Lawrence (Larry) Hochstein
June 16, 1928-July 21, 2024
Las Vegas, Nevada
Lawrence (Larry) Hochstein, 96, passed away at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 21, from COVID-19, in addition to complications from a stroke he suffered in 2019, and subsequent dementia. Ann, his beloved wife, was by his side.
The son of Russian immigrants, Larry spent his early years in Chicago, before the family moved to Los Angeles. Larry’s father, Abrasha, was a professional concert violist who imparted a passion for classical music to his children. As a young boy, Larry studied clarinet and later played professionally in several orchestras.
After high school, Larry enlisted in the Army, and served in Korea during the US occupation. Thanks to the GI Bill, Larry attended USC after his military service. When a friend suggested that he enroll in a microbiology class “to bring down the grading curve,” Larry discovered a love of science and eventually pursued a doctorate in bacteriology. After completing his degree he worked briefly in Chicago and at Stanford University before embarking on a lifetime career at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. His professional life was devoted to the study of halophilic bacteria — organisms that thrive in extreme conditions. Over the years Larry mentored numerous post-docs in his lab and spent a year in Trondheim, Norway, helping to set up a research facility at the Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH). In 2023 he was honored to have a newly discovered organism named after him (Halorubrum hochsteinianum).
Larry had a lifelong love of and fascination with the natural world and the outdoors. Many of his happiest memories included hiking and backpacking trips in the eastern Sierra Nevada. One of his greatest legacies was instilling an appreciation for exploration and a love of the outdoors in his two daughters.
Larry never lost his great enthusiasm for music, and, for a period in the 1960s–70s, performed with chamber music groups in Palo Alto. Even after he had set aside his clarinet, barely a day would go by without some musical interlude — whether attending a live performance or listening to favorite recordings.
For more than 30 years Larry and his wife Ann were constant companions. Together they traveled the world and shared a wide range of cultural interests. They enjoyed spending time with their families and treasured their grandchildren.
An avid reader, chef, golfer, traveler and perpetual learner, Larry had an unflagging curiosity about life. His wide-ranging interests were appreciated by all who knew him, and he took great delight in new experiences that broadened his knowledge and understanding of the world. As one who enjoyed debating ideas, Larry followed current events closely and always welcomed discussion, including with friends of different political persuasions.
Larry is survived by his wife, Ann, daughters from a previous marriage Karen Neuman (Barry) and Lisa Hochstein (Sol Katzman), grandchildren David and Alana Neuman, and sister Zoya Jenks. Contributions in his name to the Sierra Club or to the 2024 Democratic presidential candidate are requested in lieu of flowers.
