Larry M. Klairmont, 94, of Highland Park, IL and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. passed away peacefully on July 18th. Loving husband of fifty-seven years to Elaine Klairmont whose death preceded his and devoted partner of Joyce Oberlander for the past eleven years. Father of five adoring children: Alison, Lisa (Harold Kleiderman), Alfred (Yelena), Dorie Ann (Michael Gleber) and Robert (Julieann). Beloved grandfather to twelve: Kathleen, Benjamin, the late Jacob, Rebecca, Matthew, Laura, Julia, Margaux, Max, Hunter, William, Nathan and great grandfather to Balthazar and Marlo.
Larry was born on December 17, 1926 and grew up in Chicago. Raised in poverty, he worked delivering Chinese food on his bicycle during his childhood. He always worked during his early teenage years and while in college and his two years of law school in order to support his mother and younger sister. His most lucrative job was selling women’s shoes on a commission basis. He became a decorated war hero after enlisting in World War II at the age of 16, serving as a combat Marine in battlefields across the Pacific Theater, including Saipan and Iwo Jima. After returning from war, Larry’s relentless pursuit of the American Dream led him to successfully found two companies, Imperial Cleaners and Imperial Realty Company.
A talented businessman and legendary deal-maker, Larry was honored in 2015 as an inductee into the exclusive Chicago Association of Realtors ® Hall of Fame. Outside of work, Larry was an accomplished competitive sailor and passionate life-long yachtsman and long-time member of the Chicago Yacht Club. In his later years he distinguished himself as a leading antique auto collector and founder of the Chicago based Klairmont Kollections Museum. Larry’s life was full, long, and larger-than-life. His tenacity, courage, inspiration and leadership will be missed greatly.
