Dr. Lawrence "Larry" Hendry

Dr. Lawrence "Larry" Hendry, 81, a distinguished chemist, pioneering entrepreneur, and passionate sports enthusiast, passed away August 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of profound scientific and athletic contributions. Born and raised in Manhattan, Larry's life was deeply rooted in athletics. He played hockey during his collegiate years and co-founded the first formalized hockey program at Penn State University in 1972 while serving as an assistant professor. His lasting impact on the sport was officially recognized in 2003 when he was inducted into the Penn State Hockey Hall of Fame. The program later became Division I and joined the Big 10. His love for sports also extended to the game of golf; he volunteered his time at the Masters Tournament for 40 years, serving in several capacities. This included the position of Gallery Supervisor of the historic 18th hole (Holly) for many years. Larry also played a part in growing the sport of hockey in the South when the Augusta Lynx, an ECHL team, was formed in 1996. He took to the ice as a referee for the Lynx and amateur games as the sport grew in the area. Professionally, Dr. Hendry was a visionary mind in the scientific community. He earned his degree in Chemistry from Lafayette College in 1966, followed by a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Cornell University in 1971. He shared his brilliance as an assistant professor of Chemistry at Penn State University (1971-1977) and later as an associate professor of Physiology and Endocrinology at the Medical College of Georgia (1977-1999). Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Hendry published over 1,000 works in abstracts and prestigious journals, including features in Science, Nature, and the National Academy of Sciences. A prolific inventor, he held numerous patents in drug design. In 1999, he channeled his expertise into entrepreneurship by founding Accelerated Pharmaceuticals, one of the first companies to utilize computer-made molecular blueprints to automate pharmaceutical research. Above all his towering achievements, Larry was a devoted family man. He was a loving husband to his wife, Wendy, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. He is survived by his brother Clifford (Jeanie) Hendry of Pittsburg, PA. He was immensely proud of his three children: Kristen (Mark) Douglas of Athens, GA, Kerry Hendry of Tarrytown, New York, and Bryan (Nichole) Hendry of Columbia, SC. He was also a proud grandfather of Caro, Lauren, Mia, Grayson, and Miles. A celebration of Dr. Hendry's extraordinary life and legacy will be held at a later date.

Dr. Lawrence "Larry" Hendry

March 6, 1945 - August 30, 2026