Samuel J. LeFrak

Samuel J. LeFrak
Born February 12, 1918
Brooklyn, New York
Died April 16, 2003 (aged 85)
Nationality United States
Ethnicity Jewish
Education B.A. University of Maryland, College Park
Occupation Real estate developer
Record producer
Religion Judaism
Spouse(s) Ethel Stone
Children Denise LeFrak Calicchio
Richard LeFrak
Francine LeFrak Friedberg
Jacqueline LeFrak Kosinski


Samuel J. LeFrak (February 12, 1918 – April 16, 2003) was an American real estate tycoon. He was a noted landlord who chaired a private building firm, the LeFrak Organization. The LeFrak Organization was also ranked 45th on the Forbes list of top 500 private companies.[1] The development firm is best known for major development projects in Battery Park City, LeFrak City in Queens, and Newport, Jersey City. It was founded in 1883 in France, by Samuel J. LeFrak's grandfather, Maurice.[1]

Biography

LeFrak grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and attended Erasmus Hall High School.[2] He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 1940,[3] with the University's LeFrak Hall named for him. While at Maryland, he was a brother in the Tau Epsilon Phi Fraternity.

In 1975, he co-founded a small recording and publishing company, The Entertainment Company with his then son-in-law Martin Bandier and Charles Koppelman.[4] The company recorded "Groovin'" by the Rascals, "Here You Come Again" by Dolly Parton, "My Heart Belongs to Me" by Barbra Streisand, Streisand and Donna Summer's duet, "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)", "By The Time I Get to Phoenix" by Glen Campbell, "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" by Diana Ross, "Love Will Keep Us Together" by the Captain & Tennille, and the soundtrack album to the television series Fame.[4] In 1984, the relationship was dissolved after Bandier divorced LeFrak's daughter.[4]

In 1988, LeFrak was honored by the United Nations, along with former President Jimmy Carter, for global contributions through Habitat International. After his death, his son, Richard LeFrak, became CEO of the LeFrak Organization.[5]

Personal life

In 1941, LeFrak married Ethel Stone. They had four children:[6][7]

LeFrak died at the age of 85 on April 16, 2003. Funeral services were held at Congregation Emanu-El in New York City.[6]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Chapman, Parke (April 4, 2001). "A Family Affair - Brief Article". Real Estate Weekly.
  2. ↑ Boyer, David. "NEIGHBORHOOD REPORT: FLATBUSH; Grads Hail Erasmus as It Enters a Fourth Century", The New York Times, March 11, 2001. Accessed December 1, 2007.
  3. ↑ "Reporting Back: Notes on Journalism". WNYC. Archived from the original on 2005-12-12. Retrieved 2006-04-14.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Turning Music Into Dollars at Sony/ATV," New York Times
  5. ↑ Richard LeFrak Forbes biography
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 New York Times: "Paid Notice: Deaths LEFRAK, SAMUEL J." April 18, 2003
  7. ↑ New York Times: "Samuel J. LeFrak, Master of Mass Housing, Dies at 85" By ALAN S. OSER April 17, 2003

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