NOTKIN, Lawrence L., Feb 14, 1941-June 27, 2024. A native son of Chelsea, MA, Larry passed away peacefully in his adopted home of Florida, having lived his life exactly as he wanted. The son of Bessie (Kaminsky) and Charles Notkin, and brother of the late Joyce Notkin, Larry graduated from Chelsea High School and became a well-known figure in the city he loved. Always good with numbers, Larry attended Burdett College in Boston, studying accounting and he found employment at a Boston bank. Larry was a fan of all local sports teams, but he was passionate about his Boston Celtics. Their recent NBA Championship had him smiling and reminiscing of the many games he attended in the old Boston Garden.
Whenever friends and relatives speak of Larry they’ll mention his humor, his smile and his generosity. But first and foremost will be his love for, and dedication to, Chelsea sports and the young athletes who played the games. For 42 years Larry and his teams were synonymous with winning in the competitive Chelsea Youth/RBI Baseball League. With dominate teams like the Red Sox, Cubs and Royals, Coach Notkin not only taught countless teens how to play, but also became a mentor to them. He managed to duplicate his success on the baseball field with 26 years as a coach for the Chelsea Youth Basketball League. When Larry finally retired from coaching in 2006 he said his ultimate enjoyment was teaching, coaching and watching the kids play. Even up to last week, so many men who grew up in Chelsea addressed Larry as “Coach”.
Over the years Larry and friends traveled to Jamaica so many times that they lost count of the number. In 2004 Larry became a Florida “snowbird”, and just like back home, he easily made friends, who found him to be adorable and a “character”. His love and desire for the warmer climate turned Larry into a full time Florida resident, but he never forgot his Chelsea roots and he often bragged about the city. The positive impact Larry Notkin had on those who met him and loved him is immeasurable and will last a lifetime. It truly is the end of an era.
Graveside services for Larry will be held at the Pride of Lynn Cemetery, 89 Lake Shore Rd., Lynn, MA at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 5, 2024. Immediately following will be a luncheon in his honor. Details will be shared at the service.