Larry was loving husband to Terry for 44 years; father to Robert, Douglas (Wendy), Karl, Catherine (Ali), and David (Sara); grandfather to Stefan, Katelyn, Ela, Lara, Bryan, Alec (Kristen), and William; and great-grandfather to Alec Jr. and Shannon. He was preceded in death by his siblings (Frederick Jr. and Karen).
Larry was born in South Orange, New Jersey on June 20, 1931, to F. Nicholas and Gladys (Pearson) Feer. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial design at Pratt Institute (1953); after two years of service in the US Army, he completed a master’s degree in industrial design (1956). He was proud of his popular “New Era” and “Forever” flatware designs for Oneida, which were produced in silverplate and stainless steel from 1954-1989 and selected for use at all Disneyland restaurants.
Larry retired as Professor Emeritus in Industrial Design at the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University, having served on the faculty from 1962-1995 and earning the Outstanding Faculty Award in 1994. More than 45 of his designs were produced, ranging from flatware to toys, sports helmets, all-terrain vehicles, boats, marine products, interiors, exhibits, advertising, packaging, and machine tools. Throughout his career he was a freelance and industrial design consultant, with work in corporate identity/image, product manuals, and expert testimony.
Larry’s family and friends remember him as a warm, upbeat, and caring man who had a twinkle in his eye and drive to be helpful to anyone, whether friend or stranger. Resourceful and remarkably industrious, he nurtured diverse passions including sailing, vintage cars, gardening, and home improvement. Never one to be idle, he roller-bladed, skied, and climbed ladders well into old age. He valued his family heritage and shared books about the Swiss Feer family ancestry with his children. To the end of his life, Larry was eager to converse about user-centered industrial design and educational methods. A convivial and generous host, he loved to entertain and socialize. He often spoke of his former students and colleagues, as well as close friends in “movie club.” Larry and Terry were devoted to one another and to their beloved canine companions, Diablo, Winston, and Finley. In his final weeks, he expressed gratitude for his family, friends, and a life well lived.
A memorial service is planned for this summer, with details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Team Rubicon, 5230 Pacific Concourse Drive, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90045 or online at https://teamrubiconusa.org/. Condolences may be left at www.leopgallagherstamford.com. The family would like to thank Marie DuPuy and the staff at Edgehill for their kind and compassionate care in Larry’s final months.
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