Larry Bruce Rabin

Although July 5, 1949, does not appear to be a day of historical significance, beloved family, friends, and colleagues profited when Larry Bruce Rabin was born in his favorite city of New Orleans on this day. Born as the middle child of Sarah and Sam Rabin, Larry was always his mother's favorite. Growing up with his adoring sisters, Janis Rabin (Dr. Stan Alfred, z"l) and Dr. Vicki Rabin Bursten (Andy), theirs was a home of laughter and play, filled with friends and extended family with an open door policy. These siblings and their cousins established a lifelong bond of love and loyalty that has continued with future generations of nieces and nephews. Janis, Vicki, and Larry remained by each other's side until Larry's final fight was over on February 3, 2025.

Many of Larry's childhood pals from these early years have 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.

An excellent athlete, Larry excelled in golf and basketball until these pursuits gave way to motorcycles, pinball, and perhaps some drag racing by the lake as he made his way through Newman School. He went on to Tulane but always cheered for LSU. He was competitive in all pursuits. One of these pursuits in his formative years turned out to be played in a longer game when he connected with Ann Lengsfield in high school. They would not marry for many years, but this relationship would prove to be invaluable and a great love story.

In the meantime, Larry faced some early challenges. At the age of 21, his beloved father faced a critical illness. He 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. This experience in retail and Larry's natural fortitude and adaptability would serve him well in his next career in the commercial real estate industry. A 35 year career that started with John Kushner and Associates and flourished with Corporate Realty, Larry 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.

During Larry's early work years and first marriage, he had two beautiful daughters, Randi Rabin Karotkin (Jesse) and Dr. Lauren Rabin Blair (Jon). He taught the importance of relationships, love, and living with passion to the next generation. With his mustache in tow, Larry also taught his daughters how to play basketball and how to throw a mean spiral. His lessons of good character, hard work and determination prepared them for success in life that they and their families enjoy.

And now back to Ann. After an almost 20 year hiatus, one that is necessary for this story as it provided Ann with her two wonderful children, Richard Weber (Rebecca) and Maggie Weber, the fabric was now in place for Ann and Larry to weave together their two families. These combined families have been together for 36 years. Many spaghetti noodles found their way stuck above the family dinner table on the ceiling in the early years. Mandatory 'Family Outings' meant six Rabins and Webers in Larry's little sedan and, by sheer will, Ann and Larry brought this family together. It would be fun, they said. Well, it worked. Maybe through their shared love for one another, maybe because this was a path that was meant to be, fun was had. Lifelong relationships were established and they became a family. This has continued to the next generation as Ann and Larry, who became Mimi and Pops, welcomed seven grandchildren, Mica, Zev, James, Fox, Judah, Dylan, and Henry. This generation will teach the next Larry's valuable lessons of "can do."

Blending a family of many personality types could not have been an easy start for this relationship, but Ann and Larry's love for one another made it work. Love conquers. Ann and Larry loved to travel together, share great meals with friends and family, cheer on the Saints and LSU, and enjoy the wonderful things that the city of New Orleans has to offer, all while trying their best to keep their children out of trouble. They were devoted to one another until the end. Through Larry's declining health these last few years, Ann remained by his side - as wife, best friend, confidant, cheerleader, and caregiver. Their faith and love of family, friendships, and an appreciation for life gave them strength.

Ann was blessed to have tremendous help with Larry's care from Laura Hill, Shirella Ray, Demetrious Gaunichaux, Ivera Jones, and William Bridges who all became part of the family as they ensured his comfort and dignity. His medical team, including Dr. Charles Smith and Dr. Stephen Kantrow, provided expert care for a patient with complicated health challenges. We will forever be grateful for all of the wonderful medical professionals who stepped in to show Larry love and support as he faced new challenges that came his way. With his head held high, he took every chance he could to enjoy life with friends and family. He was truly inspirational to so many.

Larry's 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.

Larry filled his days with courage, love, and faith. Rabbi Katie Bauman of Touro Synagogue, a lifelong family friend, became Larry's spiritual leader. This relationship provided Larry with a deeper faith that gave him strength and resolve as his challenges increased.

Larry's zest for life, his ability to make others laugh, resilience, and love of friends and family will remain an inspiration to us all. How can we ever forget his quick wit and side-splitting sense of humor? He instilled these values in the next generation to share with the next. We will do our best to live up to the good character by which Larry lived his life.

You will be missed, Pops. Love remains.

In his honor, donations 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.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM at Touro Synagogue on Monday February 10th with a service to follow at 1pm.

So many of you have provided friendship and love to Larry and his family through the years, and these indelible relationships will forever be cherished.