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LAPIDUS Richard Lewis was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 27, 1932, to Morris and Beatrice Lapidus. He died Saturday night. He is survived by his wife Wendy, daughters Liz and Jennifer, granddaughter Hannah Bennett and brother Alan (Caroline.) Lapidus attended Midwood High School where he excelled at track and field, running the mile in 4.45 minutes. He received an undergraduate degree from University of Vermont where he started the Young Democrats in a staunchly conservative state. He then attended both Columbia University and University of Miami law schools. Prior to starting his law career, he co-founded Miami's first classical radio station, WAFM - where he climbed atop the Congress Building to personally install the antenna. Lapidus began his legal career working for Judge Irving Cypen before joining Stone & Bittel. He opened his own practice in January, 1964, and over the years, practiced law with various partners, including Howard Hollander, Judge Herbert Stettin and Robert Frankel. Known as a tenacious trial and appellate lawyer, he was always prepared, passionate about his case and fiercely competitive. Outside of the courtroom, he was an environmentalist having served as vice president of the Audubon Society. An avid scuba diver, he was one of the pioneering divers of the Red Sea, which led to his acceptance in the Explorers Club. In the Coast Guard Auxiliary, he became commander of his flotilla. As a lifetime runner - he ran in four marathons. He also enjoyed hiking the trails surrounding his vacation home in Burnsville, North Carolina, swimming laps at the University of Miami and tossing the ball for his Boykin Spaniel, Sam. It was through these and many other hobbies that he excelled as a photographer. Music was another of his passions and he taught himself to play the guitar, banjo and harmonica. Most of all, he was a loving husband and proud parent and grandparent. A memorial service will be held at Temple Judea Wednesday, February 22 at 11:00 AM. View this Guest Book at www. MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
WENDY MY HEARTFELT CONDOLANCES ON RICHARD'S PASSING.HIS PASSION AND DEDICATION TO LAW IS AN INSIRATION TO MANY OF US WHO KNEW HIM. RALPH FISCH
RALPH FISCH
April 4, 2012
Wendy my favorite evenings in Cattail were with you and Dick in the kitchen. The dinners we shared, the special evening he played his guitar and sang for us, will never be forgotten. His visits to see us on his walks won't ever be forgotten. Our love sent to all of you, Katie, Tim and family
Katie McGuirl
March 8, 2012
Wendy I was so sorry to hear about Richard.My best to you old friend
Joe Witz
March 6, 2012
Wendy and family: Wishing you comfort during this sad time. Remembering what a source of strength and support you had in Richard.
Love from Diana
Diana Phillips
March 1, 2012
Dear Wendy,
Fran and I were sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Darrell and Fran Downs
February 27, 2012
Dear Wendy,
It was with great sorrow that I read of your husband's unexpected passing.
Although I did not know him, he sounds as though he was a great spirit and an inspiration to many.
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Fondly,
Janice Rauzin, RA (U of M)
Janice Rauzin
February 27, 2012
Dear Wendy,
Bob and I were so sorry to hear of your loss of Dick. Our condolences to you and the family.
Bob and Ellie Miller
February 25, 2012
Please accept our deepest condolences. Dick was a gentle man who mentored so many of us and always had time for other people and their problems.
We are all better because we knew him.
May you be comforted among the mourners if Zion and may his memory be for a blessing for generations to come
Alan Kluger
February 24, 2012
Wendy, Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your husband. I hope your many happy memories will help sustain you through these difficult days.
Caryl Grof
(Pilates class)
Caryl Grof
February 24, 2012
Dear Wendy, Liz and Jennifer,
What a heartbreaking loss! Just want you to know you're in my heart and prayers as you work your way through this sad journey. Peace to each of you. Nancy
Nancy Morgan
February 23, 2012
Wendy
You have been in my every thought since I heard the terrible news.
My love goes out to you and your family.
Cindi Zilber
February 22, 2012
Dear Lapidus Family:
I would like to add my sympathies to the family on the loss of Richard. I worked with him when the firm was Lapidus and Stettin and remember vividly his helmet in the conference room that he would wear to certain depositions for emphasis. He was a kind man and always enjoyed his brilliance.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Stander
February 22, 2012
Dear Lapidus family,
We are so sorry to hear of the abrupt loss of your husband, father, grandfather and friend. Our hearts go out to you. Wish we had the opportunity to meet this extraordinary man. He sounds like he was an inspiration to so many. What a wonderful legacy. Hugs to all of you. With love, Mitch & Pam Myers
Mitch & Pam Myers
February 22, 2012
Dick was a great lawyer and an awesome runner. Truly missed by everyone who knew him.
Peter O'Connell
February 22, 2012
With the deepest sympathy, love and loss- Rhea Grossman
February 22, 2012
Dear Wendy, Liz. & Jenny,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.
I do remember the good days going way back----WHEN !
Burt
February 21, 2012
Wendy, I'm so terribly sorry to learn of Dick's passing. He was an extraordinary man. Though I hadn't seen him in a while, he is clear and prominent in my memories of him.
Love, Ann
Ann Prospero
February 21, 2012
Dear Dick Lapidus Family:
Please accept our deepest condolences at this very difficult time. R.I.P
The staff from Robert P. Frankel
Frankel's staff
February 21, 2012
Wendy, Sue joins me in expressing our sorrow over your loss. Fondly, Eli and Sue Subin
February 21, 2012
Dear Wendy, Liz, Jennifer and Hannah, Please accept out sincere sympathy at this very difficult time. Love, Bob and Beth Frankel
February 21, 2012
Dear Wendy, Liz and Jennifer,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, T--
Terry Sagedy
February 21, 2012
It is with great sadness that I learned of Dick's passing. He was a great boss, a wonderful friend and an excellent addition to the legal community. Rest in peace 'Boss'.
Susan Beider
February 21, 2012
Dead Dick Lapidus Family:
Please accept my condolence as to the passing of your loved one. I had the utmost respect for Dick Lapidus as a lawyer and a person. I am a forty year lawyer and I know he will be missed in the legal community.
J.T. Haley
February 21, 2012
onto the next exploration.... sincere yours louis and laurie appignani
louis appignani
February 20, 2012
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