A fitting tribute to ‘Mr. Long Beach’

Hundreds turned out for the inaugural Larry Elovich 5K memorial fun run and walk last Saturday, an event that many said was a fitting tribute to a man who is credited with transforming Long Beach into the vibrant city it is today.

The 5K began and finished at New York Avenue and Broadway and was followed by a ceremony in which a new street sign, Larry Elovich Way, was unveiled on New York Avenue to honor the venerated political adviser, well-known attorney, former Long Beach Democratic Committee chairman and past president of the Chamber of Commerce, who died at age 77 last Sept. 21 at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Elovich was remembered for his ability to reach out to Republicans and Democrats alike, bridging not only political divides but ethnic ones as well. He is survived by his wife, Helen; a sister, Eleanor Elovich Glanstein; three daughters, Lisa, Lauree and Lynn; and nine grandchildren.

Elovich’s family and many of his close friends were at last Saturday’s event, including U.S. Rep. Peter King, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and former U.S. Sen. Al D’Amato. Other officials in attendance included Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, County Executive Ed Mangano, Legislator Denise Ford, City Manager Jack Schnirman and members of the Long Beach City Council.

“We’re here today to celebrate and honor a great man,” said Elovich’s daughter, Lisa. “What matters most is not how many people he knew, not what he had achieved over the years and not his intelligence. What matters the most was his integrity, his courage and his generosity that enriched, empowered and encouraged others to emulate his example. What really matters is the lasting loss that everyone feels now that he’s gone. It’s a loss that will be felt by many for many years. Our dad lived a life that mattered, not only to our family and his friends, but also to the entire community of Long Beach. We thank that community for being here today to keep his memory alive, and to keep it close to our hearts.”

King and others described Elovich as a dear friend who gave “everything” to the city and cared deeply for his family and friends.