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Eric Lidow Obituary

Lidow, Eric
December 22, 1912 - January 18, 2013
Eric Lidow was born in Vilnius, Lithuania over one hundred years ago. He was educated as an electrical engineer in Berlin during the rise of the Third Reich. As a founding member of the Berlin Zionist Society, Eric saved the lives of many Jews by helping them to leave Germany before the war. Being in Berlin at that time gave him the clear view that Europe was rapidly approaching war and, after completing his Masters Degree from the Technical University of Berlin, he left for the United States. Eric arrived in New York in October 1937 with $14 in his pocket and a Leica camera. In 1939 he moved to Los Angeles and started his first semiconductor company, Selenium Corporation of America using borrowed equipment and working in the back of a photo studio. Selenium Corporation of America supported the war effort with advanced power electronics and was sold to Sperry Corporation in 1946. Through the Red Cross in 1946 Eric was able to locate his parents, both Holocaust survivors, and bring them to the United States. With his father, Leon, Eric started his second power electronics company, International Rectifier, where he was CEO until 1995 and Chairman of the Board until 2008. Under Eric's leadership International Rectifier pioneered many of the fundamental advances in power electronics. Eric Lidow also pioneered many of today's global business models. Eric Lidow set up semiconductor joint ventures throughout Europe and Japan in the 1950's, often as the first semiconductor company in the country. He went into India in the 1960's, and China in the early 1980's. Operations in all these areas and more exist to this day with thousands of people spread throughout the world. In 1952 Eric married the love of his life, Elizabeth. He is survived by three sons, Alan, Derek, and Alex as well as a daughter, Melodie and nine grandchildren. Eric was a proud supporter of Israel, The Technion, The City of Hope, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and countless philanthropic organizations and individuals through the years. Eric believed that a person's worth is measured based on their contribution to society. He lived his life every day true to that belief. All who knew him were better for it.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Jan. 20, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Lidow

26 Entries

Paul DeMatteis

March 5, 2024

I was looking at something I kept since about 1960. I asked my Mom (I was about 7) to buy me a product by International Rectifier a Silicon Solar Cell and Sun Battery for $2.25. The solar cell and the little booklet inspired my curiosity in technology throughout my life. By the way, it still works, and the booklet is on my bookshelf. I just looked the product up today on the Internet and found its creator. I know it is too late to thank him, but I would like to go on the record. I am sure he inspired many people over his lifetime. Paul DeMatteis

MICHELE SAPORITO

January 14, 2023

I left IR 20 years ago and two years after the Italian plant was sold. Sporadically, I go to visit the few former IR employees, still of working age, and remembering our past in IR we feel privileged and proud to have been a part of the IR that Eric built as a family. Every occasion we meet is a pleasant moment to give credit to the Eric Lidow. As long as we live he will always be alive in our memories

Walt Gorrell

January 29, 2013

Eric and his Father were both very important to me. Eric was a true gentleman , tutor and example for all of us who had the opportunity to know him. My sincere condolences to the entire Lidow family.

George Pearson

January 29, 2013

Mr. Lidow earned great respect using his sharp intellect, entrepreneurship and approach to adversity. However, perhaps his prime asset was his ability to connect with people in many different circumstances.
For the last 20years of my working life I was an engineer at IRGB and I am sure I would be supported by many of my ex-colleagues in thanking Eric Lidow for enabling many worthwhile careers throughout IR.
I would like to send my condolences to all his family.

Caroline Altman

January 27, 2013

To Lisa,Derek and Alex
I am so sorry about the passing of your husband Eric and your father. I think of you all often with fond memories.

Irene Blacklock

January 26, 2013

My first position in IR was in Italy. Rick and I went there in December 1992. While we were there, Mr. Lidow came over and I will never forget what he told us. He said that we are all family in IR. He meant it and I believed it. He cared about his employees and was always there. He will be missed. He is now in the loving arms of God. My prayers go out to the family.

Mike Melvin

January 25, 2013

I think that everyone knew of my deep respect for Mr. Lidow. I consider him to be one of the most influential people on my life. I first met him when I interviewed with IR for a marketing position in their Power Products group. We hit it off. After the interview he picked up his phone, called Mike Robinson (who was to be my future boss) and said, "Mike, I sending Mike Melvin back over to you. Hire him!" Over the next 10 years Mr. Lidow spent a lot of time with me, which I considered such an honor, and I learned so much from him. Little did I know that he did the same for so many others! Many of the mottos that I use to direct my life came directly from this great man. The world has lost one of its truly remarkable people, but I take solace in the fact that he lived a long and vibrant life. My deepest condolences to the Lidow family.

Steve Brown

January 23, 2013

I was always impressed by the way Mr Lidow was willing & able to interact with us average employees at IR. He seemed to care about what we were thinking, and I got the sense that he really did care. Extremely rare for someone of his stature.
Very impressive man and I'm sorry to see him go.
My thoughts and prayers will be with Alex, Derek, and the rest of the family.

Taken in Mr Lidow's office on my last day at IR (4-2007)

Pura Sia

January 23, 2013

People pass on, but their memory lives on in our hearts. With our sincere and heartfelt sympathy in your time of sorrow.

January 22, 2013

I feel very sorry to hear the passing of Mr. Lidow. He wasn't just a successful company founder, he was a great man. When first I met him,I remember he told me: "Take care of all the employees". This suggestion became my mission for more than 35 years of work at I.R."
Mike Saporito
Torino

Aldo Torti

January 22, 2013

World has lost a ONE of the founder of the semiconductor pioneer company.

YOGISH PRABHU

January 22, 2013

Sad to hear about Mr. ERIC LIDOW demise.

We the management and staff members of Taiwan GPP Inc Taipei, want to share our heartfelt condolences.

May God give solace to all the near and dear family members and grant eternal rest to his soul.

TAIWAN GPP INC

Carl Maravilla

January 21, 2013

Mr. Lidow was admired and loved by his employees, for his vision, his compassion, and his humility. A great man and we will miss him.

Kay Livingston

January 21, 2013

I had the honor of working for Mr Lidow from Sept. 1984 until May 2004. He was a wonderful man.

Shelley Herman

January 21, 2013

Our condolences to The Lidow Family. I will always remember and cherish Eric Lidow's kindness to my parents, Marilyn Margolis Collins and Glen Collins.

Sylvia Rubin Margolis and Eric Lidow

January 21, 2013

Bonnie Margolis

January 21, 2013

I had always hoped I would have the opportunity to meet you, but sadly that never happened. My parents, Alan's uncle and aunt, always spoke so highly of you. Your presence in this world spread Light, Knowledge, Good... that will continue. G-d rest your soul.

15-year IR Luncheon

Pura Sia

January 21, 2013

So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Lidow. I was an IR employee for over 20 years and Mr. Lidow was always there for us. He will be missed.

15-year Luncheon at IR with Mr. Eric Lidow and Alex Lidow

Pura Sia

January 21, 2013

Alberto & Daniela Guerra

January 21, 2013

"There are three classes of people: Those who see, those who see when they are shown, those who do not see."

Mr.Lidow was one who saw the future before it happened. In his long life he helped so many to see too. All of us that have seen his way and shared his vision and wisdom will miss him greatly.

Shanda Schreer

January 21, 2013

A true gentlemen in everyway. Your are cherished and adored by so many. You will be missed. I am praying for the Lidow family during this very difficult time.

Fermin Austria

January 20, 2013

I am very sorry to hear the passing of Mr. Eric Lidow. My sincerest condolences to the Lidow family. I hope you find comfort in knowing that Mr. Eric Lidow was loved, respected and admired by so many us- his IR family.

Rick Blacklock

January 20, 2013

So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Lidow, as a second generation employee of 27 years,whose wife also worked for the company and whose children did internships, he was inspirational

Kathy Reed

January 20, 2013

Among the many highlights of my years at IR was the friendship made with Eric. He challenged me to be a better professional and person. I have cherished the memories of his wit, humor and impatience for betterment.

Brenda Grishaber

January 20, 2013

My husband has worked for IR for 22 years and we have the greatest respect for Mr. Lidow and send our heartfelt condolences to the whole Lidow family!

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