Louis Harris Pitluk

Mr. Louis Harris Pitluk peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at the age of 84. He was born in San Antonio on March 17, 1931 to Jack N. and Adeline Harris Pitluk. A legendary icon in the San Antonio advertising community, he was also a humble visionary and philanthropist, who always looked for new and better ways to serve his clients and the public.

After graduating from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He completed 16 weeks of infantry basic training at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, then advanced to the Public Information Office at Ft. Rucker. He was fond of saying that there was never an invasion of the Alabama coastline during his service.

Following his honorable discharge, he joined his father and brother, Jack, Jr. at what was the Pitluk Advertising Agency. He was named President of the Agency in 1961. The company, later renamed The Pitluk Group, grew to become the largest advertising agency in San Antonio, and one of the top five agencies in the state.

He was recognized by numerous civic and professional organizations for his dedication and contributions. His most cherished memories were his partnership in the group that brought the Spurs to San Antonio; bringing live entertainment to HemisFair featuring Jack Benny, Vikki Carr, Jimmy Dean, Marty Allen, Bob Newhart, and Glen Campbell to name a few; helping with the creation of CARQUEST Auto Parts; and remaining friends with countless protégés throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sharon and her Indiana family; his children, daughter, Vicki Pitluk (Len Hoppe) and their children and grandchildren, and son, Barry Pitluk; as well as his faithful four-legged companions; his nephews, Jack III (Doreen), Lee (Ellen) and Jeff Pitluk, Brad Brown and niece, Belinda Nixon, and several great nieces and nephews; his Houston cousins; Jean Falkstein Sawyer, Frank Falkstein, Jr., Jay Cohen, and Ricky Cohen and their families and special friends Rose and Donna Gibbs and Sam Nachin.

Louis especially cherished the memories of the many friends and mentors that he shared so much of his life with over the years and continued to speak of fondly; mentors: Doc Sowell, Charles Becker, Big Jim Cavender, Cliff Morton; partners: Howard Honigblum, and Jim Glasberg, and dear friends Bill and Tootsie Kolitz, Oscar Ehrenberg and Freddy Mayer.

The family would like to especially thank Michael Alvarado and Bobby Nowak for their devoted care and the caring staff at Encompass Hospice and Caring Companions.

SERVICE

THURSDAY

JANUARY 28, 2016

10:00 A.M.

PORTER LORING CHAPEL

1101 MCCULLOUGH AVE

INTERMENT WILL FOLLOW AT BETH-EL MEMORIAL PARK ON AUSTIN HIGHWAY.

Honorary Pallbearers: Stanley Rosenberg, Richard Alterman, Marvin Barenblat, Leo Rose, Dan Bock, Joel Kattleman, Roger Christian and Helen Thompson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the charity of your choice.