Long Time Sales Rep Larry Gans Dies at 89

March 23, 2015  by in Industry, Obituaries   

Gans was a principal member of New York based Gans Brothers.

Gans came from a family with long ties to the furniture business. His father Ike founded Gans Brothers in 1892, at the time one of New York’s leading furniture wholesale showrooms. Ike was one of the founders of the Greater New York Furnishings Association (now the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association), and its first president. 

Larry along with his twin brother Jerry were born in Brooklyn, N.Y. Both graduated from Poly Prep in 1943, then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, seeing action in the South Pacific and taking part in the invasion of Okinawa.

Following military service, they joined their father’s company, growing and diversifying it through the formation of a wholesale distribution company, Triad Distributors, in the 1950s.

In the late 1970s the duo founded David L, a contemporary design showroom located at the New York Design Center.

Larry’s career in the furniture business spanned almost 60 years. He worked for some of the biggest names in the industry. One of the most accomplished salespeople of his day, Larry’s counsel regarding design and marketing was sought after by these manufacturers as well.

He received many honors including the Morris Muester Man of the Year Award, the Jerry Gans Memorial Award and the David Druckman Lifetime Achievement Award.  The ADL, United Jewish Appeal, and the National Conference of Christians and Jews also recognized his contributions

Jerry’s son Andy joined the business in 1981. Larry Gans is survived by his two daughters, two stepchildren, and four grandchildren. Contributions can be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.