Commercial realtor Larry Rabin is laid to rest
LARRY BRUCE RABIN, a commercial realtor for more than three decades, passed away with family surrounding him on Mon. Feb. 3, He was 75.
LARRY BRUCE RABIN
A New Orleans native, he was an excellent athlete, excelling in golf and basketball during his years in attendance at Isidore Newman School. He later attended Tulane University.
However, at the age of 21, his beloved father faced a critical illness and Rabin bravely stepped in to lead the family business, The Orleans Shop, which later evolved into The Crate and Designers Anonymous. His determination and work ethic kept the family enterprise successful for many years.
That experience in retail and Rabin’s natural fortitude and adaptability served him well as he later entered the commercial real estate industry, first with John Kushner and Associates, and later with Corporate Realty. He specialized in strategy and deal making for national retail concepts coming to the Gulf South. Many of these national retail concepts that are now familiar in this region found success from their relationships with Larry. He was also a successful retail developer and a mentor to many who learned success under his guidance.
Many of Rabin’s childhood pals from his early years also remained very close and important throughout his life. This foundation of devotion and camaraderie would remain a thread throughout Larry’s life. His example remains an integral part of his extended family, and we are better at understanding how real relationships are the most worthwhile currency that one can earn. Woven into his life was true resilience, courage, determination, and a passionate zest for life that was inspiring to those who knew him. He was a good man, a mensch in the truest sense.
His devotion to Newman School, and especially his cherished class of ’67, led his classmates to establish the Larry Rabin Scholarship Fund and honored him with being ‘President for Life’ of their class for his unwavering dedication in keeping his classmates connected.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Ann Lengsfield Rabin; his two daughters Randi Rabin Karotkin (Jesse) and Dr. Lauren Rabin Blair (Jon); his stepchildren Richard Weber and Maggie Weber; his sisters Janis Rabin and Dr. Vicki Rabin Bursten (Andy); and seven grandchildren.
A service conducted by a lifelong family friend, Rabbi Katie Bauman, was held at Touro Synagogue on Monday February 10 at 1 p.m. with a private burial service in Hebrew Rest No. 3 that followed.
Memorial donations in his honor may be made to: Isidore Newman School, Class of 1967 Larry Rabin Scholarship Fund, 1903 Jefferson Ave., New Orleans, LA 70115; Touro Synagogue, Rabbi Bauman’s Discretionary Fund, 4238 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70115; Museum of Southern Jewish Experience, PO Box 15071, New Orleans, LA 70175.
