Joel Spira, founder of Lutron Electronics and a pioneer in residential and automation, died this morning. He was 88 years old.
He died of natural causes at his home in Springfield Township, Pa., according to a report by The Morning Call citing the Lehigh Country Coroner’s Office.
Spira and wife Ruth were honored by the Smithsonian Institute in 2010 when several of their early lighting control inventions were accepted by the historical society. Their work in creating the solid state dimmer sits next to artifacts from Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell.
He reflected on his career and accomplishments in a wide-ranging video interview with CE Pro in 2010.
Spira’s impact on the commercial and residential integration industry can’t be overstated.
