Lawrence I Lipsitz

Lawrence Lipsitz, lifelong educator, trailblazer in his field, dies at age 79
Larry Lipsitz, Founder, Publisher, Editor-in-Chief of Educational Technology Publications, Inc., father, husband, grandfather and esteemed member of his community, died at age 79 in Englewood Hospital, New Jersey.
Mr. Lipsitz died of aspirational pneumonia after a decade-long struggle with inclusion body myositis.

In 1961, Larry started Educational Technology Magazine as a part-time venture. It became a full-time business in 1969, and eventually grew into the leading international periodical in the field. Larry's success led him to add a book division to his company. He personally edited and published more than 300 titles. With a life dedicated to supporting change agents in education, he is widely credited with first popularizing the term "Educational Technology." Larry's belief that schools should be the incubators of innovation was the underpinning of his work.

Larry received numerous awards and citations throughout his career. Among the numerous honors he received was the Association of Educational Communications and Technology's first Lifetime Achievement Award. Larry was also a guest lecturer on Educational Technology at numerous institutions, including Indiana University, Temple University, Florida State University, Penn State University, Utah State University and Brigham Young University. In 1972, Larry represented the United States at an exhibition in Poland sponsored by the U.S. Information Agency on Operational Technology. In 1971, he organized the "First National Conference of Educational Technology" held in New York. On the heels of its success, events in Miami Beach and San Francisco soon followed.

Lawrence Irwin Lipsitz was born on July 24, 1937, in Paterson, New Jersey. His parents were Samuel Lipsitz and Rachel Hammerman. Larry graduated with honors from Eastside High School. Larry received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in social studies education from New York University. He went on to earn a postgraduate degree at NYU in Communications in Education; during his time at NYU he served as editor in chief of the university newspaper, The Criteria. After a brief stint teaching high school, he became a public relations representative for NYU.

Larry met and soon married the love of his life, Janice Shapiro in 1966. As they built a life together, Larry became an esteemed member of his community; he maintained a lifelong commitment to his Jewish faith and the practice of giving back. He was a long-time member of Temple Emeth in Teaneck, NJ, and served as its president from 1984-1987. He was a tireless advocate and fundraiser for organizations helping the homeless and the state of Israel. In 1987, he was inducted as a fellow of the Jewish Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Larry is survived by wife Janice Lipsitz; his son David Lipsitz and his wife Maria; his daughter Jill Levy and her husband Josh; his daughter Julie Levinthal and her husband Aaron; his grandchildren Mia, Rachel, Aden and Sydney; and his loving brother and sister, Howard and Arlene.

Larry loved to travel with his wife and kids. He instilled a true world view into his children by taking them early and often to cities around the globe. He was also a proud supporter and lover of the arts and constantly shared his zeal for the theater and museums with his children and grandkids. Larry's love of pie å la mode, long family political discussions and being surrounded by friends and family are emblematic of his down-to-earth kindness, supportiveness, curiosity and love.