In addition to a career spanning 35 years as an animator and artist whose work has garnered over fifty awards, Lauria was much sought out internationally as an animation, layout and character design instructor.
It is with great sadness that we report on the passing of award-winning animator, director, instructor and AWN blogger and forum moderator Larry Lauria.
The announcement was made earlier today on Lauria’s Facebook page. Patricia, his wife, writes:
Hi Dear Ones. Tricia here. Thank you for your thoughts, stories, & remembrances. I want you to know how very dear each one of you was to Larry. He always held you in his heart, and I know he continues to do so. And I feel so grateful for the rich legacy of the moments he spent with you. I Love You ALL.
A cause of death is not yet known, but news of his passing has prompted an outpouring of notes and reflections from Lauria’s many students, colleagues and friends from over the years.
In addition to a career spanning 35 years as an animator and artist whose work has garnered over fifty awards, Lauria was much sought out internationally as an animation, layout and character design instructor. He worked in Cologne, London, Dublin, Belfast, Windsor, Lacoste, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and many other cities across the U.S., most recently at Full Sail University in East Winter Park, FL.
See: This Animator Decides It's Time for a New Adventure.
Previously in his career, Lauria was head of animation at the Disney Institute in Orlando, FL. Before Disney, he solidified his reputation as being a renowned educator and curriculum expert as the Course Coordinator and an Instructor at the European School of Animation in Dublin, Ireland -- one of the top three animation programs in the world. In recent years, Larry has been recognized five times by Who's Who Among American Teachers, and his website, Larry’s Toon Institute is recognized around the world as a trusted animation resource.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lauria’s family during this difficult time. We will be gathering tributes to Lauria over the coming weeks for posting on AWN -- anyone who would like to participate can email info@awn.com (link sends e-mail).
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
