Richard S. Rivitz

He was the beloved husband of Joan (nee Nathanson), loving father of Leslie (Marc) Insul and Marc (Thais) Rivitz, adored grandfather of Brandon, Jamie, and Lauren Insul, and Aaron and Gabi Rivitz. Rick is also survived by his brother, Larry (Jan) Rivitz of Baltimore, brother-in-law Norman Lockshin (Sheila of blessed memory) and sister-in-law Nancy Hart (William of blessed memory) and many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews.

Rick was born to Dorothy and Hirsh Rivitz (both of blessed memory) in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up in Shaker Heights surrounded by his loving family and many lifelong friends. He attended Fernway Elementary School, Byron Junior High School, and graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1960. Rick studied Economics at Cornell University, graduating Cum Laude and then furthered his education at Harvard Law School, graduating in 1967.

He began his legal career as a clerk for Judges Thomas Lambros and Frank Battisti.This was followed by joining the firm of Ginsberg, Guren, Merritt. He later joined Kahn, Kleinman, Yanowitz and Arnson and became managing partner of the firm in 2005. He and his leadership team successfully negotiated the merger of Kahn Kleinman into Taft Law in 2008. He “retired” from Taft in 2015.

Rick provided his time and guidance to many professional boards and philanthropic organizations. He spent over three decades devoting much of his free time to Menorah Park, including chairing the Menorah Park Foundation until 2023. He was awarded the prestigious Irving Stone Award in 2023.

Rick enjoyed spending time with his beloved family and dear friends. He got much pleasure traveling the world with Joan, reading extensively, and playing tennis. He shared his love of tennis with his family and played with them often.

Services will take place on Tuesday, November 12th at 2 pm at Congregation Mishkan Or, 26000 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood. To view the service, please go to www.mishkanor.org.and go to “livestream” and select Sanctuary.

Shiva will take place on Tuesday at the Cleveland Racquet Club from 7-9 pm; continuing on Wednesday at the residence (130 Woodburn Drive, Moreland Hills 44022) from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm; and on Thursday at the residence from 2-5 pm.

Friends who wish may to contribute to The Friendship Circle of Cleveland, 27900 Gates Mills Blvd., Pepper Pike, OH 44124. (www.friendscleveland.com/donate)