Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

National Memorial Park

7482 Lee Highway

Falls Church, Virginia

DAVID MARGOLIS Obituary

DAVID MARGOLIS

Passed away, in the embrace of his family, on July 12, 2016. He was 76 years old. The son of Louis and Martha Margolis of Hartford, Connecticut, he graduated from Rawson Elementary, Jones Junior High, Loomis Chaffee School, and Brown University. David wanted to be a rock-and-roll drummer, but at his father's urging, attended Harvard Law School instead. Thus began a distinguished 51-year legal career at the U.S. Department of Justice, culminating in his position as Associate Deputy Attorney General, the highest-ranking non-political appointment in the Department. His first position in the Department was in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Hartford, where he served under U.S. Attorney (and later Second Circuit Judge) Jon Newman. He gained notoriety in 1969 for negotiating the surrender of an armed fugitive on the baseball diamond of Loomis Chaffee, where David had played center field only years earlier. The Hartford Courant, which covered the story, described David as a man "sporting long sideburns" with taste for "modish clothes." David's fashion sense would continue to garner attention throughout his career.

Later in 1969, David joined the Justice Department's Organized Crime Strike Force. He served as the Attorney-in-Charge of the Strike Force in Cleveland and Brooklyn, and in 1976, David moved to Washington, where he became Deputy Chief of the nationwide Strike Force program. He was elevated to Chief in 1979, a position he held until 1990,
with the exception of a seven-month leave of absence to implement the President's directive establishing the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). It was under David's watch that the Department achieved its most notable successes against organized crime figures.

While serving 25 years as Associate Deputy Attorney General under administrations of both political parties, David was consistently called upon to handle DOJ's thorniest problems and - in his parlance - "take care of business." He nonetheless made time to mentor and befriend hundreds of colleagues who were drawn to his impeccable judgment, unvarnished honesty, nicknaming ability, and roguish sense of humor. He worked six days a week, taking time off only to catch a Washington Nationals baseball game, attend his grandchildren's sporting events, or have a long lunch with a Department alumnus. The walls of David's office mark a life well lived, with memories captured in awards, photographs, knickknacks, and letters from Presidents and Attorneys General. His accolades are unparalleled, yet his impact on the Department and its employees far outweigh even those significant accomplishments.

David loved Elvis, the Yankees, Willie Nelson, and a good steak. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his two daughters and derived immense pleasure from his grandchildren. David is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Deborah Lipman Margolis, brother Charles, his daughters Kimberly and Cheryl, his son-in-law James Mackie, and his grandchildren, Nathaniel, Owen and Audrey Mackie.

The family has decided to mourn privately and will not hold a public funeral. Instead, David's life will be celebrated at an event at the Justice Department later this summer. Information can be found at David's memorial page, at:
http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/
DavidMargolis/homepage.aspx

A scholarship has been established at the Loomis Chaffee School in David's memory. Donations can be made at www.loomischaffee.org/giving; please indicate that the donation is in support of the Margolis scholarship.

Published by The Washington Post on Jul. 17, 2016.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID MARGOLIS

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Please accept my sympathy on Daves passing.I had the privilege of working on several cases with Dave when I was a young Detective with HPD.Dave would come on raids with us to see first hand what was going on.He was a true friend and supporter of Law Enforcement and will be remembered for his dedication and integrity.May he rest in peace.

Bernie Sullivan ,Chief of Police Ret.HPD

July 17, 2016

My dear friend Charlie, I am sadened to hear news of your brothers passing. He's had a very interesting an productive life. I hope that time will help in the sorrow that you're feeling. Your friend, Paulo

Paul Conforto

July 16, 2016

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in DAVID MARGOLIS's name

Memorial Events
for DAVID MARGOLIS

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

National Memorial Park

7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042

How to support DAVID's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor DAVID MARGOLIS's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more