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TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF HOWARD B. STRAVITZ, LONGTIME PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF LAW, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Howard B. Stravitz on Friday April 30, 2021, at the venerable age of seventy-three; and
Whereas, born September 28, 1947, Howard was a native of Brooklyn, New York. In preparation for his life's work, he attended Rutgers University School of Law-Camden, where he graduated with high honors and served as the editor-in-chief of the Rutgers Law Journal; and
Whereas, following law school, he served as a law clerk for the late Honorable David N. Edelstein, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Howard then practiced law with Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton in New York City for a decade before migrating to the Palmetto State in 1983 to join the faculty at the University of South Carolina School of Law; and
Whereas, beloved by his students, Howard became a fixture of the academic community. He was a nationally recognized scholar of civil procedure, sought as a legal consultant on complex civil procedure and federal court issues, and cited by courts across the country. In further recognition of his scholarship, Howard received the Outstanding Faculty Publication Award for scholarship focused on the jurisdiction and powers of federal courts; and
Whereas, for students, Howard brought expertise in a number of areas, and, as a proud Jewish man with profound understanding of many religions, his course on Jewish law was particularly sought after. As someone who relished the opportunity to edify the next generation, he served as a mentor for hundreds if not thousands of students. Between 1989 and 1999, he coached the South Carolina law teams in the American Bar Association Moot Court competition, sending several teams to the national finals and managing to guide at least one student to the honor of Best Oralist; and
Whereas, a man of profound and dedicated faith, Howard was a devoted member of Beth Shalom synagogue and served a term as its president. A capable leader, he served to lead the synagogue through difficult times with great skill and had looked forward to being able to gather together safely in the fall; and
Whereas, a one of kind figure, Howard was loved as a delightful companion, an exceedingly intelligent person who was willing to share his knowledge, an elite connoisseur of wine, and a brilliant chef who threw legendary dinner parties; and
Whereas, with a giving heart, Howard loved helping others, and his career as a professor allowed him to perfectly match his passion as both a teacher and as a student; and
Whereas, an irreplaceable figure in the community, Howard leaves to cherish his memory his brother Ed; his sister-in-law, Joyce; his nieces, Pamela Sculler and Shari Cooperstein; Shari's husband, Howard Cooperstein; as well as Ed and Joyce's grandchildren, Matthew Sculler, David Sculler, Jordan Cooperstein, and Carly Cooperstein, who were like his own grandchildren; as well as a host of other family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege and pleasure of knowing him. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Howard B. Stravitz, longtime professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Howard B. Stravitz.
This web page was last updated on May 11, 2021 at 3:07 PM