Remembering Leonard Mozer

Leonard "Len" Mozer, who served as director of advertising and publicity at Karastan Carpet and Rug Mills throughout the 1970's and 1980's, and later as window fashions editor for LDB Interior Textiles for more than 15 years, died at age 88 on August 30, 2014, in New York from complications following numerous surgeries.

A native of Chicago, Ill., Len was born on April 26, 1926 to Rose and Morris Mozer. He served the U.S. Army in World War II, where he was a cryptographic technician  (code breaker) and received a victory medal in the Asiatic Pacific Theater, three overseas service bars and a good conduct medal.

After the war, he studied under the G.I. Bill of Rights at the University of Iowa,  earning a B.A. degree. He began his journalism career in the 1950s at the Cedar Rapids Gazette, but then moved back to Chicago. Eventually, he segued into public relations and advertising, working with The Tea Council, The Wool Bureau, The 
Carpet and Rug Institute, and later in New York with Karastan Carpet and the Rug Division of Fieldcrest Mills.

Len was a talented writer and worked for numerous public relations firms with a focus on the home furnishings industry, as well as others. He continued as an independent consultant for many private companies and media.

His articles for LDB Interior Textiles were richly detailed and accurate—his writing, thoughtful and creative—enriched by the wide network of resources and industry colleagues he had established. Len's expertise enabled him to serve as a judge for the Window Covering Manufacturers Association's (WCMA) Product Awards in 13 of the 24 annual programs—from 1996 through 1998 and 2002 through 2011. His contributions will be missed by his friends and colleagues.

Len was interred at The Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA, after a military service. He is survived by his sister, Lorraine Aprill of Los Angeles; his niece, Ellen Aprill of Los Angeles, and his nephew, Arnold Aprill of Chicago. The family has asked that if someone would like to make a donation, please do so to a favorite charity in Len's name.

Marv Hopkins, Chairman and CEO, Hunter Douglas Inc., reflects, "With Len Mozer's passing, the window fashions industry has lost a great friend and an articulate advocate. The breadth of his knowledge and understanding was remarkable and resulted in reporting that was always stimulating and insightful. All of us at Hunter Douglas are saddened and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.