Larry Bossidy, the former CEO of Honeywell and an outstanding former pitcher who led Colgate University to the College World Series in 1955, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 90, at his home in Ridgefield.
The death of Colgate University Hall of Famer Larry Bossidy has left a profound void in the lives of his friends, family, and loved ones.
He was known for his avid passion for sports and made significant contributions to the Pittsfield Sports community, winning the hearts of many with his exceptional baseball skills.
The late Larry Bossidy, born Lawrence Arthur Bossidy on March 5, 1935, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to late parents Lawrence and Gertrude Bossidy, began his sports career at Pittsfield High School.
While in high school, Larry excelled in both baseball and basketball, leading his team to several victories. He graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1953.
Likewise, Larry always dreamt of being an MLB pitcher and once had a summer job pitching baseball for a college league team in Quebec, Canada.
For his exceptional pitching skills, Larry was offered a $40,000 contract to pitch for the Detroit Tigers of MLB in 1953; however, he chose to continue his baseball journey at Colgate University on a full athletic scholarship.
Bossidy graduated from Colgate in 1957 with a B.A. in economics and was later conferred a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Colgate.
Although Larry didn’t pursue a career in sports after college, he continued to excel in his career, joining General Electric in 1957 and worked with the company for over three decades in several executive positions including chief operating officer, executive vice president and president of GE’s Services and Materials Secor, vice-chairman and executive officer of the General Electric Company.
He departed from GE in 1991 to be the Chairman and CEO of AlliedSignal (now Honeywell) and retired from the company in 2000.
Larry was reappointed as CEO of Honeywell in 2001; however, he retired again in 2002.
In addition to his sports journey and remarkable career with GE, Larry Bossidy was also known for his philanthropy, having helped several local organizations, including RVNAhealth, the Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club, Tiger Hollow, and many more.
Similarly, Larry Bossidy was a devoted husband to his longtime wife, a great father to his nine children, and an amazing grandfather and great-grandfather.
Larry Bossidy Was Preceded In Death By His Longtime Wife, Nancy Jo Rodhouse Bossidy
Larry Bossidy and his longtime wife Nancy Jo Rodhouse tied the knot in 1956 and were happily married for 66 years before Nancy’s demise on March 21, 2023.
Like Larry Bossidy, his beloved wife, Nancy, was also a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and was born on November 9, 1936, to Thomas and Lucy Rodhouse.
She graduated from St. Joseph Central High School in Pittsfield and attended Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts for two years.
After tying the knot in 1956, the late couple, Larry and Nancy, lived in Schenectady, New York, for thirteen years before moving to Ridgerfield in 1970.
Likewise, Larry and Nancy raised all nine of their children, including six daughters —Lynn Tidgwell, Pam Martin, Nancy Dugdale, Mary Jane Kelemen, Lucy Millano, and Kathleen Mackie —and three sons —Larry Jr. Bossidy, Paul Bossidy, and Mike Bossidy —to be successful in their respective fields.
Nancy was not just an amazing wife to Larry and a great mother to their nine kids, but also excelled in her professional journey.
She was involved in many activities and was a member of St. Mary’s Parish, where she taught religious education for thirteen years.
Nancy also tap danced with the McDonald Pin dancers for 36 years, sang with the Charles Pope Choristers for five years, and served on the Board of Directors at Founders Hall for eleven years.
In addition to their nine children, Larry and Nancy Bossidy are survived by their son and daughter-in-laws, Sharon Bossidy, Tricia Bossidy, Phil Martin, George Dugdale, Drew Kelemen, Tony Milliano, Julie Bossidy, and Scot, grandchildre, Tom, Conor, Kelleigh, Tim, Kendall, Paul, Brendan, Quinn, Lily, Nick, Sam, Jack, Luke, Lucy, Andrew, Jane, Nicole, Gabrielle, Anthony, Mike, Ted, Maddie, Josie, Charlotte, Molly, Georgia, Scot, Henry, BB, sixteen great grandchildren and the whole family.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Larry Bossidy’s funeral and memorial services will take place on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.
- A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 28, 2025, in Saint Mary’s Church, 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately.
