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NORTHAMPTON - Lawrence (Larry) A.. Fink, 79, of Northampton, died peacefully at home on Thursday morning, Nov. 12, 2009, after a loving family gathering.

Born and raised in New York, the son of Merwin J. and Claudia (Lowenthal) Fink, Larry received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University, served in the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Corps during the Korean War, and then earned his Doctorate at Columbia University. He spent his entire 35-year career at Smith College as Professor of Education and Child Study, serving for eight years as the first athletic director of Smith's Department of Athletics. During that time he encouraged the induction of the first woman, Senda Berenson, into the Basketball Hall of Fame and led Smith into the NCAA as the first woman's college to join. After retiring, Larry happily contributed in many ways to his community, as a school board member and as chairman of both the Bridge Street School and the Northampton High School building committees. Larry loved his family, his friends, his country, baseball, and a great meal.

He leaves his wife, Barbara; his children, Laura, Jim and Hilary; and his grandchildren, Aaron, Jake, Alexander, Rachel, Tessa and Sophie. He also leaves his brother, Richard Fink, his wife Alice and their children, Becky and Jody. There will be a private burial in the B'nai Israel cemetery on Friday, with no calling hours. Czelusniak Funeral Home of Northampton is in charge. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Dollars for Scholars.