Raymond Hertz

Raymond Milton Hertz - Ray for those that knew and loved him- was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, devoted brother, uncle, great uncle, friend and trusted advisor. Ray was married to his college sweetheart Harriet for almost 58 years. Ray was devoted to his family and loved spending time with his daughter Michelle and her husband, Bryan and his 2 grandchildren Jackson and Maddie as well as his siblings Joel Hertz and Ellen Williamson.

Ray was born in Washington DC to George and Betty Hertz on November 29, 1945. Ray spent the majority of his life living in the Maryland and DC area- attending Montgomery Blair High School, University of Maryland undergraduate and University of Baltimore law school. From 1968 to 1974 Ray also served our country in the DC National Guard. Ray attended law school while working full time for Shell Oil as a Territory Sales Manager. After graduating in 1974 and spending a few years working at a law firm, his entrepreneurial spirit ultimately led him to open his own practice in 1978 where he was proudly his own boss. For over 45 years Ray was a passionate and tireless advocate for his clients, building relationships with them that would span many years to decades. In 1998 Ray won the Bar Leader of the Year Award from the American Bar Association. He served on many boards and commissions and was an active member of the Maryland State Bar Association. On Ray’s 80th birthday in November 2025, his family celebrated his “actual” retirement, although none of them believe that he actually stopped working.

Those who knew Ray knew that he was perpetually cold. Ultimately, sunny Florida turned out to be the right cure for his hatred of the winter (or really any day under 70). A few years ago Ray and Harriet finally decided to become snowbirds and moved to Fort Myers, Florida. While you may still see him bundled up in layers in Florida, the sun and the warmer climate gave him much joy and happiness whether it was sitting on the lanai enjoying the day reading the news, singing with his friends in the Acapelicans, playing poker or exploring food and culture with Harriet. Nothing compared to the time he spent with his friends and Michelle, Bryan, Jackson and Maddie.

Ray’s life was devoted to people. Whether it was clients, friends and family, nothing made him happier than spending time with people. And while he spent his career advocating for his clients, his true passion was his family. He was immensely proud of the life he and Harriet had built over 58 years together, and of their daughter, Michelle, her husband and his loving grandchildren, Jackson and Maddie. Ray was incredibly proud of having just attended his granddaughter Maddie’s graduation in Boston.

Over the past 20 years, Ray and Harriet had managed to spend more time traveling the world than at their actual home. He and Harriet loved their adventures as they trekked across the world, usually on a cruise ship, where every port brought a new adventure and experience. While their favorite place the Caribbean, Spain and Barcelona, they also enjoyed exploring the US. He absolutely loved cruising and exploring a new place each day. His family takes comfort that he was able to cruise up until the last week of his life.

Ray will be truly missed by those who knew him. And while we are devastated his time on earth has come to an end, his presence and love will never fade. “Jimmy, some of its magic, some of its tragic, but I had a good life all the way” Jimmy Buffet, He Went to Paris.

Please join us to celebrate the life of Ray Hertz this Sunday May 31, 2026 at 11:00am. Details are below. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the ACLU or American Cancer Society.

Details for Sunday May 31:

At 11:00 am, we will have a graveside service at Mount Lebanon Cemetery followed by a reception and celebration of life immediately after at the Promenade in Bethesda. Information for George Washington/ Mount Lebanon Cemetery 9500 Ridge Road

Adelphi, MD. 20783 The gravesite is near the office if you follow signs that direction you should see the tent and chairs. Information for The Promenade- Party Room (Arcade Level) 5225 Pooks Hill Rd

Bethesda, MD.

Please come through the gate and head to the left. There is a large parking lot for visitors. Then you will walk to the lobby which is between the towers and go down one flight of stairs (or take the elevator) to the Arcade Level. We will be in the Party Room.