Richard Reed Lefrak

Richard "Ricky" Lefrak a longtime resident of San Francisco, California who lived enthusiastically and aged graciously passed away July 26, 2015 after a 3 year battle with mesothelioma. He celebrated his birthday on June 25 with jolly good cheer surrounded by family and friends.

Richard was a renaissance man with a positive attitude. A handsome humble guy born in New York City to David and Loretta Lefrak, his work ethic was shaped by his father. He graduated Stony Brook University with a degree in Sociology then became a pioneering laser lighting designer working in Europe with The Who, Lou Reed, Jeff Beck, Mott The Hoople, Ian Hunter Royal Shakespeare Company, and many others. Stateside he worked with Parliament Funkadelic, Kool and the Gang, Donna Summer, Ruby Dee, Dick Gregory plus lasers for the Bicentennial in Washington DC and many others as well as co producing a 20 year award winning San Francisco public access show with his wife. Per his wishes the Dee Dee TV currently streams worldwide Saturday Nights 11PM Channel 29 in San Francisco. Richards wants to be remembered for his arts lets keep his name alive.

Switching careers from rock and roll to retail he relocated to San Francisco in executive retail becoming a legendary Team Leader at Target, a winning Manager at The Luggage Store, dazzling them at HMS Host and his proudest accomplishment as retail wizard was Store Manager at Ross 4th at Market transforming it to to number one store in a chain. Richard retired from retail at Marbles The Brain Store.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, David and Loretta. He is survived by his devoted wife and long time arts collaborator Dee Dee Lefrak ne Russell; loving sisters, Jeane Petro, Virginia Lefrak, brother Harry Lefrak and nieces, nephews, generational in-laws and a host of family and friends.

In the weeks before his death he continued to co produce "Dee Dee TV" the TV show he and his wife created in 1995. He said about the cancer that claimed his life "Hey, don't feel bad, it's been a great ride!"

In retrospect the theme of Richard's life was his optimism, positive attitude, love of arts, charisma, creativity and his legacy of mentorship.