Mourning the Passing of Staff Member

It is with deep sorrow that we share the unexpected passing of Larry Gonzales, general associate- senior IT specialist at the Maryland Poison Center (MPC), on June 24, 2024.

By: Emily Paterson
Thursday, June 27, 2024

Larry's journey with the University of Maryland, Baltimore began in 1986 at the School of Law, where he dedicated over a decade of his career. He then transitioned to the School of Pharmacy, serving for 23 years, with the latter 14 years as the Senior IT Specialist at the Maryland Poison Center. After 35 years of service, Larry retired on November 30, 2021, only to return soon after on contract to continue his vital IT work with the MPC team.

Larry was more than just a colleague; he was an indispensable part of the MPC family. His expertise and dedication were woven into every facet of the center’s operations and services.

“Larry would joke that if anything was plugged into the wall, he was responsible for it,” said Bruce Anderson, PharmD, DABAT, professor emeritus of practice, sciences, and health outcomes research and former executive director of MPC.

Larry's unwavering support ensured the smooth running of the MPC’s 24-hour service, often answering calls for help at all hours. But it didn't stop there. There wasn’t a research project published by someone at the MPC that Larry wasn’t involved in- he created initial data sets with the criteria needed, as well as structured data to be analyzed later.

 “It goes without saying that Larry was a wonderful person, and such a part of the MPC.” said Joshua King, MD, FACMT, medical director of the MPC and associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and School of Pharmacy, and Angel Bivens, BS Pharm, MBA, CSPI, managing director of the MPC . “He touched so many over the years with his calm demeanor, his kind words, and his unflagging support of everyone in the center. It was a testament to his spirit and his generosity that he kept working at MPC part-time after retirement because we needed his help, and he wouldn't let his friends and colleagues down.”

Larry's absence will be profoundly felt, but his legacy of kindness, dedication, and support will continue to inspire all who knew him. Please keep Larry's family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts during this difficult time.