Larry Bursten

Larry Bursten, 94, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 17, in Houston. Larry was a street-smart entrepreneur who was blessed by family, friends, business and travels throughout his life. Not one to keep a lid on an opinion, his vision, insight and business acumen provided wisdom to young and old alike. The highs and lows of life’s experiences paved a path of success that was also fortified with personality and love.

Larry was born Oct. 9, 1930, in Chicago. He attended the University of Wisconsin and met his soon-to-be wife, Riva, on a blind date after his older brother, Les, backed out of it. Larry was mesmerized by Riva, and they were married within a year. Their family began to grow, as did his business résumé. Their daughter, Susie, was born in 1955, and their son, Andy, in 1959.

In 1979, they moved to Houston from Milwaukee, leaving the cold of the Upper Midwest for warmer temperatures and opportunities.

In 1984, an impromptu conversation with a fellow airline passenger about telephone long-distance deregulation planted the seeds of Coastal Telephone Co., which he co-founded with Riva and Andy. Confidence, vision and grind fueled the company’s growth to an unimaginable level of success.

In 2000, Riva passed away. Two years later, fate intervened in Larry’s path, and he married Marlene Addlestone. He frequently said he was blessed to have two great loves—when some people never get one.

Another family business venture broke ground in 2004 with CyrusOne. After its success, Larry retired.

His love of life continued to expand as he and Marlene traveled. The family tree grew, too, and he continued to spend more time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren—offering insight, wisdom and opinions through always lively discussions.

Larry is survived by his wife, Marlene; daughter, Susie Litman, and her husband, Joel, of Dallas; son, Andy, and his wife, Vicki Rabin, of Houston; stepson, Edward Kronsberg, and his wife, Amy, of Charleston, South Carolina; five grandchildren: Hillary Freed (Clay), Carly Goldman (Scott), Sam Bursten (Sarah Rohan), Jessie Marine (Brad) and Joey Bursten; three step-grandchildren: Elliott Kronsberg (Sophie), Zachary Kronsberg and William Kronsberg; and six great-grandchildren: Beau, Ruby and Leo Goldman, Dane and Evan Freed, and Lily Bursten.

A memorial service will be at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Temple Emanu-El, 8500 Hillcrest Road in Dallas.

Donations may be made in Larry’s memory to Alexander Jewish Family Service, 4131 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston, TX 77025 (www.alexanderjfs.org), or to Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas, 5402 Arapaho Road, Dallas, TX 75248 (www.jfsdallas.org).