IBM Senior Counsel Dies

Lawrence D. Pearson, a Senior Counsel of the IBM World Trade Corporation and founder of the Westchester-Fairfield Corporate Counsel Association, died November 20 at his home in Redding, Connecticut. He was 80.

During the 1970s, Mr. Pearson was a member of the U.S. Delegation to the United Nations negotiations in Geneva that helped frame an international code for the transfer of technology to developing countries. Pearson joined IBM in 1962, rising to a senior role in the legal department of the company’s world corporate headquarters at the time IBM was racing to adapt to the needs and opportunities of nascent globalization. He spent several years representing IBM interests in Japan.

Lawrence Pearson was born in Pittsburgh on April 17, 1936, the son of the late Donald and Rachel Sawyer Pearson, and the brother of Phillip and Donald Jr. He graduated from Cornell University in 1958 and Yale Law School in 1961, entering the legal profession with the Manhattan firm of Lord Day & Lord. A member of Mensa International, Pearson was an avid reader, researcher, and resource provider across fields ranging from computer science to jazz music to oriental culture.

His step-son, Jeffrey Meyer, a Federal District Court Judge in New Haven said, “There was almost no topic you could raise with Larry and not find him able to supply you with the three best books or articles on the subject. He was simply that well-read and that eager to help.”

Retiring in his early sixties, Larry continued his long-standing commitment to non-profit leadership. While living in Chappaqua NY, he served in leadership roles with the Public Library, the Orchestra Association, the Continuing Education Advisory Board, the Swim & Tennis Association, the New Castle Advisory Committee, the Summer Scholarship Committee, and the Westchester Council for the Arts. After moving to Easton CT, Larry gave himself tirelessly to the mission of the Fairfield County Orchestra, ultimately serving as its president, and cherished his engagement with a local tennis group. For many years, he also chaired the Timberledge Corporation, providing thoughtful stewardship of the special beauty and community of the Keyes Pond region of Western Maine.

Pearson is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Linda Lowry Pearson; former spouse, Margaret Parsons; three children – Christopher, Matthew, and Adelaide (Hulbert); four step-children, seventeen grandchildren, and a constellation of grateful friends who will miss his dignity, grace, and consideration. He will be honored at a private family celebration. Gifts in his name may be made to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.