RIP Gary Kravitz

Very sad to hear Gary Kravitz passed away.

Gary was a long-time fixture here in federal court.  He was a career clerk for Judge Dube and also served as a law clerk for other magistrate judges.  He then went on to teach at St. Thomas School of Law.  

He was just a good, nice guy.  He was always kind and encouraging to lawyers in his courtroom.

His longtime co-clerk and colleague at St. Thomas, Lourdes B. Fernandez, had this to say: 

For me, I met Gary my 1L year at STU Law as my ever-so-strict Legal Writing Professor and before long he became my mentor. Not always telling me what I wanted to hear, but what I needed to hear. I followed him to Federal Court and he became my work colleague and grew to be one of my closest friends. Beyond doubt, Professor Gary Kravitz was the most powerful influencer in my legal career, and I still praise God for him every day. 

St. Thomas Law is hosting a Celebration of his life on Thursday, August 24^th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

5:30 p.m. -6:00 p.m. Reception

6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Program

7:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Reception

Here is the very nice obit:

Gary Neil Kravitz, 66, beloved brother, Godfather, uncle, friend, colleague, and professor, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2023, surrounded by family and close friends, listening to his favorite music, and celebrating a life well-lived.

Gary was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 13, 1956, the youngest of three to his parents Leonard and Miriam Kravitz, with older sisters Doris and Faye. Gary and his parents moved to Hialeah, FL in 1969. After graduating high school, Gary moved to Gainesville, Florida to attend the University of Florida where he graduated with high honors and later attended the U.F. Levin College of Law. 

During his professional career, Gary served as a law clerk to several United States Magistrate Judges and a state appellate judge. He also spent time in private practice, with a concentration on civil and criminal appeals. In 2008, he joined the faculty at St. Thomas University, Bejamin L. Crump College of Law where he’d been an adjunct professor since 1996. He served as President of the Federal Bar Association, South Florida Chapter, and the Peter T. Fay American Inn of Court, and several other professional associations and Bar committees.  He was also admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States.

At St. Thomas Law, Gary loved and is beloved by the countless students whose lives he touched.  Gary was a devoted and compassionate professor who was beyond generous with his time and wisdom. These traits made him a popular and defining figure for many alumni at St. Thomas Law.  He always strived to do right by his students and exhibited the utmost professionalism and civility, treating everyone with dignity and respect.  His quick wit might catch you by surprise if you didn’t know him, or even if you did. Gary was the person colleagues and students alike could count on for support.  A mentor to many, he served as a role model for us all.

The simplest pleasures brought great joy to Gary.  He loved the oldies—Frank Sinatra, Louie Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald—and classic films—Casablanca, The Treasure of Sierra Madre, 12 Angry Men. He loved reading biographies of U.S. historical figures, which in part explains his tremendous grasp on the American system of justice. He especially loved sharing laughter and meals that always included red wine, with family, friends and students who became friends. Gary’s devotion to his students was only eclipsed by the love he had for his Godchildren, Dustin, Brandon and Olivia Thaler.

Gary is survived and lovingly remembered by his sister Doris Jones, brother-in-law Rick Jones, nephews Ronnie and Joseph Listman, niece Dianne Pasley and her husband Dave, his Godchildren Dustin, Brandon and Olivia, and his many friends who became family over the years.  He was predeceased by his parents Leonard and Miriam, and his sister Faye Listman. 

Gary’s family and friends are grateful for the treatment and compassionate care he received from the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston. May he rest in peace, and may we forever remember the lessons he imparted upon us –both in law and in life.