Louis L. Kaitz, Chairman of the Board of National Lumber and past president of the Boston Retail Lumberman’s association died Thursday, November 19, 2009 at age 86 in Newton, his home for fifty five years. A charismatic personality, handsome and languid in his walk, with a booming much imitated voice; he strove to maintain family values in business and community work.
He was an important leader in the local Jewish community contributing his wisdom, time and community work. Impassioned about education and Israel he was Vice President of American Friends of Hebrew University’s Board of Directors. In 1988 Lou and Charlotte, his wife of 63 years, endowed a faculty and student exchange program between Boston University School of Medicine and the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem. For the creation of this partnership, which resulted in students from diverse backgrounds experiencing Israeli and American culture, he received an Honorary Fellowship from Hebrew University and the prestigious Scopus Award from the American Friends of Hebrew University.
Other Jewish Institutions with which he was actively involved include Combined Jewish Philanthropies, State of Israel Bonds, Jewish Theological Seminary, Solomon Schecter Day School and Congregation Mishkan Tefila where he was a past President of both the congregation and the brotherhood. Nationally, he was a one time President of the National Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs and Vice President of the Synagogue Council of America.
Lou was born December 15, 1922 in Lynn, Massachusetts and attended Roxbury Memorial High School. As a young man Lou served in the United States Air Force for four years during WWII as a meteorologist stationed in Brazil. He then graduated from the Boston University School of Management in 1947.
A self-proclaimed “history buff” he returned to BU at age 55 and earned a Master’s degree in American History. In June 2006 he received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Hebrew College.
He was a lifelong and passionate Red Sox fan who hardly missed a game.
A loving husband, father and grandfather he will be deeply missed by his family and friends. In addition to his wife Charlotte, Mr. Kaitz leaves his three daughters and their husbands, Marsha Kaitz and Amit Boim of Jerusalem, Sharon Kaitz and Jonathan Wilson of Newton, and Suzan Kaitz and Jonathan Katz of Newton. He was the cherished grandfather of six grandchildren, Jonathan Devor and Noa Devor, Adam Wilson and Gabriel Wilson, Julia Terry and her husband Duwayne, and Miranda Katz. Dear brother of the late John J. Kaitz, Harold and Samuel Kaitz. Also survived by loving nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Congregation Mishkan Tefila, 300 Hammond Pond Parkway, Chestnut Hill (click here for map and directions) on Sunday, November 22 at 1pm. Interment at Mishkan Tefila Memorial Park, West Roxbury. Following interment a memorial observance will be held at his residence 45 Wendell Road, Newton Sunday until 8pm and Monday through Thursday 2–4pm and 7–9pm.
Remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice. |
