Posted June 1, 2014
Temple community expresses condolences on the passing of Lewis Katz
Many in the Temple community, as well as friends and colleagues from across the region and the country, expressed their condolences on the passing of Lewis Katz.
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“This is an incalculable loss for Temple, for Philadelphia, and for all those who knew and cherished their relationship with Lewis Katz,” said Temple University President Neil D. Theobald. “Lewis’s impact on this university will be felt by Temple students for decades to come.”
“Lewis was a trusted advisor to Temple presidents and members of its Board of Trustees for years,” the president said. “On behalf of everyone at Temple, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to Lewis’s family and loved ones, many of whom were with us during the past few weeks.”
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“The death of Lewis Katz is truly a tragedy for this university and this city,” said Temple University Board of Trustees Chair Patrick J. O’Connor. “Temple has lost a great supporter, and I have lost a valued friend.”
O’Connor recalled hearing Katz speak at Temple’s Commencement only a few weeks ago. “Lewis’s speech at that Commencement ceremony was among the most inspiring ever given. His humor, along with stories of his path to success in business and in life, moved our graduates to their feet. It was one of the proudest days of his life,” O’Connor said.
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"Temple University and Temple Athletics lost a champion with the tragic death of Trustee Lewis Katz,” said Kevin Clark, vice president and director of athletics, Temple University. “Lewis touched so many lives, not just at Temple, but worldwide with his philanthropy. He was truly a great man. Ours thoughts and prayers are with his family, and the families of the others who lost their lives in the crash."
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“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lewis Katz,” said Fran Dunphy, men’s basketball coach, Temple University. “I had just talked to him following his moving speech at our recent Commencement, so this news comes as even more of a shock. No one cared more for Temple University that he did. He was a kind, passionate man whose generosity extended well beyond the Temple community. My thoughts are with his family during this tragic time.”
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“As a part of Lewis Katz’s visionary leadership and support of Temple’s educational mission, he was a devoted and strong supporter of our Medical School mission, and someone I came to know well and was honored to call my friend,” said Larry R. Kaiser, dean of Temple’s School of Medicine, and president and CEO of Temple University Health System. “On behalf of the Medical School and healthcare enterprise, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family and many friends.”
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“He was a visionary businessman who touched the lives of so many with his tireless pursuit of innovation and enterprise, as well as his deep commitment to his family, friends and community,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “Among his many accomplishments were having led his Nets teams in 2002 and 2003 to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. I send my deepest condolences to the Katz family during this very difficult time.”
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“The New York Yankees are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Lewis Katz last night,” Hal Steinbrenner, the Yankees’ managing general partner, said in a statement. “We would like to express our deepest, heartfelt sympathies to his family.
“Lewis was a minority owner of the Yankees and a valued, long-time friend and colleague to so many of us within the organization. We will cherish his sense of humor, intellect and deep sense of philanthropy. Lewis had a huge heart and was always there when someone needed help. He will forever be remembered.”
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“Lewis Katz was an exceptional man whose presence enriched the lives of everyone he came in contact with,” said Bill Marimow, The Philadelphia Inquirer's editor. “He never forgot his friends or his roots, giving back generously to the city of Camden, Temple University, Dickinson School of Law, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and countless other organizations.
“He loved his family and his friends, and they loved him back in return. We’ve lost a great friend.”
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“Lew Katz was my cherished friend of nearly 20 years. He was a force of nature. So deep was his commitment to education reform that he flew to Concord to support my son Michael’s Concord River institute,” said Doris Kearns Goodwin, a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and author. “Afterward, we all went to dinner, where we talked at length about our shared passions for sports and journalism, politics and history. But the last thing he said to me upon leaving for the plane was that most of all what we shared was our love and pride for our children. I have lost a great friend, his family has lost a great father and grandfather, and the country has lost a great man.”
On social media:
@missjillscott: The world just lost Lewis Katz, rec’d an honorary degree w me just a few weeks ago. An awesome, accomplished, loved man.
@PhillyInquirer: A moment of silence at Yankee Stadium for minority owner Lewis Katz (photo by Ben Turk Tolub/Philly.com) pic.twitter.com/fLCgxAGNhj
@KHarper_Grindin: Thank you Mr. Katz for being a great man and for making a big impact at Temple University so sad to hear that tragic news you will always be remembered #rip
@sergeiblair: @drewkatz Incredibly sorry for loss of your father. His inspirational speech at my @TempleUniv commencement was full of wisdom & honesty.
@DanKoob: RIP Lewis Katz, who donated 25 million to @TempleUniv and inspired people to chase their dreams.
@NickWeinert: RIP Lewis Katz Incredible person and philanthropist. Sadly enough he was the commencement speaker at our graduation 2 weeks ago @TempleUniv
@dan_pulse: Still in shock about the death of Lewis Katz. His speech at graduation was incredible. A tremendous loss for the @TempleUniv family
@NirajShah215: Saddened by the loss of Lewis Katz, a great #Philadelphia #philanthropist #leader & @TempleUniv board member.
@andy_esworthy: Rest in Paradise Lewis Katz! Thank you for your continuous generous gifts towards @TempleUniv. You will be greatly missed #TUForever
@elleimani: Yesterday, we lost an incredible member of the @TempleUniv community. Trustee Katz will truly be missed. #TempleMade
@MatthewSprang: Mr. Katz did so much to make @TempleUniv a better place. Rest in peace, sir.
@LisaMargavage: I’m so shocked to hear the news about Lewis Katz. He gave the most incredible speech on my grad day at @TempleUniv a few weeks ago. RIP!
@Style_Brat: One quote that stuck with me at @TempleUniv commencement by Lewis Katz was Life is meant to have as much fun as you can conjure up. So true!
@JKupp58: Just saw Mr. Katz give a tremendous speech at my @TempleUniv Graduation. What a tragedy. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. #RIP
@Wachaflocka1: Rest in peace to a sports icon, philanthropist, great Temple alumni, and my commencement speaker Lewis Katz. @TempleUniv won’t forget.
@andyacr: @BroadStBull @phillydotcom was honored to listen to his speech @TempleUniv a few weeks ago. One of the greatest speeches ever.
@jezzicasmith: RIP Lew Katz. You are an inspiration to so many. @TempleUniv
@K_Mac_14: RIP Lew Katz.... The @TempleUniv family lost a really great man today
@lionswon: R.I.P. Lewis Katz. A friend since 60s days at @TempleUniv
@markstencel: “Study people you admire.”--@PhillyInquirer co-owner Lewis Katz, @TempleUniv commencement last month
@abigailcohn: Saw Lewis Katz speak at @TempleUniv graduation a few weeks ago. The TU community lost an incredible person.
@j_toe_mas: @TempleUniv lost an amazing alumnus and trustee. It’s a sad day to be an owl. Thank you for your dedication to temple and Philadelphia, Katz
@KaitlynSutton13: @TempleUniv lost an amazing supporter, philanthropist & friend in the passing of Dr. Lew Katz, may his memory and impact live on #RIP
@M_fn_G: I didn’t know Lewis Katz personally, most students don’t. But we can all see his impact across @TempleUniv campus. Condolences to his family
@Sarasaysthings: RIP Lewis Katz. You gave a truly inspiring and honest speech at the recent @TempleUniv graduation ceremony. My condolences.
@wkoala_bear22: @TempleUniv Lewis Katz was a visionary leader and businessman, and a selfless philanthropist who gave back so much to Temple and Phila.
@KeithsTweets: Sad day he was a great champion for @TempleUniv. “@6abc: Inquirer co-owner Lewis Katz killed in plane crash
@cnolf89: @Jim_Gardner Lew Katz was a tireless supporter and philanthropist of @TempleUniv He will be missed @TempleAlumni
@BigPapaLachs: Thank you G-d for allowing Lewis Katz to be part of my life and our @TempleUniv Board of Trustees. #rip forever #TempleMade
@phillyperk: @TempleAlumni @TempleUniv has lost a great steward of the #TempleMade mission. Was a great honor to serve w Lewis Katz. He will be missed.
@TheMostKing4: RIP to a great Owl and representative of our @TempleUniv Lewis Katz. Thanks for helping make us one of the best schools in the country
@fergalishhh: Wow. RIP Lewis Katz. Makes that @TempleUniv Class of 2014 speech all the more meaningful.
@alcaples: This news of Lewis Katz is just horrible. The @TempleUniv class of 2014 got an amazing gift on 5/15. Prayers to his family and friends.
@JohnMurrow12: Just 2 weeks after an awesome and inspiring grad speech, @TempleUniv alum Lewis Katz has passed away. The generous/kind man will be missed!
@KHarper_Grindin: Thank you Mr. Katz for being a great man and for making a big impact at Temple University so sad to hear that ...
@TheTempleNews: “The death of Lewis Katz is truly a tragedy for this university and this city.” ow.ly/xuyE4
@templetsg: On behalf of the students of Temple University, we send our deepest condolences to the friends & family of University Trustee, Lewis Katz.
@NickKokiko: Arguably, Katz is the most influential single person involved with Temple University and his passing will have a dramatic immediate impact.
@TheTempleNews: President Theobald: “Lewis’ impact on this university will be felt by Temple students for decades to come..”
@Cpmullen37: RIP Lewis Katz. You gave a lot to your community especially to @TempleUniv. You have taught us all to never forget where you came from!
@JGPharmD: RIP to a wonderful Temple benefactor. RT “@TempleUniv: RT @JOANGELFOX4: Sad, sad day for my @TempleUniv family...
@JOANGELFOX4: Sad, sad day for my @TempleUniv family...
@JaimeSoSweet: “Life in my view is meant to be enjoyed, it’s meant to have as much fun as you can conjure up”-Lewis Katz
@SeanCarlin84: RT @TempleUniv You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you - Lewis Katz
@moviesharkd: Shocked over the news of death of Lew Katz. An inspiring man. Rest in Peace. #philly #inquirer @TempleUniv @PhillyInquirer
@LisaMarshWriter: RIP Lewis Katz, co-owner of The Inquirer, dies in plane crash po.st/7EW8fc @phillydotcom @TempleAlumni @TempleOwlClub @TempleUniv
@skyphoto: Sad to hear of Mr. Lewis Katz’s passing. Sympathies to family, friends, @PhillyInquirer @PhillyDailyNews @TempleUniv and those he touched.
@NBA: Remembering Lewis Katz: Katz accepts Nets 2002 Eastern Conference Championship trophy pic.twitter.com/jFiNiExbZj
@NHLDevils: Statement from Devils’ President/G.M. Lou Lamoriello on the loss of Lewis Katz: goo.gl/vNBQkh
@ParentsUnitedPA: Lewis Katz: A true loss to Philadelphia and a champion of our city and a robust journalism community.
@TU_SportsDesk: We are very saddened by the news of trustee Lewis Katz’s tragic death. He was a great man and an avid supporter of Temple athletics
@JimMcIlvaine: I was very saddened to hear of the loss of former New Jersey Nets owner, Lewis Katz- jimmcilvaine.sportsblog.com/post/707491/th… @SportsBlog
@WorldNews24_7: [Breaking] Brooklyn Nets on death of Lewis Katz: The Brooklyn Nets organization was shocked and saddened to l... bit.ly/1wP3LbP
@RobinMCouch: Doris Kearns Goodwin on Lewis Katz: “I have lost a great friend... the country has lost a great man.” inquirer.com/about/20140602… …Condolences!
@rilyas4162: @MyPhilaInquirer my condolences on the death of Lewis Katz. What an unfortunate tragedy.
@TempleBands: Our heavy hearts go out to the entire Temple community and the family of Lewis Katz. Words just can't express what he has meant to so many.
@DNFlyers: #Flyers chairman Ed Snider issued touching statement on tragic passing of close friend & Inquirer/Daily News owner Lewis Katz in plane crash
@Yankees: The #Yankees mourn the passing of minority owner Lewis Katz: atmlb.com/1wOj6tf
@Darrell_Clarke: Lewis Katz was a great businessman, an even better person. My thoughts are with his son Drew, daughter Melissa + their loved ones today.
@coachedfoley: God bless everyone touched by the generosity and compassion of Lewis Katz--a number that is surely in the millions. RIP Lew.
@Pennsylvania_Gu: Pennsylvania Governor And Mrs. Corbett On The Passing Of Lewis Katz: goo.gl/jlA3T4
@jasoncollins34: I’m so saddened about the loss of former Nets owner Lewis Katz. I just spoke to him a few weeks ago as he cheered us on during the playoffs
@tinasusman: Sad day for journalism: Philadelphia Inquirer co-owner Lewis Katz among 7 dead in plane crash fw.to/ONnLI2
@ZJohnson11_: RIP to an inspirational figure & #TempleMade man Lewis Katz
Bobby Disco So sad. He made a great speech at the commencement a few weeks ago.
Julie Hanus My son will be a freshman at Temple University in the fall so we watched his speech at the commencement last month online. Such an amazing guy. I read up on him and I believe his wife had just passed 6 months ago. My sympathies go out to all his family...See More
Megan Karle I absolutely loved his speech at graduation a few weeks ago. I’ll never forget it! So inspiring. I am so saddened to hear this news. RIP Lewis
Tarilayefa Nanakumo My condolences to his family and to those of the rest of the passengers who died.
Anna Marie Barrasso Fiore Sorry to hear of his loss.
Jeanne Cassano So sorry to hear this. He made a dynamic speech at my sons graduation a few weeks ago. It was apparent how much he appreciated his education at Temple.
Bayode J Oluwasanmi Very sad! Great philanthropist, RIP
Michelle Rinaldi-Auriemma Sad to hear this
Holly Meng So sad to lose another good man, RIP Mr. Katz...
GK Novick Very sad news for the Temple community. May he rest in peace. My condolences and prayers to the family.
Benard Kiprono His contribution has impacted multitude directly or indirectly. may his soul Rest in enternal life, RIP!
Amber Farr So sorry to read this. Rest In Peace...
Lisa Troy-Williams R.I.P.
Gail Issa in shock. His commencement speech at our son’s graduation in May was so moving. Condolences to his family and greater Temple family.
Jenn Brown Great man!
Chrissy Albeck I just graduated on the 15th and he was our commencement speaker. I won’t forget his speech full and all his wise words. May you rest in peace, Dr. Lewis Katz.
Rena Frutchey Rip Mr. Katz.
Maryann Zindell very sad great man of the people
D-Rock Hahn Wow. May he rip and condolences and thoughts for his family.
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