Josef Lesser, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Railroad Heritage Foundation, died earlier this week at his home in Los Angeles.
After 45 years of film production experience, Lesser, working with his wife Jo Ann, founded the organization in 1999 along with Ronald Gustafson. He passionately promoted and expanded the foundation’s mission to diligently and dynamically present how the railroads and interurban systems impacted the social and economic fabric of the greater Los Angeles Basin.
Friends described Lesser as a beacon of joy, curiosity and humor. Until his last day at the foundation’s headquarter office in LA’s Eagle Rock neighborhood, he displayed excitement and exuberance over his future plans for the foundation, as well as sharing his fondest memories. Most recently, he co-authored the book “Hollywood Trains & Trolleys” that combined his love for Hollywood, vintage Los Angeles.
The heritage foundation staff and board of directors say they will continue to carry out the co-foudners’ mission and execute Lesser’s plans for LARHF’s 20th anniversary.
