Lawrence A. “Larry” Bossidy, 90, of Ridgefield, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. He was the devoted husband of the late Nancy Jo (Rodhouse) Bossidy, with whom he shared decades of marriage, partnership, and the joy of raising nine children in the home they built together in Ridgefield.
A native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Larry was born in 1935 and grew up with the enduring values of integrity, hard work, and service—principles that would guide his remarkable life and career. He graduated from Colgate University, where his love for liberal arts shaped his belief in leadership grounded in broad knowledge, human insight, and adaptability. “The best leader,” he once said, “is probably someone from a broad liberal arts background, rather than a technocrat or a specialist.”
In 1957, Larry began his professional journey at General Electric, where over the next three decades, he climbed the ranks to become Vice Chairman and Executive Officer by 1990. Known for his sharp intellect, forward-thinking management style, and unwavering commitment to excellence, he earned a reputation as one of America’s most respected and transformational business leaders.
In 1991, Larry took the helm as Chief Executive Officer of Allied Signal Corp., then one of the nation’s 20 largest companies. But even with this monumental role, he made one non-negotiable demand: he would remain in Ridgefield. For Larry, Ridgefield wasn’t just home—it was where he and Nancy Jo had put down deep roots, raised their children, and built a life of meaning. The company met his request by arranging for a helicopter commute from Danbury Airport to Allied Signal’s Morristown, NJ headquarters—a 44-minute trip, three times a week.
From his very first days at Allied Signal, Larry demonstrated a visionary approach to leadership. On his second day, he threw an outdoor picnic for 1,000 employees—serving hot dogs and hamburgers and signaling a new era of openness and collaboration. He dismantled layers of bureaucracy, empowered employees at every level, and fostered a workplace culture of innovation, flexibility, and shared ownership.
“We must tackle issues in a far more collective way,” he told the press in 1991. He advocated for bottom-up decision-making, interdisciplinary cooperation, and breaking down silos within the company.
The results were extraordinary. During Larry’s tenure from 1991 to 2000, Allied Signal’s stock skyrocketed by 850%. In 1999, he spearheaded the $14-billion acquisition of Honeywell, creating a global industrial giant with $23 billion in annual sales. Although he retired in 2000, the company carried on with the Honeywell name—a testament to Larry’s forward-looking leadership and legacy of transformation.
Even after retirement, Larry’s passion for service never waned. He served on the boards of major corporations including Merck and J.P. Morgan, but also dedicated himself to local causes close to his heart. In Ridgefield, he was a steady presence with Meals on Wheels, and in nearby Danbury, he was an active volunteer at the Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen, quietly lending a hand to those in need.
Larry Bossidy was not only a towering figure in American industry but also a man of humility, compassion, and principle. He believed in lifting people up, whether in the boardroom, on the assembly line, or in the community kitchen. His leadership inspired thousands. His kindness touched countless lives.
He is survived by his nine beloved children, many grandchildren, extended family, dear friends, and colleagues who will miss him profoundly but carry forward his spirit of excellence, empathy, and service.
Celebrating a Life of Purpose
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Saint Mary Church, 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.
Interment will take place privately.
An official obituary from the family will be shared in the coming days.
In the words of those who knew him best, Larry Bossidy was more than a business icon—he was a deeply loved husband, father, neighbor, and friend. His legacy will endure in the companies he transformed, the lives he touched, and the example of leadership he leaves behind.
Rest in peace, Larry. Your life made a difference.
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