Herbert Deutsch

Born January of 1943 to Rose and Harold Deutsch in the Bronx, Herb grew up in Miami, camping in the Everglades, or so he claimed. On January 11, 2026, having just turned 83 years old, he succumbed to a brief illness and died surrounded by his family.

In between, he graduated from University of Miami and New York Law School, and earned an LLM from New York School of Law.

Herb gained national prominence in the 1980s for his representation of the class of silver traders who had been injured by the Hunt brothers ’manipulation of the world silver markets. This success came after many years of building his practice. He started out as a sole practitioner in the late 1960s who created and then grew a law firm with a national reputation for conducting complex corporate litigation. His keen mind, unflagging energy, capacity to craft creative solutions, and his ability to conduct withering cross-examinations made him a feared and deeply in-demand attorney. He also could tell fantastic jokes.

Herb read widely and deeply on a variety of topics, from philosophical treatises to the finer points of economics and details on fabrics for hiking boots and tents. He enjoyed sharing his learning, but also particularly enjoyed debating facts and opinions with almost anyone. He particularly enjoyed political discussions with those who disagreed with him and could back up their positions.

While much of his reading covered theoretical fields, one area where reading and practicality converged to (mostly) everyone’s benefit was in the culinary realm. Having worked as a short-order cook in high school, he later expanded his repertoire to more ambitious dishes. His adventurous pursuit of interesting recipes yielded experiments in everything from Georgian tkemali to lamb kofta. Some efforts were more successful than others. His lasagna-making was not only epic, involving many willing helpers, but also delicious. His brisket was fantastic. The early matzoh ball experiments, less so. A world traveler who explored far-flung cuisines, Herb brought the distant corners of the world to his kitchen table. For him, cooking was an expression of love, to nourish and nurture those he cared about.

He not only read widely but also wrote his own books on the origins of his forefathers and on Jewish history and culture. In addition, Herb authored many articles and essays, each more well-researched than the next. He wrote while working full-time, and then was able to dedicate himself to it in retirement. This continued zeal for learning motivated him his entire life.

But perhaps his greatest joy lay with his family, in whose company and accomplishments he delighted. He was married to Judy (née Drimmer) for nearly 60 years until her passing. He is survived by his wife, Mayumi Ishida, his children, Jeremy and Stephanie, his daughter-in-law, Benedicte, Ricky Ishida, and his grandchildren, Alida, Alexander, Zachary, Teddy, and Sam. Herbie also took tremendous pleasure and pride in his nieces and nephews, Stuart (Jennifer), Toby (Rob), Daniel (Nicole), Joseph (Carlos), Sabina (Sarah), Jon (Ilana), Eddy (Michelle), David (Stephanie), and Jesse, and in his grand-nieces and -nephews. His definition of family was expansive and in turn he became part of many families. From Judy’s brothers (Steve & Eric) and cousins (Terre, Bobbi, and Janet), to his loved ones in Norway, Japan, Florida, California, and many places in between, he leaves behind so many who grieve.

Herb maintained deep connections and regular communications, sharing advice, interesting thoughts, recipes, and jokes with so many. His unconditional love, thoughtful support, intellectual engagement, and sharp humor will be missed by family and friends across the globe.