In memoriam: Larry White

Lawrence “Larry” White, a longtime advertising director for Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties, passed away on June 14.

For more than three decades, White cultivated relationships with wholesalers throughout the gift and souvenir industry. In his role, he built lasting friendships with vendors and became a familiar face at gift and souvenir shows across the country.

Known for his willingness to help others and his dedication to the business, White was widely respected throughout the gift and souvenir industry and formed lasting friendships with countless vendors and other industry professionals.

In 2016, White was honored with the Golden Lily Award by the Living Legends Association during the Smoky Mountain Gift Show in recognition of his commitment and contributions to the souvenir industry.

Although he was unable to travel to gift and souvenir shows in recent years, show goers would frequently ask Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties representatives about him and shared fond memories of the friendships he had forged over the years.

“Larry was a legend in the souvenir industry, and he will be sorely missed,” said Karen Carr, publisher of Breakwall Publishing. “His contributions have made a lasting impact on the industry, and he will be remembered for his dedication, his generosity and his remarkable ability to build relationships.”

White also played a pivotal role in the sale of Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties from Kane Communications to Breakwall Publishing in 2023.

“Thanks to Larry, we were given an incredible opportunity to carry on a 65-year tradition and lead the publication into the future,” said Kristin Ely, executive editor of Breakwall Publishing. “We will always be grateful to him for placing his trust in our publishing company to build on the legacy of Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties.”

White is survived by his wife, Kitty; four children; nine grandchildren; and a brother.

Relatives and friends are invited to funeral services on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at noon at Main Line Reform Temple, 410 Montgomery Ave., Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Services will be streamed at mlrt.org/livestream.

Interment will follow at Laurel Hill West Cemetery. Shiva will be held following the services. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Larry's memory may be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation.

Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties will feature a tribute to White in the September/October issue. Those who wish to share a personal or industry memory, story or photo to be considered for inclusion are invited to email Kristin Ely at kristin@breakwallpublishing.com by July 15.