In Memoriam: Marvin Gelman, 84, Founder, Lighting Services Inc.

WESTPORT, CT — Marvin Gelman, founder of Lighting Services Inc. (LSI), an architectural lighting products manufacturer, died Nov. 29 of complications from cancer. He was 84. Gelman, who retired from LSI in 2000, is credited for many advances in track, accent and display lighting.

A native New Yorker, Gelman’s career in lighting spanned 60 years. After serving in the Navy and attending New York University and Columbia, he began work as a lighting director at NBC headquarters in New York. He served as lighting director for The Tonight Show starring Steve Allen and other programs.

Gelman founded LSI in 1958 and served as president of the company until his retirement in 2000. Along with track, accent and display lighting, LSI is known for fiber optic lighting systems. The company’s products are featured in museums, retail stores, theme parks, casinos, restaurants and houses of worship around the world.