Petko, Lawrence J Larry

Dr. Petko was our sons' pediatrician before he developed AIDS. My husband and I were heartbroken when he told us that he would not be able to see children any longer in order to protect himself from opportunistic infections. He was a wonderful person and doctor, kind, attentive, everything you would want from someone in his role. Our oldest son had severe asthma and Dr. Petko helped us through the process of managing his attacks and then identifying a pulmonologist and getting specialized treatment. I looked up his name after reading Rebecca Makkai's book The Great Believers and found his obituary from so long ago. I did not know of all his academic accomplishments; they made his loss even harder to understand. It was good to read that his partner was at his side during that terrible time. Memory eternal.

I met Larry Perkins in 1973 in New Jersey through a mutual friend. Both l Larry and I were in a singing and social group.Webecame fast friends and shared much laughter, of wish Larry had so much joy. He was an extremely intelligent and kind friend. I will always cherish the times we shared and will remember him always.