ATTY. JOSEPH SAVITZ

Attorney Joseph J Savitz, 93, of Kingston died on Monday, March 21st at Cedarbrook Nursing Home in Allentown, PA.

He was the beloved husband of Janice W Savitz and son of Julius and Sarah Savitz.
Joe grew up in the Heights section of Wilkes-Barre and was a graduate of GAR High School. With the outbreak of World War II, Joe served his country in the army as an aerial photographer for the 656th Engineer Topographic Battalion and on May 8, 1945 celebrated the Allied victory on VE Day in Paris.
Joe returned to the US from France, reunited with his family and graduated from Wilkes College in 1948. He then went on to earn his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1951 and was admitted to the bar in 1952. He was the first law clerk for then Attorney Max Rosenn and the first associate and first partner with the law firm of Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald. Joe treasured his distinguished career in the law, served his clients very well and cherished all of the fine associations and friendships that were formed along the way.

Joe served as a Wilkes College and Wilkes University Trustee from 1959 until 1994 and as its Chairman from 1975 to 1978. He holds the distinction of being the first alumnus of Wilkes College to serve on the board of trustees. He earned the title Trustee Emeritus and was the inaugural recipient of Wilkes University's highest honor, the President's Medal, at the school's black tie Founder's Gala in June of 2014.

Amongst the list of numerous civic achievements, Joe served the John Heinz Institute of Rehabilitative Medicine as a board member, Chairman of the Board and was proud to chair the drive which funded construction of the aquatic therapy pool. He also served on the boards of the Jewish Community Center, the Legal Aid Society, The Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce and the Jewish War Veterans. He led the Jewish War Veterans as past State Commander and National Judge Advocate of the Jewish War Veterans, USA. Joe was very proud of his years of service to Temple Israel having served as President and Board Chairman. The Pillar of the Community Award was bestowed on him by the Trustees of Temple Israel in 2009. Joe was also honored by the Arthritis Foundation of NEPA and he was the recipient of the B'Nai Brith Community Service Award and the Israel Bond Heritage Award.

Joe once stated, "My civic responsibilities started way, way back when I became campus chair of the United Way and Wilkes Alumni Association President. It was further deepened and instilled by my mentor and preceptor the late Honorable Max Rosenn and his brother and my dear friend Harold Rosenn. It was and still is a guiding principal of our law firm to give back."

Joe always credited his sweet and loving parents, Julius and Sarah, and the great Wilkes University icons, Dr. Eugene Farley and Dr. George Ralston, as most influential in his character development .

Surviving with his wife Janice are daughter Lynne Shampain and her husband Dr. Mark Shampain of Allentown, son Marc Freedline and his partner William Johnson of San Diego, brother Sidney "Shy" Savitz and his wife Florence of Ft Lauderdale, sister-in-law Michelle Savitz of Los Angeles plus many adoring nieces, nephews and cousins around the country and the world. He was predeceased by his five brothers; Sam, Bob, Al, Harry "Hank", Morris "Maishe" and his beautiful sister, Sophie.

Funeral services will be held at Temple Israel on S. River Street this Thursday, March 24, 2016, at 1:00 pm followed by burial at the Temple Israel Cemetery.

Shiva will be observed at the family home, 744 Milford Drive, Kingston, 2-4 pm on Friday, March 25, 2016; 7-9 pm on Saturday, March 26, 2016 and 2-4 pm on Sunday, March 27, 2016.

Arrangements by Rosenberg Funeral Chapel, Wilkes-Barre.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Israel, Wilkes University or to the charity of your choice.

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