NEW YORK-Al Lass, a ceramic and glass designer who worked with many tabletop companies, died on Feb. 4.
Lass, who was born in 1923 and was a graduate of both The Cooper Union and Alfred University, began designing for Lenox after graduation. He later designed for Stetson China Company, and was design director for Allied Chemical’s melamine division after Allied Chemical bought Stetson. Lass was an independent designer as well, designing for Georges Briard, Mikasa, Block China and other manufacturers, according to friend and tabletop industry veteran John Falzer. Lass was most proud of his work as a partner and designer for Jonal Crystal, where he worked for 12 years and created crystal barware and giftware.
Lass is survived by daughter Andrea, son Matthew and granddaughter Aimee.