Charlotte Observer: “Marshall Rauch, a Jewish Gaston County politician who once was the largest Christmas ornament maker in the world died March 18. He was 102.
Rauch was renowned for Gastonia-based Rauch Industries, which made Christmas ornaments until the family sold the business in 1996 for about $50 million, according to Charlotte Observer archives.
…Rauch also left his mark in politics. He was elected to the Gastonia City Council from 1952-1954 and from 1961-1965, according to his obituary. He also served two two-year terms as mayor term, according to The Charlotte Observer archives.
In 1967, the Democrat was elected to represent the 25th District in the North Carolina Senate. He served in the Senate for 24 years until 1990.”