Larry Lichtenstein

Larry Byron Lichtenstein, 72, (formerly of Chicago), passed away peacefully on March 10, 2015, in Clearwater FL, as a result of frontal temporal dementia. Larry was born March 12, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois into the family of Ruth Libovsky Lichtenstein and Fred Lichtenstein. He attended Marshall Grammar School and graduated in 1959 from South Shore High School. Larry completed his Law Degree at the University of Illinois in 1966.

At age 13, Larry began his hard-working legacy by taking the train to work at Mr. McGee’s Grocery Store. In high school, he earned his college tuition and developed his sense of business attire while working at a men’s clothing shop. During his college days, Larry juggled his studies with employment at the drug store, the campus library and a sorority kitchen. After graduation, Larry practiced corporate, family and international law in Chicago. His trusted assistant, Johnine Browne, worked closely at his side for 30 years, up until Larry’s retirement in 2009. Larry considered Johnine to part of his family.

Larry began his family life with the adoption of Judi Van Crey, (1968), Alisa Lichtenstein (1969), and Jeremy Lichtenstein (1973). Larry married Nancy France in 1986. Larry and Nancy soon became inseparable in both their professional and private lives.  Larry worked closely with Nancy in her real estate business and as National Marketing Directors for N.S.A. water and air filters. True to his charitable nature, Larry devoted countless hours of his spare time to the establishment and well being of the Pets-in-Need animal shelter in Ringwood, IL.

Despite the busy and “on-call” nature of his law practice, Larry managed to spend time traveling to numerous destinations around the world. His travels with Nancy took him as far as Israel, Europe, Hawaii and the Caribbean. Additionally, Larry always found time to visit his children and grandchildren in Texas, Colorado, Montana and New Zealand. Larry enjoyed playing golf with his son Jeremy, his cousin Michael Steinberg and many of his longtime friends. Larry planned an annual golf trip that took them to different golf courses around United States and the Bahamas.

Larry also loved to dance. In his 60’s, Larry learned to do the salsa at one of his client’s conferences in Miami. Subsequently, he used this new skill to surprise and impress his wife Nancy on one of their nights of dancing. Larry was always attentive and a great listener. As a result, he had acquired knowledge in many areas of life, and thus, was a great conversationalist. He was also very resilient and upbeat. When confronted with difficulties and hard times, he prophetically quoted his mother’s saying, “this too shall pass”.

Larry spent his last breaths in the devoted care of his wife and best friend, Nancy. He is now in peace and in the book of remembrance. (Malachi 3:16)

He is survived by his wife Nancy Lichtenstein, his brother Sheldon Lichtenstein, his children; Judi Van Crey, Alisa Lichtenstein, Jeremy Lichtenstein, Jeffrey France and his grandchildren; Nikko Van Crey, Anthony Van Crey, Mason Clark, Morrea Clark, Sawyer Clark, Ainsley Lichtenstein, Hayden Lichtenstein, Maximum France and Alex France.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

A Facebook page has been created by the family and can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/LarryBLichtenstein?ref=profile.