Larry Weinberg
| Larry Weinberg | |
|---|---|
| Born |
January 23, 1926 New York City, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish |
| Education |
Cornell University University of Arizona University of California at Los Angeles |
| Occupation | Real estate developer |
| Known for | Owner of the Portland Trail Blazers |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Children | 4 |
Larry Weinberg (born January 23, 1926)[1] is an American real estate developer who was one of the founders of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers.
Biography
Born to a Jewish family in New York City, Weinberg served in the US 6th Army Group as an infantry grunt during World War II. He was severely wounded in combat in France and spent over a year recovering in a US military hospital.[2] He attended Cornell University, the University of Arizona, and the University of California at Los Angeles.[2] In 1948, Weinberg founded the Larwin Company serving as its CEO until he retired. By the late 1960s, Larwin Company became one of the largest privately owned housing companies in the United States[2] until merging it into CNA Financial Corporation where it became one of the three largest housing producers with annual development of 8,000 residential units.[2] He went on to serve as a Member of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors of CNA from 1969 to 1980.[2] In 1950, Weinberg founded Com-Air Products, Inc. which designed, manufactured, and assembled the hydraulics, pneumatics and fuel assemblies used in jet engines and aircraft.[2]
In 1970, Weinberg, Herman Sarkowsky, and Robert Schmertz paid $3.7 million to secure an NBA expansion team for Portland.[3] Weinberg became president of the Trail Blazers in 1975, replacing Sarkowsky, who turned his attention to the NFL's Seattle Seahawks. Two years later, the Trail Blazers won an NBA Championship. Weinberg served as team president until 1988, when he sold the team to Paul Allen.[1] The Trail Blazers honored Weinberg in 1992 by retiring a #1 jersey with his name. Five players have since received permission from Weinberg to wear #1: Rod Strickland, Derek Anderson, Jarrett Jack, Armon Johnson and Ike Diogu.
In addition to his work in basketball and real estate, Weinberg has served as president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.[4] He was awarded the Brotherhood Award of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.[2]
Weinberg is a devoted husband, father of 4, grandfather of 12, and great-grandfather of 5.
Notes
- 1 2 Los Angeles Times: "Trail Blazers Are Sold to Seattle Businessman" June 01, 1988
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 California Homebuilding Foundation: "2006 Nominee Lawrence Weinberg - Founder Americal Management Company, Inc., Columbia Group & Larwin Group Companies retrieved April 25, 2015
- ↑ Oregon Live: "Herman Sarkowsky, original co-owner of Trail Blazers who saved franchise with a timely phone call, passes away in Seattle" by Mike Zacchino November 3, 2014
- ↑ Alterman, Eric (2006-10-23). "AIPAC Runs Right". www.thenation.com. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
External links
- Learn more about Larry Weinberg from NBA.com
- Profile at California Building Industry Foundation website
| Preceded by Herman Sarkowsky |
Portland Trail Blazers President 1975–1987 |
Succeeded by Harry Glickman |
| Preceded by Herman Sarkowsky |
Portland Trail Blazers majority owner 1975–1988 |
Succeeded by Paul Allen |
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