, he climbs
716
In the age of Twitter
Short and from the gutter
Larry showed us art
All civil wit and smart
Rest in peace word master
41
The Limerick Master's passed on.
His wit and his wisdom are gone.
But let us not mope.
There's reason to hope
A similar talent may dawn.
334
A treasure. Day in day out the highlight of the comments section.
39
This truly gave me a wide smile
To see a life lived with sweet guile.
Of such an obit,
that oozed succinct wit,
A tonic for the front page bile.
364
I will miss his fun limericks!
14
Now matter how dreary the day, Larry's wit would lift my spirits. We have lost a genius. He made the world a better place.
32
I am saddened by this news. I have enjoyed Larry's contributions over the last couple of years. You would never have been able to tell that he was elderly. His mind was still as sharp as a blade.
I will miss his wit and liberalness. RIP sir. Condolences to his family.
28
Oh to be able to compose a limerick in tribute..
To a man who to lighten our days did contribute....
But alas, all I can do is salute...
24
I'm too sad to try to rhyme.
27
There once was a man from Nantucket,
(Dare I try this, or should i just chuck it?)
Larry's limericks were wise, and brought smiles to my eyes,
and he checked off quite the list in his bucket.
344
@Stuart,
The Chekhov of wise and witty limericks, we were fortunate to have him in our midst and he will be missed.
36
How I wish I had known this guy
His humor was so very wry
But now he is dead with words left unsaid
And that brings a tear to my eye
308
It's time for an anthology of Larry's complete works. The Times is the obvious publisher, since it has a printing press and the copyright to much of his work. Let's go!
43
We will all miss you here!
10
I wish I could come up with a limerick that captures how much I’ll miss his wit, humor and insight.
‘‘Tis true
He made the world smile
And I’ll miss his poems
For a long, long while
145
Mr. E wrote his comments in verse,
And then took a ride in a hearse.
His output was varied.
But now he is buried.
The comments are going to be worse.
53
He had words of wit hard to resist
Packing punches like soft velvet fists
Though meter'd oft askew
With points not very new
Yet persistence that rare will be missed.
26
I loved that he was always so joyful.
16
Dr. Eisenberg's rhymes were bright rays of sunshine in an often gloomy world. Thank you, sir, and may your memory be eternal.
18
Ah. Larry: your wisdom and wit-
The Times Poet Laureate, you were it!
We are sad, it is true
But so grateful to you-
Rest in peace. You and heaven. A good fit.
319
When Larry felt the need to go to long form, his adaptations of Gilbert and Sullivan were always on point.
29
What sad news! He seemed more like a friend than just a fellow commenter. I savored his limericks and often replied by thanking him for another good one. I will miss him and send condolences to his family and friends in his other life!
24
What a loss. He never responded to negative comments that I saw. He was obviously not only intelligent and extremely clever, but he was also nearly impossible to rile. The kind of patience and wit he demonstrated is all too rare. Goodbye Larry.
35
Larry Eisenberg was the barometer I used to determine if an opinion piece was worth my time. I would search for his "column" among the increasing rubble of Op-Ed pieces in the NYT. I could always count on Mr. Eisenberg to point me in the right direction. He (along with a few others) set a high standard for Responsive-Discourse.
You are missed.
16
I will miss him. A life well lived. Larry died and we all cried. RIP Larry.
12
I recall when Larry Eisenberg appeared about ten years ago among the contributors to the NYT comments section. Like just about everyone else, I read and enjoyed Larry’s limericks. I had no idea, however, until reading this piece by Margalit Fox that Larry was in his 90s, held a Ph.D. in biomedical electrical engineering and was a sci-fi author.
Larry Eisenberg will be missed on these pages, and my thoughts and condolences go out to his family, all of whom must be rightfully proud of such a remarkable and good-hearted man.
40
I will miss the deep humanity and wonderful sense of humor he brought to so many Times comment sections over the years.
God Speed Larry!
14
In the last week, our community has been hit by the loss of two of our most distinguished, first Richard Luettgen (alas far too young), the great contrarian, and now Dr. Larry, the great versifier. Both talented men.
We need to rally round and urge younger people to join the community.
28
I was just reflecting this morning that I hadn't seen Mr. Eisenberg's limericks in a while. I wondered if he had passed... He will be so missed, and he enriched so many of my days, putting a smile on my face. A long life, well-lived. May we all be so lucky --- and so good.
24
I'm sad that Larry will no longer be here as part of our community of commenters (except in spirit), but so glad to have "known" him through these forums. He made me feel good about humanity and gave and gives me hope for being happy, humorous and insightful through all the stages of life. Blessings to you, Larry, and to your family. I had not heard of Richard Luettgen's death. He, to me, was sort of the yin to Larry's yang -- just proof that in our diversity we humans are lovely and loveable.
219
@Parapraxis Richard died????
1
Very sad that Larry has passed, and truly I will miss his limericks among the comments, always curious and thoughtful. Would that we all had his wit and wisdom in language. My heartfelt condolences.
12
May Larry Eisenberg's memory be a blessing.
I always thought him as a much younger man, maybe in his 60s.
No matter. He enhanced our lives, and I thank him for that.
16
I shall really miss him. I had noticed that his offerings had become far and few in between lately.
To the Eisenberg family: Your father brought joy to me. Thank you.
302
Very sad news. I was just thinking I hadn't seen anything from him lately. As opposed to so much of the news, he brought delight. Thank you for this profile.
11
First it was Richard, then Larry
That’s more than my heart wants to carry
To all things there are seasons
And for much the same reasons
I’m pouring a big glass of sherry.
Actually that’s not remotely true, as I’m 43 years sober. Still, I’ll miss them both terribly. They both contributed so much to the ongoing dialogues and debates in the NY Times Comments Section. Polar opposites in viewpoints but similarly outspoken and brave. Rest in peace guys. Your absence is a big presence.
34
delighted by Larry over the years
and always with admiration.
Wonderfully tender honoring nyt obit as usual,
for one of the family.
thanks and farewell
12
I am crying at this news. I admit to being an avid reader of the comments sections of the NYT and also admit that there are (were) times I skipped to the comments to see what Mr. Eisenberg (and Mr. Luettgen) had to say about the topic.
I will miss Mr. Eisenberg's wit and intellect. I will miss his limericks. I looked forward every day to seeing his comments, and had scrolled in vain the past days to find him. I am just terribly sad. What a wonderful man!
Aloha,
Toni
19
It became habit for me to scroll through comments just to read Mr. Eisenberg's most recent gem. I had no idea he was of such advanced chronological age until now, and am both amazed and heartened to know his brain still sparked in such a genius way. How lovely to find so many respectful and appreciative fans here despite collective sadness.
23
There once was a poet named Larry,
Whose verses were lively and merry.
When I felt down,
And wanted to frown,
He made me feel happy and airy.
RIP dear friend.
35
Loved his stuff. Certainly a life well lived --- and by the sound of it a real mensch.
Blessed be his memory
15
I've been dreading this day. I'll miss him. I'd search the comments looking for his verse.
Thanks for the obit- it's a great send-off for Larry.
12
My deepest sympathies to his family. He was so appreciated and will be deeply missed.
10
May he rest in peace.
i will miss his wit and ease, and I'm thankful you NYT, chose to acknowledge his passing.
12
Just the other day, I was wondering where you'd gone.
Thanks for the limericks! May you rest in peace.
9
The death earlier of another well known commenter whose views ran opposite to my own left me with nothing to say. I was never a fan of Edward Lear and many years ago a family member gifted me with Limericks for Lantzmen which left me even more unappreciative of the neat compact poetic form. I never understood limericks but I know the love the people who appreciated Dr. Eisenberg's comments felt for him. Edward Lear used the form to convey nonsense Dr Eisenberg used it to convey truth.
The world will miss him.
12
Farewell Mr. Eisenberg. I never missed your poetry, most of the time limericks, sometimes a re-write of Gilbert & Sullivan, always right on the money and poignant. You’ve left behind quite a legacy. R.I.P.
9
I always enjoyed Mr. Eisenbwrg’s witty and lyrical comments. I had no idea of his age. I hope Gods angels are singing to you with the lyrical joy you gave to us.
11
Rest in peace, Larry. We enjoyed and looked forward to your limericks, which will be missed.
8
Larry had a quip for every circumstance.
I admire all those who left their tributes in limerick form.
I would send my wife emails with his latest entry entitled Larry on polygraph or Larry never quits.
She had her own network of Larry-philes where they were forwarded.
How sharp he was. Quickly and easily crafting his responses. A true polymath. 99 years with a razor wit. He made a big contribution to the comments, I always looked forward to his latest.
Condolences to his family.
Thanks Larry!!
16
Thank you for telling us Larry is gone. He brightened my life. I am so sorry for his family’s loss, and for my own.
18
Rest in peace, Larry. I'll miss your posts. Many of us could benefit from having a sense of humor equal to yours. May your family's grief never be more than what they can carry. Rest in peace.
11
This makes me way too sad to even think about trying to rhyme. I took such delight from Mr. Eisenberg's limericks - not only were they exceedingly clever, but they were written by a man in his 90s. What a sad loss. May his memory be for a (rhymed) blessing.
9
Larry we bid you adieu
Limerists like you are too few
We’ll now say good-bye
With a tear in our eye
In the hereafter may you write still a few
86
I always knew if I was blue
That reading a comment or two
By Larry E
Provided insight and glee
To me.
88
An Obit so fit
To a man whose rhymes
Embellished the Times
Sadly, they now cease
May Larry Rest In Peace
65
I'm so sad we've lost Limerick Larry but so happy to see the New York Times giving him such a grand send off. It's no less than he deserves! Condolences to his family, and I hope they take comfort from the fact that Larry was valued by so many from around the world.
249
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Larry Eisenberg,
I’ll miss you.
122
Rest well, Dr. Eisenberg.
Your knowledge and facility with a word.
In this age of ignorance was almost unheard.
We’ll all be bereft.
Without you to amuse but also give heft.
To any discussion about the right and the left.
41
Better last line:
A better discussion he always spurred.
I forgot the rhyming scheme. Bc I am not a consummate writer of limericks like he was.
11
Peace be with you, sir, and your family, too.
27
Larry's limericks suggested he was a half century younger.
56
oh Larry your talent was sunny
and so often right on the money
we should let people know, though
well before they go, go
how much we enjoy
the pleasure we get from their funny!
Whoa, Larry, ya gotta help me with this....
97
@Philip Lew
from my heart in dismay (like all, missing the master) and with humblest of intentions, just a little tweak and it's perfect:
oh Larry your talent was sunny
and so often right on the money
we should let people know
though, well before they go,
the pleasure enjoyed from their funny!
8
@Sue Cammack
In the collective spirit, a few further tweaks:
oh Larry your talent was sunny
and so often right on the money
BUT we should let FOLKS know;
TELL THEM before they go,
HOW OFTEN WE LAUGH 'CAUSE THEY'RE funny!
4
@Sue Cammack
thanks Sue, a bit of a challenge, but you have applied a deft touch, and it is now perfect.
1
Oh no. Don’t go.
54
No matter what the mood of the moment was, especially since 11-08-16, I could count on Larry to lift my spirits and provide a needed sense of proportionality to the trying times in which we now live.
Adios, Larry, you were the real deal!
56
Thank you for sharing the wit and wisdom of a truly great man.
26
I knew that this day would come. Like many here, I read Larry's limericks religiously. When there was a feature about him (and other high profile commentators) in the Times, he was well into his 90s. I was amazed at his stamina and productivity. Maybe he had no choice given the circumstances.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/11/23/nytnow/23commenters.html
On a few occasions, I tried my own hand at responding to his comments with verse. It got silly. As Leonard Cohen said: "If I knew where the good songs were, I'd go there more often."
When I feel sad, as I do now, I often go to Cohen's "Book of Longing." In thinking about Larry, I saw something of him in Cohen's poem "Titles."
"I had the title Poet
and maybe I was one
for a while...
.
.
I’ve watched the snow
come down all day
As usual
there’s no one here
There never is
Mercifully
the inner conversation
is cancelled
by the white noise of winter…"
Bye, bye Larry.
51
Ave atque vale, Larry. Your absence will be long felt. RIP.
27
We’re saddened by Eisenberg’s passing
No more will his limericks be massing.
His wit will be missed,
Though not by those dissed.
Let his name be blessed everlasting.
75
Just a little something has been taken away from his many readers. He will be missed.
23
Going to miss his wit and rhyme. RIP Larry.
14
RIP, Larry. You will sorely be missed.
15
Larry's witty comments will surely be missed. Sending condolences to his family.
15
Awww. I'll miss him.
23
So many dragons he slew.
With words sharpened and true.
Laughter and a smile,
His uncanny style.
A wizard, genius, kind man, Adieu.
75
I love the photo for this is exactly how I pictured him:
A subtle mixture of smile and smirk sprinkled with just the right amount of sweet sass.
I do believe he inspired and as well as re-introduced the art of the limerick to numerous generations.
Thank you Dr. Eisenberg for making me smile so very often.
42
Marge, agree, except I also saw him as a textbook gentleman; albeit one with a mischievous streak that led to his limericks. I often imagined him submitting these with a groan, and then a sly shrug: " readers- I just can't help it."
7
Oh, this is sad news! His comments always made me smile. May he rest in peace.
20
RIP Larry. Thank you for making my day a little brighter.
22
I remember his rhymes, and the messages with which I always disagreed. Nonetheless, I admire that a man of his age, obviously highly intelligent, was fully functional to the end, or very close to the end. That was a huge blessing. May his soul be at peace.
8
I always loved reading his limerick comments. Always witty and sometimes profound. He made you think. I worried when there were no postings. Now we know. Thank you Dr. Eisenberg. You didn’t know us, but we knew you.
18
Many commenters now will essay
to craft witty limericks this way.
I'm tempted too,
but will just bid "adieu"
to the master, now on his way.
41
With tears in my eyes, I bid Larry Eisenberg good-bye. Sometimes lately when I wouldn’t see his limericks for a few days, I would check his Wikipedia page to make sure he was still with us and was always relieved to find he was. Usually the next day, there would appear another verse.
I’ve read his bio several times, never failing to be humbled by his accomplishments, not the least of which were the, as you say, “metrically impeccable”, witty and cogent limericks.
The Times has lost a great voice in its digital universe. His devoted fans will miss him dearly.
38
I will miss his comments! I looked forward to the poetry every day and was consistently impressed with his skill. RIP Larry. Wish I knew you!
12
So sorry to see this. His limericks always made me smile, even when they had a more serious bent. I admired his talent so much. Thanks for this tribute and condolences to his family.
11
Oh my, not Larry. That is two in a row. Larry will be sorely missed for his poetic humour. It was great fun to scroll down to see what Larry had to say. My condolences to his family. A very wise man was he.
14
Glad you mentioned Richard. Two more different men there could not be, but if the deceased get a last laugh, they are making a toast to US, the community they shared.
11
What a gifted man was Larry
Always sharp but not contrary
His posts were such a joy to read
He gave us thoughts on which to feed
He made us think and feel merry.
38
First we lose the redoubtable Richard Luettgen and now the bloggers are sitting shiva for our Poet Laureate Larry Eisenberg.
I hope Larry and Richard meet again in that better place. Rest in peace gentlemen. Nothing will ever be the same again without Larry's witty limericks and Richard's penetrating insights into world events to look forward every day.
163
@sharon5101
Richard Luettgen and Larry Eisenberg were the extremes of the comment spectrum - while one often made you nearly cringe, the other usually brought you to tears from laughter. Regardless of which end the reader preferred, both authors brought perspective and such uniqueness to the comment section. Thank you both gentlemen. You will be dearly missed.
73
@sharon5101
I used to enjoy sparring with Richard , for me he was anything but redoubtable but when the fear and paranoia south of our border became too painful sparring with Richard simply became something less than rewarding.
Larry made his readers lives a little more joyful.
48
The first comment I look for in any op-ed, editorial or other articles is Larry Eisenberg's limerick. If there is none among the top 20 or 30, I move on to the next one.
He was the best fixture in the comments section.
I wish you the very best on your next challenge, Larry Eisenberg.
21
My goodness,
First I read of the passing of Sister Wendy and now of Mr. Eisenberg.
I am sad today.
9
I hope his family finds comfort in these comments. I, too, loved finding his poems in the comment sections. Maybe the NYT can make his comments on articles searchable, like the articles themselves, as a tribute.
23
Thank you Larry and thank you NYT for the obit. Even though he was 99 it's hard to believe that he's gone. I'll miss his poems.
13
Before I even read the byline, I knew this piece was a job for Ms. Fox and only Ms. Fox.
A man who brightened many, many days. That Trump limerick will live in infamy.
23
@Famdoc Right on the money with both observations. Ms. Fox writes obits that are pure masterpieces. Larry did the same with his verse.
17
Oh, dear--what terrible news! A huge loss! He was just adorable, with his limericks...and SO clever! He will be very much missed. The tie he is wearing in the photograph accompany his obituary just shows even more what a delightful, whimsical man he was. R.I.P., Larry Eisenberg---You were one in a million! Deepest sympathy to the family...so sad...
23
What a glorious and ironic voice. His words were a balm amid the insanity. he will be sorely missed. Peace out Larry
9
Larry Eisenberg's combination of wit and eloquence leavened many despairing articles in the New York Times with a thoughful humor that made the excellent but paintful content more bearable.
Larry, if you can see these comments you'll notice alot of commenters are auditioning to replace you! Well, let's say we're all honoring you here because you are irreplaceable.
I'll always miss those cogent limericks.
13
Wanted to invite Larry to dinner, my morning friend who buoyed my spirits and helped me laugh at a troubled presidency rubber-stamped by Congressional lickspittles. The Voice of America now writes anthems for the angels.
13
I had no idea he was a nonagenarian!!!
May his memory be for a blessing.
10
I asked myself what do we do now without Larry as a goal to rival? We should become better writers.
8
@Shakinspear
Very very nearly a centenarian.
4
No matter how grim the news of the day, Dr. Eisenberg's light-hearted wit always made me smile. Condolences to his family and friends, and may his memory be a blessing.
10
I am very saddened at this news. I will miss his witty, on point limericks and prose. RIP, condolences to his family and friends.
8
Larry Eisenberg will be much missed. He was still writing clever poems even this past week or so, I think. He captured what many of us felt, and never had to apologize to Gilbert and Sullivan despite his occasional nod. His words showed wit and compassion.
He was a treasure. My condolences to his family and friends.
16
I loved reading Larry's comments! I replied to one of his last comments here, telling him it was his best yet. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing.
11
Rest in peace, dear Dr. Eisenberg...dear Larry, your wonderful limericks will be sorely missed. Deepest condolences to his family. He must have been a delightful man.
7
Dr. Eisenberg will indeed be missed. While delving through the gloom of the many angry, sad, biting-but true comments on the present political situation it was lovely to scroll down to one of those brilliant poems. They gave hope. May our fine commenter rest in peace.
8
I always looked forward to Dr. Eisenberg’s witty and charming limericks (comments). He will be sorely missed.
5
Acckkk! I knew he was quite old, but still this comes as a shock. I'll really miss his verse!
Condolences to his family.
7
Oh! Thanks for letting readers know. I'll miss seeing Dr. Eisenberg's verses.
6
I will sorely miss his limericks and poems. They were so clever and succinct (by default) that I don’t think I ever read one without signing in to hit like.
He was a treasure for many of us and a source for good wit and humor when greatly needed.
Hats off to Mr. Eisenberger!
10
@Pragmatist
Correction! Mr. Eisenberg. I got that mixed up with a family name (Berger) and couldn’t correct it, and committed one of my biggest pet peeves - to misspell a name. Apologies to the Eisenbergs.
Additionally, NYT - I would very much appreciate reading Larry’s greatest hits as others have suggested in this amazing forum. Thank you!
His voice was so much younger! He is gone too soon. Rest in peace, Mr. Eisenberg.
12
Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Quite a person; that we may all be so lucky to live such a full and long life.
7
A generous heart matched with a quick and nimble wit. With thanks, Mr Eisenberg, R.I.P.
7
Mr. Eisenberg's limericks cropped up everywhere and I loved them all. My sincere condolences to his family. His voice will be missed!
9
The comments section of NYT articles is one of my favorite places to gravitate; it makes me feel less alone in the current awful madness and Larry was always present, with his signature style. Thank you, kind and faithful citizen, for adding wit and humor to often untenable situations. You will be greatly missed.
28
Margalit Fox's witty headline (if that's her work) make the first two lines of a fine limerick. A memorable obit from start to finish!
12
@Robert
Thank you, but that brilliant headline was the work of the Times editor Peter Keepnews, building on one originally written by our section head, Bill McDonald.
5
Dr. Eisenberg was delightful.
His loss will be felt.
Rest In Peace, and may you delight the Heavens with your wit.
8
I now find myself spending more time reading the posted comments on a piece than I do on the actual piece itself because I have grown to value what so many have to add. Not only were Larry's posts always relevant and insightful, I was always astonished by his ability to put his thoughts to verse with a facility that approached the miraculous. I'm two thirds his age and can barely remember my email address.
These pages will be diminished by Larry's absence as I know will be the lives of all the people who had the privilege of knowing him personally. My condolences go out to his family and friends.
52
Larry's witty poetry has brought a smile to my face as I have read and participated in hundreds of comments section over years. His good humor and cutting insight will be missed.
7
So now I know.
It was the same Larry Eisenberg, the Times limericist and that occasional sf writer I remember from years ago. His verse always put me in mind of Isaac Asimov, and I often wondered if they had been acquainted. Whether they knew one another or not, the association was apparently not mistaken.
Delivered a eulogy the other week for someone, whose passing, as that of most, will never be noted by the Times, and used the occasion to remark on the the many uncounted and unaccountable ways in which we affect one another during our limited time on the earth.
Mr. Eisenberg's circle was far wider than most, I know, but the same applies to us all. We all leave something of ourselves behind when we go. Among much else, Mr. Eisenberg provided a lot of pleasure and left a lot of friends.
As one of those fortunate enough to have been included in his wide circle over the years, I'm grateful to have had the privilege.
216
Oh, how much he will be missed. Larry Eisenberg was utterly brilliant. My mother and I love Larry's poems. When we'd see them, we send the other an email saying nothing more than Larry on Dowd, or Larry on Bruni, then we'd go and read it and have our souls touched by his poetry.
Once we were rattling on about how great Larry Eisenberg is, and my sister overheard and asked who we were talking about. We explained, and she said, oh, I thought you were talking about a neighbor.
He did connect like that, with such joy and a flourish of every verse ending in an exclamation point. He gave us such a gift. We will miss him dearly. My sincere condolences to his friends and family.
545
What a life he led,
Giving the NYT comments cred.
May he rest in peace
His life has come to cease,
Leaving not much left unsaid.
Dr. Eisenberg's passing inspired me to write my first (and likely last) limerick. Condolences to his family and friends.
583
I was DEEPLY saddened - I wept - to learn of the passing of my former Rockefeller colleague. I had the honor of collaborating with him on a number of projects that advanced instrumentation in the life sciences. He had great compassion for all human beings and his life is testament to that ideal. I can cite a great many contributions that he made including one that addressed the management of idiopathic scoliosis but one for which he certainly deserves recognition was participation as the engineer on the team that developed the first implantable pacemaker - the forerunner of those that now save so many lives. Every day, my wife and I looked for his limericks in the Times and if they did not appear for any extended period of time we worried; I was aware of his failing health. He will be sorely missed by his family as well Rockefeller’s “alumni”.
Gordon Silverman,PhD
Professor Emeritus
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Manhattan College
962
@Gordon Silvermanj He truly came from the day in computer sciences when it took a full room of mathematicians with slipsticks and slates to build the first architectures.
12
@Gordon Silvermanj Thank you for this short but oh so sweet bio. I did not know Larry personally. But I am thankful that I at least met him via the NY Times' comments. How I enjoyed his limericks, his wit, his intelligence, and, yes, wisdom. He must have been a wonderful and compassionate human being. I am sure that he has earned a special place in the Great Beyond.
28
Oh, he will be missed so much! Thank you, Larry Eisenberg, for all the wonderful posts, and thanks to the NYT for giving him the perfect obit.
54
@Sarah D. the perfect obit by the perfect obit writer nonpareil, Margalit Fox.
Delighted to see her pop up even though she left the NYT this year.
Lucky Larry- lived an accomplished long life and left it with humor.
17
@fritz Thank you for pointing out what I'd overlooked about Margalit Fox. What a writer she is, too!
12
First Richard, then Larry.
I did not know much about Larry before reading this obituary, but he evidently had a remarkable impact before his NY Times phase, and continued to have a remarkable impact right up to his final days.
May all of us be as lucky.
My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
71
I looked for his verse
because it was terse.
A few minutes it took to read
another few to digest
there was nothing to contest
his poems were great indeed.
76
Oh, gosh! Not a surprise but a shock all the same. RIP, Larry. You were more incisive and articulate in verse than most of us can ever hope to be in prose.
102
Alas! But he had a good run. Bon voyage, Dr. Eisenberg.
39
While I struggled to put my thoughts into complete sentences, Larry was putting his into rhyming verse, often set to popular tunes, and was usually one of the quickest to hit "submit".
I appreciated learning more about his background and contributions to medicine.
He certainly lived a full life!
104
Rest In Peace Mr. Eisenberg. Thanks for all the wonderful words. You will be missed.
37
Oh how I loved his witty limericks!
I'd no idea who he was.
May he Rest In Peace
And thank you for all your works.
The passing of a notable character.
23
He lived a long and remarkable life and was sharp as a tack right to the very end. May he rest in peace.
55
I feel like a lost a friend. When I didn’t see a comment from Mr.Eisenberg I was sad!! In a few words he put things in perspective with great humor.
I agree with the comment to put a post together of his limericks.
My condolences to his family, he had so many friends he didn’t even know.
90
Aw, jeez. I feel so sad. I loved him from afar and always looked forward to what he was going to rhyme each time. He sounds like a lovely fellow, in addition to being smart and clever.
My heartfelt condolences to his friends and family. His memory will surely be a blessing to many, including me.
65
Oh, no!
I had hoped Larry Eisenberg, the razor-sharp, pronged bard who wielded his spines so brilliantly at the deserving in general and the Trump administration in particular, would live to see his (and our) nemesis felled.
Rest in peace, treasured soul. We will miss you more than you could ever know.
75
I've immensely enjoyed and wondered, who was this person.
Thank you Mr. Eisenberg for your inspiration; and to the NYTimes for your illuminating article...!
Rest in the power of your words.
28
Larry’s contributions here will be sorely missed. Heartfelt condolences to his family.
21
What a blessing to journey with Angels on Christmas day.
15
Do you see the Balloons on his tie?
5
Just loved him! What a loss.
26
Heartfelt condolences to Mr. Eisenberg's family and friends.
13
May his soul be bound in the bonds of eternal life (in verse).
13
For one ninety-nine
His verse was so fine.
His comments on point
In dark times out of joint.
May he find well-earned peace
And his soul sweet release.
43
Shall miss him. His comments were always enjoyable.
23
Although unpaid by the Times, Dr. Eisenberg was one of the readers' favorite writers and it was very kind of the Times to print such a generous and informative obituary.
544
His life sounds like one well lived and all who read ( and comment ) here will miss his work. It just won't be the same to not see his comments @ the NYT.
To all his family and friends I send my condolences.
41
Even at 96 (when this picture was taken) he deemed to wearing a white shirt and a tie. A true class act to the very end.
28
His fellow writers on the FictionMags invitational group—and, I am sure, science fiction readers and fans everywhere—also mourn his passing.
As a commenter here myself, and a member of FictionMags, with feet in both camps, I too mourn his loss. Just a few days ago, the Times noted the passing of another much-appreciated (though perhaps not as beloved) commenter in these pages.
15
Oh Larry! I will miss you. You could pen a limerick/quip so quickly. What a talent.
12
Quite the gift he gave!
11
Always worth reading.
Even (or maybe especially) when the op-ed pieces Mr. Eisenberg was commenting on were not.
12
Oh no. It got so I would look for Larry's comment before reading the article. It gave me comfort somehow - like Bill Cunningham's voice used to. Now they're both gone. I'll really miss you Larry.
24
The angels will get hearty daily laughs for eternity now.
20
In Australia we might say it is unfortunate he couldn't hang on to receive a letter from the Queen (for turning 100), but still he'd had "a great innings" (referencing cricket) "close to the average of 'the Don'" (another cricket reference, after Sir Donald Bradman, who was a batsman who finished his career with the incredible test match average of 99.94 - about 40% higher than the next best ever achieved).
I often appreciated Larry's opinions in verse published here. Evidently he was a great man of science and culture besides. "Vale Larry - very well played Sir." I send my condolences to his family and friends. Obviously he was much loved and will be missed.
26
@GRW
Sorry, I've commented without having had sufficient sleep once again and made a couple of "boo-boos" in my reasoning expressed in my comment above. Firstly, it should say "In Australia, if Larry was an Australian," - of course. Also I've actually understated the superiority of Bradman's record in comparison to other batsmen of the past. It should say "about 40 higher" or "about 66% higher". Hopefully I won't be kicked out of the country for this travesty. D'oh!
6
Thank you for honoring Larry with a legacy and tribute. He must be home with Proverbs and Psalms as he left on a most holy day celebrating Jesus who was also Jewish.
19
May Larry Eisenberg's family be comforted by their memories of him. He sounds like a remarkable man.
17
To the zocalo we go!
RIP Larry.
8
A man of impeccable wit
Impressed us much more than a bit
unfailing clever
offensive ? no, never
even when he was roasting a twit...
RIP, Master Eisenberg...
124
Sharp little poems,
Skewering the news.
Hear enormous balloons pop.
21
I miss him already,
15
A lifelong Yankee fan, I was disappointed when the Times stopped allowing reader comments a couple of years ago—more than anything being deprived of Dr Eisenberg’s sport wit.
6
Oh my, a delightful and influential member of the NYT Comments family has passed. He used his wry and clever limericks in service to "speaking truth to power" with the adept skills of a modern day court jester. God rest his soul and wit!
18
Heartbreaking.
10
Godspeed Dr. Eisenberg. I always smiled after reading your prose.
13
Larry Eisenberg, age 99;
knew how many syllables fit in a line;
his limericks well read,
though now he is dead,
and long may perpetual light shine.
51
A lovely send off for the New York Times' most famous unsolicited contributor. The Comments section won't be the same without him.
57
When was Dr. Eisenberg's last limerick post, I'ld like to know?
7
@sansacro
I'm not 100% positive, but I believe his final post was this one, about a Texas judge ruling the ACA unconstitutional.
Larry Eisenberg
Medford, MA.Dec. 15
Uncanny this partisan claque
Unceasing desire to take back,
Nursing home Medicaid
They desire to abrade
Minimal protections to hack.
33
One that I missed; thanks so much for repeating his entry.
4
I can't believe I never saw one of his responses. What a talent! Perhaps a book of these limericks one day?
5
First Richard Luettgen, now Larry Eisenberg. This has been a sad Christmas for NYT comment junkies.
28
@Jeremy Bounce Rumblethud: Oh...I did not know about Richard Luettgen. What a sad, sad end to 2018 to lose these two fellows. May they rest in peace.
10
Agreed. Two of the finer commentators are gone. May they comment in peace wherever they are.
8
Oh!
When was his last contribution?
HIs wit lasted to the end: it helped many of us, more plodding souls, endure the witless.
Earlier in December, it seemed that his postings slowed. I found that his birthday was approaching (12/21) and cobbled together a limerick, nowhere as witty as his. It's somewhere back there. I'm glad he made it to 99, political instincts as sharp as ever. A new attempt to comment in proper form:
He surely had just reached his prime
In skewering fools using rhyme.
We miss him already
His aim was so steady,
But he's now far beyond earthly time.
May his family take comfort in knowing that a very large community mourns with them.
152
Richard Luettgen must have been struck speechless when Larry showed up behind him in the great beyond.
Thank you to the Times for giving us a space to know and remember these fine men.
190
@Suzanne Moniz
I missed that he died!
14
@cheryl - Here's the tribute to Richard.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/21/reader-center/a-tribute-to-a-prolific-times-commenter.html
13
@Suzanne Moniz
Thanks, he was my favorite person at whom to get indignant!
30
I was always amazed at how unbelievably FAST he could write such spot-on commentary, especially the longer ones based on Gilbert and Sullivan tunes. His mind was so nimble! And he was a treasure to NYT readers. I hope that gives some additional comfort to his family and loved ones. He will be missed by many.
241
As an occasional comment contributor, I can't help but feel Larry Eisenberg was "one of us". He was an extremely clever, sharp, witty and prolific author of many a limerick. No matter how crumby or upsetting the day was because of what was going on in the world, I knew I could always count on Dr. Eisenberg to perk me up and make me laugh.
I feel as if I've lost a member of the family. I cherished him and his words for they mattered and meant that much.
Thank you Dr. Eisenberg for sharing your gift and talents with us readers and the NYT!
184
@Marge Keller
He was amazing.
A rare spirit with his spirited rhymes. Whenever I'd read one of his limericks I'd to answer in kind but he was the champ. 99. WOW.
RIP Larry. You will be missed.
Hey NY Times: how about a compilation? We who loved to read him would love it.
34
@Marge Keller One thing about the Times comments - if you don't know exactly how to express your sentiments concerning a news event, someone in here will probably be very close - can't count how many times I found that "perfect" description, feeling both vindicated in my opinion and somewhat sad I had not written it myself. Here I am again - Thank You Marge, I can only "ditto" your comment today.
Larry's verse was a step beyond - I can only laugh and shake my head at how well he understood the meat of a matter, and reduced it to verse that was funny and inventive and just spot on, and left me with a better outlook that lasted all day. I will miss that feeling tremendously, but feel so blessed to have shared his words.
198
@Mark Andrew
Thank you Mr. Andrew for your kindness. Often times I feel a unique and special bond with many a commenter, such as yourself.
Dr. Eisenberg's humor, spot-on analysis of the issue at hand, the miles of smiles he provided and the plethora of comments here today talking about HIM are a direct example of how powerful one's words can and often times are.
We will all feel his absence as time moves on. Every so often I know I will be saying to myself - dang, I wish Dr. Eisenberg was still around because I would love to read his limerick on THAT topic.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts.
17
He will be missed! His was a life well lived! I'm glad to have read his poems in these pages for these last many years.
24
May he rest in peace. So many people will miss him and his poetry.
27
99? Who knew? We can only hope to be so sharp and spirited in our later zenith of life. Godspeed meeting up with the poets.
We have lost a great wordsmith of national treasure.
89
What a rich life! The world lost a real mensch. Condolences to his loved ones.
32
Like many, I quickly learned to love and appreciate his comments! Thank you, Larry!
28
Suddenly some of the light which surrounds and illuminates my days has just dimmed a bit upon reading of Dr. Eisenberg's passing.
The included photo is exactly how I pictured him - a subtle mixture of smile and smirk sprinkled with just the right amount of sass.
Deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and many, many fans and readers of his inspiring and equally humorous limericks.
56
Thank you, Ms. Fox, and The Times, too, for this erudite memorial to a man who brightened our lives with his wit.
30
Perceptive, clever and witty. Will miss his gems. Thanks for some really good reading, Larry! RIP.
25
How I will miss reading his limericks, which never failed to amuse and illuminate.
And what an example he set by his life well-lived, and the good works he did as a biomedical engineer and teacher.
47
There once was a writer of Sci-Fi,
Who could also fix your Hi-Fi,
Sharp was his wit,
He enemies felt snakebit,
We'll all miss that clever old guy.
107
Though we never did meet,
it would have been neat.
He was always quite witty
and his death is a pity.
We’ll miss his great humor,
and that’s not a rumor.
Rest in peace, Larry.
30
His limericks were written with zest,
His rhymes were always the best.
On all of the news
He gave us his views.
Peacefully now may he rest.
His poems, less vinegar than honey,
So often were really quite funny.
With five lines of wit
He cheered us a bit.
He was always right on the money.
185
I hadn't seen a post from him for a while, and just yesterday went to Wikipedia to make sure he was still alive. Then this. I miss him already!
20
Such a shame. I will miss Larry's wit and turn of a phrase. His limericks were consistently on the right side of history.
20
A familiar voice...
9
I have only been a subscriber for 3 years but caught on to his talent almost from the get go. I also noticed that he seemed to be absent these past few weeks. I had no idea he was 99. I hope my noggin functions as well as his if I live that long.
26
This month Luettgen had passed, and now Larry?
It makes us so sad, and it's scary
One wonders who's next
But it's not that complex
Precious time on this earth, temporary
257
I also was struck by the coincidence of Eisenberg and Luetgen dying so close in time. I'll miss them both, especially Eisenberg. It would be conventional to wish that they both rest in peace, but I'm not sure either of them would be comfortable in that state!
45
@Julidta Tarver
I am so sorry to have just heard of Richard Luettgen's death. I didn't agree with him much but he was a good writer and he made it easier for me to organize my own thoughts. He was so young too. A real tragedy.
39
@Billy I had no idea that Richard Luettgen had died - I read the Bret Stevens column in which the news appeared BTL but must not have read through all the comments. So long Richard: I rarely agreed with you but you made me think about why I didn't - rather in the way that Krauthammer did. And Larry - I particularly enjoyed the G&S-inspired comments.
36
Although his comments were but 5 lines in length, and he was technically an amateur, Mr. Eisenberg qualifies as a literary giant, whose wit entertained thousands if not millions. Rest in peace, sir.
31
To Dr. Larry Eisenberg's family: Larry so often made my day so much better through his limericks in his NYT comments. I will also miss him so very much.
62
Gave me dozens of smiles & I never knew anything about him. I wrote a very few limericks & always thought "not as good as eisenberg's." I will miss him!
24
Oh, no. Cliche as it is to say, this “place” will truly not be the same without him. My very sincere condolences to his family.
19
Fantastic. Loved his commentary.
20
Great to have you back Margalit, even if only for a brief time.
6
Larry Eisenberg's limericks were a bright light on the Times comment pages. He was a gem.
24
Oh no! I guess I thought Larry would always be here. He will be missed.
26
Another boychick from the Da Bronx bites the dust .What a life : Monroe HS , a lantzman from City College , and a huge limerick writer .
Continue your work, and don’t stop until Trump is done for .
11
His thoughts were first rate
And so were his rhymes
A loss for all readers
Thanks to the Times
For noting his passing
A gent without peer
We won't see another one
Like him, I fear
80
An amazing mind at 99 years of age. Maybe poetry is the secret to a long life.
45
Mensch.
71
Larry will be much missed by those regulars of the Old Gray Ladies Commentariat.
110
The world needs more menschs like the good professor for many reasons, but most of all to remind us that for every dolt, there is a mensch.
302
Oh no!!
28
'Tis a shame that life is so fleeting
One less rhythmical drum will be beating
All your notes have been written
You wit has been smitten
For Death will allow us no cheating
191
@Jeff,
A fitting tribute.
7
With, as Larry would say, apologies to Gilbert and Sullivan's Major General:
His name is Larry Eisenberg, extraordinary lim’ricist
Try to find his equal you will learn that one does not exist
Master of inventions just as big as those of Edison
Better still his skills fulfilled the bill in biomedicine
No phylum, type or genus has he, he’s a unique specimen
Scientific genius with a literary regimen
Knows more about everything than any group you might collect
With a sense of humor to accessorize his intellect
His politics are liberal and his ethics uncontestable
Loves his brisket lean as well as other swell comestibles
A little bit irascible with just the right amount of snark
What else would you want from him, you know he grew up in New York…?
342
Thank you! Loved his limericks, but was nice when he did longer form (usually Gilbert & Sullivan) verses too.
41
May the Almighty comfort his family among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
27
May his limericks be for a blessing
54
This article's headline is proof he was one-of-a-kind.
26
Dear NYT Editors : Could you please publish a compilation of Dr. Eisenbergs " Greatest Hits " ??? It would be a wonderful way to usher in the New Year. Thank you.
923
@Phyliss Dalmatian
What a sweet, wonderful idea. I hope it is acted upon.
65
@Phyliss Dalmatian
I second the motion!!! Please NYT editors, consider doing this.
79
@Phyliss Dalmatian
Fabulous suggestion Ms. Dalmatian!
What a wonderful way to close out the year - in laughter and in some cases, tears.
76
The Comments won't be the same! Thank you, Larry Eisenberg, for all your contributions.
88
I too have wet eyes reading of his death. I have missed his writing recently and now will miss it even more. Thanks for letting us know.
98
I am so sorry. Very sad news.
23
Ms Fox ought to have quoted one of the Master's own creations rather than offer what would've been one of his lesser rejects as praise.
1
There once was a man (not from Nantucket Mass)
Whose musings demonstrated nothing but class.
His opinions were quite fine
Until his odometer hit ninety-nine
When he realized, "I too, must pass"
With affection from all of us.
162
We were lucky to have him.
54
Upon encountering this unexpected news, this frequent commenter is at a loss for words (other than these)--
13
He died, he’s dead, that I hate
But indeed it’s all our fate,
He rhymed too much in life,
(I bet it annoyed his wife),
But to the other commentators he was a mate.
99
Rest in peace sir. Your verse has been a high lite here for years.Thank you
33
Such a wonderful and kind person those rhymes gave voice to. I looked for his writings after every article and they will be sorely missed. And of course much more so the amazing person behind them. My prayers and thoughts to his family.
16
Have enjoyed all his limericks I've read,
Many of which spoke in my stead.
I will no longer hold tongue in cheek,
In the comments section I must speak,
Because dear Larry Eisenberg is dead.
97
No ~
Say it ain't so ...
... that's all I've got. Mr. Eisenberg, I had no idea. Not about your massive output, that I read and enjoyed and looked forward to.
But your age. Wow. Hat's off to you sir; sincere regards and sympathies to your family and what I know must be scads of friends.
52
Oh no...
2019 is already looking sadder.
Condolences to his family and all his admirers.
44
He was the best of us, I've revered him from my first step into the comments crew. Professor, Poet, True Genius. My deepest condolences to his Family and Friends.
132
Condolences to the good doctor’s family and friend. He added wit and whimsy to an otherwise mean old world.
63
How remarkable that the comments of the limerick-maven became one of the most loved of all daily writings in the NYT.
His humor and wit were amazing, and generously shared gifts.
What a well lived life.
85
Truly a life well-lived.
He will be sorely missed.
Condolences to his loved ones.
23
My condolences to his family. He brightened my day with his limericks. Another commenter said he also improved our lives with the work he did in engineering. There is much to appreciate about his entire life. May he rest in peace.
31
A wit and a brilliant word-setter,
To be sure there was nobody better.
The comments are closed,
He's apotheosed,
So may flights of angels, et ceter...
105
@DM Gold stars for this one. Thank you!
12
Very sad news. And yet, I’m grateful that the Times has honored his memory and wit by alerting us, another of his families, of his passing. May he rest in peace.
53
I love this story! I was a frequent reader of Mr. Eisenberg's witty poetry, and had an image in my mind of what he looked like. (Of course I was totally wrong.) Godspeed Mr. E. You will be much missed. P.S. Ms. Fox -- I want your job!
17
He lightened up the doleful news of the day and will be sorely missed. Glad he made it to 99, though!
33
Larry's poems were always the hidden gems of the comment section for me. They brought many a smile to my face and on many occasions a good belly laugh, too. It was always a pleasure to come upon them as I read.
My deepest condolences to his family.
28
Oh no! He seemed to be contributing right until the very end. We've lost limericking Larry and Richard Luettgen in the same month. Diametric opposites in their political outlooks, but both prolific commenters with eloquence.
The family of those who relish reading the comments is poorer indeed.
May his family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, and his memory always be for a blessing.
75
This news makes me so sad. I was always delighted when I came across Dr. Eisenberg’s comments, and I will miss his voice on this site.
17
This is sad news, and a loss to his readers as well as his family and friends. I am glad to have had the chance to read his remarks, and express my gratitude now to all other commenters who make the effort to share their thoughts during these tumultuous times. Larry's work is done; our own duties and joys and sorrows continue. May peace be with us all.
38
So many who read his comments
Will now begin our laments
Let's keep them amusing
His example using
To never become despondent!
Rest in peace, and many thanks.
61
Not good news but we had him for 99 years so no complaining. It appears that 2019 is already off to a bad start and it has yet to begin.
24
Thanks to Margalit Fox and Daniel E. Slotnik for their work on this beautiful farewell to a dear member of the Times community. If ever an obituary deserved to be open to Reader Comments, this is the one.
Without exaggeration, having known Larry personally is one of the great fortunes of my life.
123
Rest In Peace Larry knowing that you lit up many people’s lives with your limericks that lightened up yet another grim news story. Thank you!!
20
I always enjoyed Larry Eisenberg's limericks - clever, humorous and always with laser, on-point perspective. Terrific contributor the the New York Times who will be greatly missed but who, I am sure, will be watching with great interest as political events unfold in 2019!
24