Lawrence “Larry” Joel Hochberg, a true New Yorker to his core, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, surrounded by family. He was 87.
Born in Brooklyn on July 17, 1937, Larry was raised in Queens by his parents, Ruth and Jack Hochberg. His mother arrived in the U.S. through Ellis Island as a young girl from Eastern Europe. His father made a longer journey — fleeing Russia via Argentina to escape the draft that sent Jewish men to the front lines during World War I. These stories of resilience and reinvention shaped Larry’s values.
Larry met the love of his life, Linda, in 1958. Their first date was ice skating — an ambitious choice given Larry’s self-admitted lack of athletic grace — but it worked. They fell in love, married in 1960, and spent nearly every day together since. Their love was inseparable — at home, in work, and as they traveled the world side by side.
Larry served in the U.S. Army Reserve, and Linda made a point to drive to see him every single weekend. Their devotion to each other set the tone for a life full of partnership, loyalty, and adventure.
In the early 1960s, Larry and Linda left New York for Cincinnati, where Larry had a job with Federated Department Stores — a bold move for a New York Jew at the time. While they didn’t expect to like Cincinnati, together, they built an extraordinary life there. They were what we now call serial entrepreneurs, launching everything from a tile shop to a chain of clothing stores catering to plus-sized women, long before the body positivity movement gave that work a name.
Their crowning achievement was Bridal and Formal in Reading, Ohio. The business — still family-owned and operated—is one of the largest bridal retailers in the country and a well-known force in the bridal industry. It remains a proud three-generation legacy, led today by their daughter Lisa, her husband Andy and their children.
Larry and Linda were also deeply committed to Jewish life, both locally and nationally. They were actively involved in Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and the broader Jewish movement, offering their time, leadership, and philanthropy. In recognition of their significant contributions, they were honored in 2000 for their enduring impact on the community and Jewish causes they held dear.
Larry was a devoted father and grandfather, an avid reader with a particular fondness for historical fiction, and a daily conqueror of the New York Times crossword puzzle (hard version only, of course). He never missed his newspapers, Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune — often solving puzzles and answering questions before the contestants did. His sense of humor was unmatched — he loved classic 1930s and 1940s films but was just as happy laughing at the silliest movie with his grandchildren.
He was also a passionate lover of classical music. Two of his children, Lauren and Josh, were highly accomplished musicians — a legacy of artistry and discipline that continued through many of his grandchildren. Whether it was a symphony, choir, recital or school concert, Larry listened with pride and appreciation. Just as enthusiastically, he cheered from the sidelines at countless sporting events. He loved watching his children and grandchildren compete and perform — many of whom achieved impressive accomplishments in their respective music and sports.
Like many New York Jews of his generation, his holy trinity was family, learning and a great meal — ideally with vodka on the rocks and blue cheese olives.
Larry is survived by his adoring wife Linda; his children Lisa Star, Lauren Rossen, and Joshua Hochberg; his sons-in-law Andrew Star and Daniel Rossen; his daughter-in-law Rosie; and his beloved grandchildren Zachary Star (and his wife Dani), Rachel Rossen, Daniella Star, Alexandra Rossen, Jonathan Rossen, and Ellie and Lucas Hochberg.
He was a man who loved deeply, laughed loudly, read widely and lived fully. He will be missed beyond measure.
Services were held privately at the convenience of the family. Shiva was observed at The Hochberg Residence at The Regency, 2444 Madison Road #710 Cincinnati, Ohio 45208 on Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 6-9 p.m. with minyan at 6 p.m., and on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 3-6 p.m..
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larry’s name to Wise Temple, Cincinnati, or the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.
