California retailer Harvey Balaban dies at age 76

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, October 30, 2012

Harvey Balaban

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Harvey Balaban, who had a 33-year career building a successful furniture retail business, died Oct. 1 after a long illness. He was 76.

He was CEO and principal buyer for three stores in California's Monterey County, an Ashley Furniture HomeStore, Legacy Fine Furniture and Signature Furniture Galleries.

Balaban joined the Army in 1959 and was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned decorations including the Bronze Star. After a 20-year career in the service, he retired in 1979 and settled on the Monterey Peninsula with his family.

He had begun a parallel career in furniture sales while in the Army and continued to pursue it for the rest of his life. During his career, he worked with his business partner and friend, Clarke Herbert, to operate 10 stores.

Survivors include his wife, three sons, six grandchildren and four brothers. His son Greg is president of the Monterey County stores and a grandson, Chris, manages one of the stores.

The family asks that memorial donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or the Make-a-Wish Foundation.