On Sunday January 20, 2013, Larry Selman died of heart failure. He was 70.
For 36 years, Selman was a neighborhood fixture, collecting money for causes ranging from cancer victims to disabled firefighters; he raised over $300,000. His charitable work was captured by his neighbor Alice Elliot in the Oscar-nominated 2002 documentary, The Collector of Bedford Street. It shows Selman on the steps of his apartment, smiling and talking to passers-by about donating. In one scene, Selman is seen soliciting a contribution from a doctor who is examining him. His apartment became the refuge for many homeless people and stray animals. Before his death, he was raising funds for a Jewish Association Serving the Aging project that provides pets to seniors.
“Collecting charity for others was his mission in life,” said neighbor Sally Dill.
In 2007, Selman suffered a stroke leaving him in a wheelchair and with slurred speech. Yet he continued to collect for charity with his persistency. Even at his 70th birthday party in April, he had his hat out, asking celebrants to give a donation “for the animals.”
An animal lover, Selman’s Village apartment featured walls covered with greeting cards of puppies and kittens. He lost his cat, Happy, after Hurricane Sandy when the feline succumbed to diabetes.
In 2009, Selman received The Caring Award alongside Colin Powell for outstanding contributions as a volunteer.
A celebration of Selman’s life will take place April 2nd on what would have been his 71st birthday. The gathering will be held at the Greenwich House Music School in Greenwich Village.
