Larry White was always willing to listen, offer thoughtful advice, make an introduction, or connect someone with the right person. He shared his knowledge freely and never expected anything in return. He was a trusted friend and mentor who had a profound impact on my career. What set Larry apart was the way he built relationships. They weren’t transactional, they were genuine. The souvenir industry is stronger because Larry White was part of it. — Rich Caplan, Little Critterz / Animals Forever Inc.
I’ll forever be grateful to Larry for bringing Breakwall Publishing the opportunity to purchase Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazine. He loved the magazine and industry more than anyone could put into words and wanted nothing more than to see it continue to serve the industry when Scott Borowsky was no longer able to continue publishing it. While I wish it could have been longer, having the opportunity to work alongside Larry for three years was a blessing. He was a wonderful business mentor and a true inspiration. The way he cared for his customers and the industry will continue to inspire me, and I look forward to making Larry proud with every issue we publish. — Karen Carr, Breakwall Publishing
So first time we met, he was all smiles and super cool vibe. He walks into the booth that I am sharing with Vinny da Tooth, and says we will be doing business for 10 years after we start today, and it was true. Love ya Larry, your brother Turtle Joe — Joseph Conde “Turtle Joe,” SS Handcrafted Art
It’s hard to think of Larry without hearing his uniquely delightful voice! I can’t count the years he would sneak up on me at a trade show from behind and just simply say something and I knew immediately who it was. He was frequently a source of information for me relative to a show, or a new promotional idea, and I reached out to him often for his input. He is sorely missed and will be long remembered. — Kem Clark, The Wikki Stix Co.
I had the honor of working with Larry when Breakwall Publishing purchased Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties in 2023. Over the last few years, it was obvious to me how he was always looking out for his customers. He was very willing to pass on his industry knowledge and would let me know anytime a customer had something newsworthy to share. Larry built a strong foundation for Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties and we look forward to continuing and building upon his legacy. — Kristin Ely, Breakwall Publishing
I will never forget looking down the trade show aisle and seeing Larry heading our way.... that energy! Always a smile and for years he made us “smile” for that darn camera he always had with him! Larry was probably the first “King of the Kodak Moment!” My heart goes out to his family, friends and business associates, all who were privileged to have him as a gift in their lives. — Kathleen Gavin, b. dazzle inc.
The souvenir and novelty industry just lost one of its best friends. If you needed help finding a job, or a line to sell, you could call Larry. If you wanted to sell your business, you could count on Larry to help. He was a good friend to all in our industry and will be greatly missed. — Joe Goldberg, formerly of Joe Goldberg Ent. Inc.
I had the pleasure of working with Larry for nearly 25 years. He was always warm, considerate and genuinely easy to work with. Larry was a true legend in our industry, and his kindness, professionalism and presence will be deeply missed. — Dan Grody, TGPR
Larry was much more than an advertising exec or a business partner. Larry was all about relationships. He was a friend, a news source, someone to bounce ideas off of and an expert in the souvenir industry. He cared about the people he worked with, sharing in their triumphs and commiserating in difficult times. He will be remembered fondly and missed greatly! — Bonnie Gunderson, Bucket Wonders
Sorry to hear of Larry's passing. Over recent shows, we have missed seeing Larry’s bigger than life smile. My prayers are now being lifted for his family and friends. — Flynn Harold, TCS-USA Inc.
Larry was a true professional and a wonderful person, and I feel fortunate to have known and worked with him for so many years. Beyond our work, Larry and I shared a passion for Philadelphia sports, which gave us plenty more to talk about, cheer for, and occasionally commiserate over. Larry brought energy, integrity and warmth to everything he did, and his impact on our industry and the many people who had the pleasure of knowing him will not be forgotten. — Michael Kessler, Aurora World Inc.
Larry was so much more than a business connection. He was always willing to answer a question, share his insights about the industry, or point me toward the right person to contact. I remember meeting Larry in person for the first time when I exhibited at the Smoky Mountain Gift Show in Gatlinburg. That was the beginning of what would become a lifelong friendship. And that is what Larry was to so many of us who were fortunate enough to be touched by his life — a friend. He had a way of making you feel valued, listened to and genuinely cared about. — Kenneth M. Kriegel, JackRussell & Company
Larry was such a genuine and nice person. He understood and loved the wholesale and souvenir industry and his loss will be felt by many. His straight talk, great sense of humor and genuine honesty were always appreciated. Larry was such a good guy he almost had me routing for Philly sports teams! — Don Lehman, Spoontiques
I first met Larry in the early 2000s when the company I still work for (Geddes) was breaking into the gift and souvenir market. We really had a lot in common. We would share a lot together. He was always someone I could bounce ideas off; he was always very positive, very supportive and funny as hell! — Matt Manno, Geddes Retail Team
I've known Larry for many years and he’s such a kind soul who always treated me like a son, always looking out for me. Provided guidance and support when I needed it, and always kind. He will be missed in many ways by many people, and he will always be in my heart and mind.— Michael Murgidi, Kalan
There are people we meet through business who remain acquaintances. There are colleagues we respect, competitors we admire, and people whose paths cross ours for a time. And then, every once in a while, there is someone who becomes much more than any of those things. You were that person for me. But what I valued most wasn’t just what you knew. It was having you as a friend. Larry, thank you for your friendship. Thank you for the wisdom you shared and for the impact you made on so many people along the way. You will truly be missed.— Cynthia Powers-Ezell, Signs4Fun
Larry had a big influence on both my business and my personal life. For the last eight years, he called me every Friday — you could almost set your watch to it. That was Larry. He checked in. He remembered what was going on with your family, he offered advice and he was always looking for ways to help people. If someone in the industry needed a job or an opportunity, Larry would make the connection, and when he vouched for someone, you listened. He genuinely cared about the people in his life, and I’m really going to miss those Friday calls. — Todd Reisman, AmuseMints
Larry had a personality that was impossible not to love. His passion for the industry, his wonderful sense of humor, and his long-standing connection to my family created a bond that meant so much to me. I will miss our chats, both on the phone and in person at the shows. Larry was truly one of a kind, and he will be deeply missed. — Coral Reynolds, Fiesta Toy
In an industry built on products and trends, Larry White understood that the true core of our business was people. Larry was the first person I spoke to when I entered this world, and he didn’t just provide guidance — he offered a roadmap. Beyond his professional role, Larry was, quite simply, one of the kindest and most helpful people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. You set a standard of professionalism and kindness that I have carried with me every day since that first call in 2008. — Tony Ronci, Souvenir Avanti
Larry was a true gentleman. Always with a smile and a kind word. He will be missed. — Peter J. Seresky, The Wayne Carver Family of Companies
No doubt that Larry was a living legend in the print industry that helped the souvenir and gift industry for recreation and tourism. — Mark Sobelman, Fairway Manufacturing
He was a treasure. Anyone that had the pleasure of working with him was given a gift. He was a gift to the industry, and he knew so many people. My goodness, he was like a walking Rolodex. — Karen Sotomura, Joseph K & Co.
Larry will forever be missed as he was one of a kind. I will cherish our long conversations that I gained industry knowledge from. RIP. — Sanjay Srinivasan, Global World
I knew Larry for almost three decades. While we often competed for the same clients we always enjoyed friendly and real conversation. Larry was one of the hardest working salespeople in the business. I’d see Larry once or twice a year hustling and rushing down the aisles of the trade shows, always with a cheerful disposition and smile. — Martin Stevens, Forum Publishing Co.
Larry was a great friend and mentor to me. He was always so kind and heartwarming when we spoke. We connected as friends through the years and even though we were not doing business together he still made sure to text or call and to see how everything was going. Thank you for the advice and especially for our friendship. — Jack Tebele, Popularity Products
Larry was always wonderful to work with. He made our lives easy, which is just what a great salesman should do. It’s hard to imagine that he’s gone with his larger than life personality. He’ll be sorely missed. — PJ Trovato, Kurt S. Adler
