OGDEN LEWIS Obituary

LEWIS--Ogden Northrop,

known as "Denny," of New York City and Quogue, NY died on June 25 at age 73 after several years of declining health. He was predeceased by his adored only child and namesake, and is survived by Susan, his devoted wife of 42 years; brother William Hall Lewis, III (Barbara); nephew W.H. Ramsay Lewis (Julia) and great-nieces Amelia and Cecily; sister-in-law Margaret High. He was a litigation partner of the New York firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell. Denny received gratification as Chair of the Pro Bono Committee, especially when a capital case sentence was reversed. When of Senior Counsel status, he became a Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke Law School from 2004-2010. Civic-minded in both NYC and Quogue, he sat on numerous boards as director and president. Denny was a graduate of the Buckley School, Phillips Exeter Academy, Harvard College (Phi Beta Kappa), Christ Church, Oxford (Keasbey Scholar), and Harvard Law School. A lover of the sea, he served as Navigator on the "U.S.S. Little Rock." He will be remembered as a keen scholar of history and the law, a wise mentor with an open door, and a respected consensus builder of gentle temperament. He was known for his immeasurable benevolent heart. The family requests no flowers. Those who desire to honor Denny may consider a contribution to the American Friends of Christ Church, Inc., 3900 NYS Rt. 22, Willsboro, NY 12996, or Saint Thomas Church Choir School, 202 West 58th St., NYC, NY 10019. In fulfillment of his wishes, a private graveside service is being held in the Quogue Cemetery.

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Published by New York Times on Jun. 29, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for OGDEN LEWIS

7 Entries

Ralph Monaco

June 23, 2019

Denny Lewis served as my chair of the Board of the New York Law Institute where I had the honor as serving as Executive Director for 12 years. I always appreciated his thoughtful and robust support of my efforts At the Institute.
He was a true gentleman scholar and compassionate individual.He is still missed

Lucy Curci-Gonzalez

July 14, 2016

Denny Lewis served on the New York Law Institute's Board of Directors for over 20 years in positions ranging from treasurer to chairman. He will be remembered for his even temper, humor, sage advice, and for the many hours devoted to guiding NYLI as the library joined the digital age. While I joined NYLI after Mr. Lewis' term on the Board ended, I am reminded every day of his legacy of service and excellence and by the fond memories my colleagues at NYLI have of him.

Ralph Monaco

July 13, 2016

Denny Lewis was the Chairman of the New York Law Institute's (NYLI) Board of Directors when I assumed the position as Executive Director in 2004. Denny had served on the NYLI Board of Directors for over 20 years. He was truly devoted to NYLI and spent many hours with me charting NYLI's course as it adjusted to the digital revolution and NYLI's evolving position in that revolution. Denny had numerous achievements outside the role of Chairman of NYLI, talented litigator at Davis Polk, devoted teacher at Duke Law School, Chair of the Davis Polk Pro Bono Committee influential in reversing a case capital conviction and Board member of numerous non-profit organizations in addition to NYLI. He was my first chairman at an important time in my attempts to reorganize NYLI. He was immensely supportive and instrumental in assisting me in working with the Board. We shared some interests namely bike tours. I admired his strength against unimaginable challenges namely the death of his only child. I remember how sad I was when he shared with me the disturbing news about his health challenges. Once again he met this challenge as he had the others with acceptance and determination to go on. Denny was an intellectual, gracious and humble. I was very fortunate to have worked with him, been supported by him and learn important life lessons from him as well.

Michael Pusateri

July 8, 2016

I was one of Prof. Lewis's students at Duke Law School, where he taught a very popular bankruptcy seminar for several years. Prof. Lewis was so kind to his students and such a warm presence at Duke.

About six months after I graduated, I was laid off during the recession. Prof. Lewis was such an encouraging presence in my life during that time--he provided job contacts, letters of recommendation, and a sympathetic ear. Men like him are few and far-between. I offer my condolences to his family and friends.

Caroline Franklin Berry

June 30, 2016

Denny was one of the giants - in leadership, philanthropy and in his chosen profession - yet he was one of the most modest and sincere people I have ever known. Despite the tragedy that befell him and his dear wife Susan, an unimaginable loss for any parent, he continued to find joy in life and to teach and mentor others, making the world a better place in all the quiet ways he could. I look around me and do not see others springing up to take the place of men like Denny Lewis - our world is the poorer for his loss, and the richer for his life. I send my deepest condolences and most profound admiration. Caroline Franklin Berry

Woody Rutter

June 29, 2016

This is a total shock. Denny and I were classmates and "hall mates" at Exeter. I never would have gotten through Math without the help of Denny and his roommate, Bobby Wagner (also now deceased). I always admired and looked up to Denny- both for his intellect and his caring nature. I was thinking about Denny just the other day, reminding myself that I needed to give him a call when I am in NYC this winter. My sincere condolences to his wife Susan

Woody Rutter

Justin Fry

June 29, 2016

I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Lewis for years as a lifeguard at the Quogue Beach Club. He was a warm and gracious man. He will be missed.

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