Laurence "Larry" Feinstein's Obituary
Laurence (Larry) Feinstein of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Wyncote, Pa, passed away peacefully on August 8 in the arms of his loving wife and best friend, Patti. He was 81.
Born in Philadelphia to Edythe Solomon and Frank Feinstein, he was a graduate of Central High School, Temple University and Widener University Delaware School of Law. He worked in local radio and television production in Philadelphia before joining Associated Press, spending several years reporting on events in North Dakota. He later joined the Business and Industrial Development Department of North Dakota as Public Information Officer. He loved sharing stories about meetings with Hubert Humphrey, Ted Kennedy, Lawrence Welk and Count Basie to name a few.
He then set his sights on Public Relations when he returned to the East Coast and rolled out PR campaigns involving the New Jersey State Lottery and other businesses. He was a proud member of the Public Relations Counselor Academy and received the first “Best of Show” from the Public Relations Society for a corporate program developed for Philadelphia National Bank and an international marketing award from Marketing Communications Executives International for the introduction of the automated teller (MAC/ATM).
Ever seeking new challenges, he entered the field of law and graduated cum laude, was a Moot Court winner and recipient of a Dean’s scholarship from Widener School of Law. He practiced criminal law and family law in Philadelphia for over 20 years before retiring.
On a blind date he met the love of his life, Patti and they became inseparable for 56 years. They enjoyed spending time together playing tennis, racketball, exercising and biking through parts of Europe. Every weekend they could be found fishing at Ventnor Pier, NJ. Planning for retirement took them to prime fishing areas along the coast of Florida before deciding on the Fort Myers area. When Larry retired in 2010 he could be found almost every day at one of his favorite fishing spots at Lover’s Key or Punta Rassa - settled in his fishing chair, holding a cigar in one hand and fishing rod in the other. He enjoyed word games, learning languages, Tai Chi and listening to music. He could name that song in one note!
He leaves a beautiful legacy that will brighten the lives of many and remain in the hearts of his beloved wife, Patti; his nieces Dr. Samara Shipon (Matt Radford); Dr. Courtney Shipon Gagol (Artur); grandniece Lily Gagol; grand nephew Andrew Gagol; grand dogs Sparky, Orchid and Winnie; sisters-in-law Michele Schonbeck, Carol Carpenter(Danny) and brothers-in-law Michael Bilinski, Mark Bilinski (Becky) and Jon Bilinski (Lisa) and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his sister Judith Shipon and his parents.
Funeral services to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larry’s memory to captainsforcleanwater.org or the charity of your choice.
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