IN MEMORIAM 

On Lou Lauer
By Alex J. Rosenberg, May 29, 2009

I first met Lou Lauer about 50 years when both of us were members of the newly formed Reform Democratic Club, which went out to do battle with the entrenched Tammany Hall group that controlled the 72nd Street area, on the west side of Manhattan.  Although we were not close, Lou and I were part of the inner group that won the elections from 1959-61 and replaced the old guard.

By 1964, many of us had established ourselves in politics.  Lou was recognized as one of the brightest and most ethical young lawyers in the Reform movement.  Following our victories, he was named assistant counsel to the New York State Joint Legislative Committee on Court Reorganization and, in 1966, was honored by being named counsel to the New York State Constitutional Convention, a most important post that resulted in much-needed basic changes to our state Constitution.

Subsequently, we drifted apart when he moved to Connecticut.  I didn't hear from Lou again until he became a trustee of the Trust left my son by his mother.  Then, when the other trustee resigned, Lou asked me to become a trustee and work alongside him.  He remained with the Trust for 28 years, filling his legal role and acting as a friend and surrogate parent to my son.

Some years ago, having reached the age of 70, Lou retired from his law firm and become Of Counsel.  He had led a long and honorable career.  In 1972 The New York Times profiled him as "the man in the news," an honor given to very few.

Being a very active person, he was interested in becoming an attorney-consultant to the art field.  He'd worked with me on several cases involving IRS ruling, in which we were successful.  He decided the appraisal field was where he'd like to spend his later years.  He took the appraisal and art courses at New York University to better understand the field, spoke at AAA's national conventions, did near pro-bono work for the AAA, and contributed an excellent chapter to a book I've edited on appraising.

About four years ago, Louis and his wife Liz, a concert pianist, decided to move to Albuquerque, New Mexico to be closer to their children and grandchildren.  While there, he continued to work with his New York clients and visited with me whenever he came east.  The last time I saw him was early this year.

In March Lou fell and injured his head.  Following a successful operation, he seemed to be recovering but then ceased to improve.  He passed away on April 26, 2009. 

Lou leaves his wife, Liz, to whom he was married for 49 years, four sons and daughters, and three grandchildren.  Those who knew him will miss this always friendly, able and cooperative man.

 

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