KOLBER--Larry,
the multi- talented songwriter who wrote the lyrics for multiple top 40 pop and country hits has passed away, after a short illness. He was 84. Mr. Kolber wrote the lyrics for I Love How You Love Me with his collaborator, Barry Mann, penning the music. It was a 1961 Top Five hit for the pop girl group the Paris Sisters, which inaugurated a string of elaborately produced classic hits by Phil Spector. Bobby Vinton had a Top Ten hit in 1968 with a cover version. The song, written for his wife Arline, is a true romantic standard and has been recorded by many other artists over the years, including Glen Campbell, Lynn Anderson, Bryan Ferry, Jerry Vale and Cher and has exceeded two million radio plays. He also collaborated with Mann for the 1962 Dickie Lee hit, Patches, which peaked, on the Billboard Hot 100, at number six. Mr. Kolber was part of the original "stable" of songwriters hired by Don Kirshner and Al Nevins, at Aldon Music. Mr. Kolber's talents also extended into country music. In May 1965, Yes Mr. Peters, co-written with Steve Karliski and recorded by Roy Drusky and Priscilla Mitchell, reached number one on Billboard's Hot Country Singles Chart. Other hits included Forget Me Not (1958, The Kalin Twins), The Yellow Bandana (1963, Faron Young) and Custody (1969, Hank Williams Jr.). Mr. Kolber was born on January 22, 1931 in The Bronx, New York to Edna and Edward J. Kolber. He graduated from NYU in 1953. Upon entering the army, Mr. Kolber was selected for the prestigious position of staff reporter for the army newspaper Stars & Stripes. While writing for "Stripes" Mr. Kolber traveled through Europe covering army sports leagues as well as other european sporting events. In addition to his song and sports writing, Mr. Kolber spent more then 25 years in the liquor industry ascending to upper management in national sales for 21 Brands Inc. Above all else, Mr. Kolber was a devoted family man. He is survived by his beloved wife, Arline. The couple were wed in October of 1957 and were happily married and devoted to each other for 59 years. He is also survived by his children, Karen Kolber Robinson and her husband William and Perry Kolber and his wife Chantal. Mr. Kolber's grandchildren, Daniel Robinson (27), Emma Robinson (23) and Edward (E.J.) Kolber, (15) were the light of his life and were blessed to be able to spend quality time (with him) during his final years. Mr. Kolber is also survived by his younger brother Monroe Kolber. At the request of the deceased, no funeral or memorial services are planned.
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Larry enriched our lives when we were Boys of Summer @ Camp Tarigo. He is indelibly memorable. Arline, Hope you're well. Joel Spro
Joel Sprayregen
January 6, 2020
Same here Arline. I hope you are well, I think of the two of you often.
Arlene Golant
December 29, 2019
we just came across this arlene and i are so sorry you were and are wonderful friends on Sadore lane. remember the softball games sunday mornings [email protected]
kenneth and Arlene lipka
November 8, 2018
There are no words to describe the loss of Larry Kolber to my family whom has called him and his dear wife Arlene friends for over forty years. He wrote the most incredibly witty letters to my father who is in a nursing home. Letters that have been the sole lifeline to my father's existence. Larry's cards and letters are so funny and entertaining that my father said in one of the last letters he received Larry suggested that he keep it and re read as necessary. I suppose Larry felt that the day was coming near that he would not be able to continue writing. "Uncle" Larry even cheered me through my own battle with cancer. I always felt better after speaking with him. I was amazed that he knew exactly what I was feeling. But what would one expect from the heart and mind of a man who wrote the words to one of the most beautiful lovesongs of all time. "I love how your heart beats whenever you're near me..." I would love to say May Larry Rest In Peace but knowing the man that he was, I doubt he's content to rest. I picture Larry as an Angel and a busy one at that. He is making everyone smile and sending his love down on Arlene and his beloved family. Godspeed Larry you are missed by me, Lisa LoCascio and I speak for all of us Lo Cascios when I say LARRY KOLBER, I LOVE HOW YOU LOVED US> LISA
June 21, 2015
Thank you for your gift of music that will keep playing for eternity. You will live on forever in the songs you have left behind. What a legacy. Your family should be so proud.
June 16, 2015
Your music and memory will carry on. Now you have a new audience to share your gift with.
Melody Freeman
June 14, 2015
star in Heaven among
g his family and friends
Darrell Phillips
June 14, 2015
Really enjoyed Larry's song Forty Winks Away...RIP Larry.
Steve Owen
June 14, 2015
May the Light shine with you for all Eternity.. thank you for the gifts you've given to us
Mike Lieber
June 14, 2015
Thank You for your beautiful words and music.
Margaret Rose
June 13, 2015
His Life was spent Blessing others with His words and music. Now he is Rejoicing without us for a short while. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those he loves.
Anthony (Bubba) Hopper
June 13, 2015
What a wonderful life. What a blessing he was to others. R.I.P. :)
June 13, 2015
John murzin
June 13, 2015
Our Hearts and Prayers go out to the Family. May you R.I.P.
John murzin
June 13, 2015
Thank God for sharing him with us and the memories he gave us.
Linda Stewart
June 13, 2015
If not for people like Larry, there would be nothing to look back on musically Thank you
G Stabb
June 13, 2015
LARRY WAS ONE OF THE MOST COLORFUL, TALENTED & MEMORABLE PEOPLE I HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING AT CAMP TARIGO. HE WILL BE MISSED.
JOEL SPRAYREGEN
June 8, 2015
my camp counsellor for three years in the early 1950's.
he taught me so much.
truly enjoyed our lunches in later years.
a real talent and a good guy.
our sympathies to monroe and the family.
bob cohen
June 8, 2015
RIP Such a great talent
Stuart Duffy
June 8, 2015
I am so sorry. I so appreciate Larry getting my career going.
I only wish I'd had the opportunity to know him personally.
Dickey Lee
June 7, 2015
had always wanted to meet him--a true legend in the music business
briab gari
June 7, 2015
I'm so sorry for ur loss ! Ur Dad was an amazing man ! He made us laugh every time he came in into our salon ! I enjoyed his company when I gave him haircuts ! May he rest in peace with all of our Angels !
Jojo Tawil
June 7, 2015
Softball with Larry at Roosevelt High School was a memorable experience. Competitive,clever & funny. Sunday mornings were great. Sincerely, Michael Rosenblum
Michael Rosenblum
June 7, 2015
A life well lived. Condolences to you and your family Perry.
Laurie Green
June 7, 2015
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