Harry Kallick is recognized as an icon in the decorative lighting industry having founded and run Kalco lighting in the 1980s. He was also instrumental in the success of Varaluz and was still active in the company. He also started several businesses in his other home, the Philippines. He was still active in La Forge Designs, Inc. at his passing.
Kallick was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1943. His Dad opened a cardboard box manufacturing factory in California when Kallick was a teenager. He attended Grant High School in Van Nuys where he would have graduated with distinction if spending time in pool halls counted. Kallick briefly attended Los Angeles Valley College after. Harry was so good at pool that he eventually played with Willie Mosconi and earned the nickname “the Rock” as he could completely hide his emotions.
His early career was filled with a variety of endeavors that him set up for success later in life. He even spent time in a meat packing factory stamping meat grades. He even had a brief career promoting rock concerts including the Eagles and Aerosmith. Kallick also had early adventures in love that set him up for success later with a many year marriage to Marcy Jo Kallick who passed away in 2011. And more recently, he found great joy in life with Bonnie Klein who was by his side at his passing.
Kallick did not have children but he is survived by a huge number of friends and family. He has also financially sponsored many, many children through trade schools and college. He is also a long-time supporter of St. Jude’s and the Nathan Adelson Hospice.
