Dr. Lawrence A. Real

Dr. Lawrence A. Real (Larry), 72, of Merion Station, PA died on March 25, 2021 after bravely battling cancer. He is survived by his son Daniel of Wynnewood, PA and his son Michael and daughter-in-law Aviva Isenberg of Ardmore, PA, as well as his partner over the last ten years Madeleine Gardberg of Malvern, PA. Born in Philadelphia on March 24, 1949, he was a son of the late Elliott and Mildred Real of Bala Cynwyd, PA. He also is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Mark Real and Karen Real of Phoenixville, PA, and his brother and sister-in-law Hal Real and Anne Sheppard of Rockland, DE. Larry graduated from Harriton High School (Rosemont, PA) in 1966 where he was an all-suburban soccer goalie and a member of the National Honor Society. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in psychology (cum laude) from Yale University, in 1978 Larry received his Doctor of Medicine from the Medical College of Pennsylvania (now Drexel University School of Medicine). He graduated from the adult psychiatry residency at Hahnemann University Hospital (now Drexel), where he was co-chief resident, and fulfilled his scholarship obligation to the National Health Service Corps as the medical director at the Community Council for MH/MR from 1982 until 1987. Larry was an integral part of the clinical, administrative, and teaching staff of the Department of Psychiatry in the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network for over 20 years, including serving as Medical Director of the Belmont Center for Comprehensive Treatment from 1997 to 2010. In 2009, he became the first psychiatrist appointed to the Horizon House Board of Directors. Shortly after that, in July 2010, he joined Horizon House as Medical Director. In 2015 he accepted an appointment as the Chief Medical Officer for the City of Philadelphia's Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services. He then returned to Horizon House in 2018, to resume his role as Medical Director, and to serve as the Co-Director of the Fellowship in Public Psychiatry program at the University of Pennsylvania. Larry's belief in the possibilities of recovery for those he served was a driving force behind his efforts. He had a unique ability to introduce his clinical expertise and judgment into a discussion while demonstrating an equal respect for the opinions and expertise of others - most importantly, of the individual being served. Under his leadership, Horizon House attracted some of the most highly regarded community psychiatrists in the region. His legacy includes mentoring a new generation of community psychiatrists and leading them to put the "care" back in mental healthcare. Recognition of Larry's professional accomplishments included the 2017 Paul J. Fink Leadership Award from the Philadelphia Psychiatric Society, the 2013 Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from NAMI, PA, the 2012 Bell of Hope Award from the Mental Health Association of SE PA, and the 2011 "Righteous Person" award from TIKVAH/Advocates for the Jewish Mentally Ill, an organization that he co-founded. He was a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a charter member of the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Leadership Council, as well as a past president of both the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Psychiatric Societies. Larry radiated warmth through his smile, his wit, his sense of humor and his love of life. He loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed golf outings, travel and attending live music performances. He was an outstanding guitarist and singer, playing often with and for friends songs that he wrote and songs by artists he loved including Bonnie Raitt, John Prine, J.D. Souther, Bob Dylan, Karla Bonoff, James Taylor, and many others. The family will share future plans for a celebration of Larry's life this fall when in-person gatherings are safe and more comfortable for all. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Larry's memory may be made to Horizon House (www.hhinc.org) or World Cafe Live's education programs (www.worldcafelive.com).

Dr. Lawrence A. Real

March 24, 1949 - March 25, 2021