How was Leonard Lauder remembered by family and friends at his NYC memorial? Details explored

Leonard Lauder, the former CEO of the famous brand Estée Lauder, died on June 14 in his Manhattan house. He was 92 years old.

The family kept a memorial on June 19 in New York City to honor his life and legacy. The memorial was filled with people sharing their love and admiration for the impact Leonard had on their lives and the beauty industry.

Leonard Lauder was the father of two sons, William, who is 65, and Gary, who is 63. During the NYC memorial, William gave a tribute to his late father, Leonard, by saying,

"My father made each and every one of us feel special. He was everyone’s family, everyone’s best friend and everyone’s confidante"

Praising his qualities, William added,

"Leonard Lauder the friend, and Leonard lauder the father were one in the same. He put people first, whether that was his family, friends, business partners or employees. And especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he adored. My father never said I told you so, even when he earned that right, even when he was right."

As reported by Page Six, Leonard’s younger son, Gary, also shared a memory about a park design that began when his parents asked him and his brother William for ideas while working on a Central Park playground.

Who attended Leonard Lauder's memorial?

The reported list of the family and friends who attended Leonard's memorial to pay their honor includes:

• Sen. Susan Collins
• Sen. Ed Markey
• Donald Newhouse
• Jonathan Newhouse
• Marc Metrick
• Amy Astley
• Steven Newhouse
• Katie Couric
• Fern Mallis
• Stéphane de La Faverie
• Fabrizio Freda
• Jonathan Tisch
• Lizzie Tisch
• Terry Lundgren
• Tony Spring
• Steve Forbes
• Beth Rudin DeWoody
• Scott Rothkopf

Many people from the Estée Lauder board also attended the memorial.

Family members remember Leonard Lauder at NYC memorial

Ronald Lauder, Lauder’s younger brother, spoke warmly about their bond, saying Leonard was like another parent to him. He shared an emotional memory of how he cried when Leonard left home to attend the University of Pennsylvania, showing just how close they were as brothers.

Ronald’s speech also included funny memories, like the time he and Leonard accidentally ate one of Estée Lauder’s test creams from the fridge. On being asked if they're going to die, Estee replied,

"No, you’re not going to die. But your stomachs will be more beautiful."

During the speeches, Gary's wife, Laura Lauder, also opened up on her emotions and said,

"I’m glad I’m wearing my Estee Lauder waterproof mascara"

An American reform rabbi, Angela Buchdahl, said in her speech:

"His legacy is not only etched in buildings or brand names, but in the countless lives he touched… today we remember Leonard the chairman, the collector, the benefactor, and also Leonard the patriarch, the mensch"

In addition to family and friends, Leonard’s grandchildren also shared their fond memories at the memorial. One family member also shared a light moment, saying Leonard used a flip phone and jokingly called it the "iPhone 18." The event was also attended by Leonard Lauder’s second wife, Judy Glickman Lauder.

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