Long-time industry veteran Larry Falk passed away suddenly on Father’s Day, June 21, 2020. He was 91 years old. “He taught me a great work ethic and to follow my passion by his example,” recalls his son, Steve, who, like his brother, Wayne, followed in his father’s footsteps with a career in the lighting business. Wayne echoes that sentiment, adding, “He set an example for being honorable, hard-working, and dedicated.”
Born Lothar Falk on March 4, 1929 in Miltenberg, Germany, Larry immigrated to the U.S. in 1936. He started his lighting career working for Ruby Philite, a manufacturing company owned by the late Ira Phillips’ uncle.
In 1961, Larry partnered with the late Ken Gale and Harry Shell on a new manufacturing company, Diamond Lighting. In 1975, Larry joined the Bill Teiber organization as a manufacturers’ representative covering Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Texas.
“He was a mentor to many in our industry including Bill Teiber, Harry Kallick, and many sales representatives in our industry,” Wayne states. “He made his mark in this industry on many levels as a manufacturer, a sales manager for several companies, and as a sales representative in the Southeast from 1979 until 2009.”
“He had a passion for the lighting industry and was a strong supporter of industry organizations such as LLEMSA, AHLI, and later the ALA,” Steve comments.
Larry retired in 1998 and moved to South Florida. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Renate, and is survived by his four children, Michelle Falk, Rhonda (Steve) Moll, Steven (Vickie) Falk, Wayne (Heidi) Falk, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Larry treasured his relationships with his family, friends, and his lighting family. Memorial donations can be made to JDRF or https://btcboca.org/giving/donate-now
My condolences to the entire Falk Family and his friends.