Romberg

Hugh Lawrence “Larry” Romberg, a talented artist, beloved friend, and cherished family member, passed away on Jan. 9, 2025, at the age of 57. Known for his sharp wit, boundless creativity, and deep soul, Larry touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Larry was born on July 6, 1967 to Arnold and Suzy Romberg. He was the youngest of five siblings—Marshall, Alice, Kate, and Laura— growing up in Dallas, Texas. A graduate of Richardson High School, Larry later attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he cultivated his love for art and creative expression.

Larry spent his professional life as a production artist and graphic illustrator, combining technical skill with an extraordinary ability to bring ideas to life. His talent and vision inspired not only his colleagues but also the many friends and loved ones who admired his work.

Larry was a man of depth and contradiction—both introspective and engaging, fiercely independent yet deeply connected to those he loved. He was a philosopher at heart, never afraid to question the systems around him or stand firm in his principles. His art reflected this spirit, capturing the nuance of the world with honesty and compassion.

His home in Austin, lovingly dubbed “Studio Lorenzo,” became a sanctuary for friends navigating life’s chaos. It was a space of music, art, and conversations that often stretched into the early hours. Larry’s warmth, wisdom, and gentle humor made him a safe harbor for anyone in need of understanding or support.

Larry was one of the least materialistic people among us. He cared about people, and about art, and about music. He cared about animals and plants, finding homes for lost, stray, or injured animals, and taking great pains with his garden. He did not care about things, and he did not care about money. He didn’t own much, and what he had he often gave away. He chose intentionally to live quite frugally, in order to spend his time and energy on helping people and animals.

Larry was deeply shaped by loss, especially the death of his sister Laura in a car accident when she was 18 and Larry was only 15. This experience with devastating grief enabled him to connect with others on a profound level, creating bonds rooted in empathy and resilience.

Larry is survived by his father, Arnold; his siblings, Marshall Romberg and wife Sue, Alice Wood and husband John, and Kate Clarkson and husband Larry; nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends who will forever hold his memory close. He was preceded in death by his sister, Laura Todd Romberg, and his mother, Sue Strickland “Suzy” Romberg.

Larry’s family and friends will remember his life at a service at the First Presbyterian Church in La Grange, Texas, on Feb. 22 at 11 a.m. If you want to honor Larry’s creative and compassionate spirit, in lieu of flowers, please help someone in need: lend a hand, lend an ear, lend your voice to help the most vulnerable among us.

Larry’s legacy is one of kindness, authenticity, and the courage to live life on his own terms. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.