LOUIS L. KAITZ

Louis L Kaitz, Chair of the Board of National Lumber and past president of the Boston Retail Lumberman’s association died Thursday 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 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 at one time President of the National Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs and Vice President of the Synagogue Council of America. Lou was born in Lynn and attended Roxbury Memorial High School. As a young man Lou served in the United States Air Force for four years during WWII 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 lifelong and passionate Red Sox fan who hardly missed a game.One of his more interesting experiences was appearing in David Mamet’s motion picture “Homocide” where he had a speaking role . 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 and Suzan Kaitz and Jonathan Katz of Newton and six grandchildren. Services will be held at Congregation Mishkan Tefila, 300 Hammond Pond Parkway, Chestnut Hill 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 Rd. Newton Sunday until 8pm and Monday Thru Thursday 2-4 pm and 7-9pm .Remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice