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RICHARD "MAX" BOCKOL

FUNERAL HOME

Joseph Levine & Sons Memorial Chapel, Inc. - Trevose

4737 Street Road

Trevose, Pennsylvania

RICHARD BOCKOL Obituary

BOCKOL

RICHARD "MAX", 71, of Gladwyne, an admired attorney practicing in Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs for 45 years. He began his long career as an Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia, serving under Arlen Specter and along side the Hon. Edward Rendell and the Hon. Lynne Abraham. He authored widely appreciated, always humorous restaurant reviews for more than 30 years under the pseudonyms "Fatty R Bockol" and, later, "Skinny D'Bockol." He recently co-authored with his son, Joseph, Jerry Wolman: The World's Richest Man (2010). He is also survived by his loving wife, Anne, devoted son, Eli and sister, Barbara Stein. A son, Max, predeceased him. A Memorial Service is being planned for a later date.

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Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News on Nov. 3, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD BOCKOL

14 Entries

John Aird

October 28, 2020

For a big man, Max was incredibly fast whether playing football or trying desperately to beat me at handball. It could be stated that I technically won most of the time but with his quick wit, it always seemed he won every game! Max indeed was a big man but he had to be to accommodate such a Big Spirit and Big Heart!

Garrett Mitchell

October 28, 2020

Thinking how great it would be to have your commentary on this election, Max. Especially over a wonderful dinner at your favorite Philly hangout. Cheers to you!

David Richman

December 9, 2013

Anne, I only just learned from Eli's tribute to his dad in the Philadelphia Bar Reporter that Max passed away. As you know, we were contemporaries in the DA's office. Max was not only the most jovial and wittiest of colleagues, he was also one of the smartest and shrewdest trial lawyers in an office filled with talented people. He had a great knack of connecting with people at their level. And I did have the pleasure of recalling more than once with Max the night in the summer of '62 when our paths crossed on a summer camp basketball court. The night was made memorable for me by Max's outlandish bermdua shorts and his unerring one-handed stabs. He was a winner that night, when he married you, as a dad, and throughout his distinguished legal career. And his restaurant reviews were a source of pleasure for decades. Max was a large presence, whether his girth was large or small, and a person of great good will. He is remembered fondly and with a smile.

November 11, 2013

Anne:
It's with great sadness and shock that we heard of Max's passing.
My memory now only remembers select people, places and things from my past.
Would you believe that I can see Max walking into GA's library with his violin case and double breasted suit as vividly as if it happened today.
He was a memory maker!
Frank & Deidra

Terry Faw

November 11, 2013

Anne, I just received the announcement from Eli last night. Completely startled me. Max and you have always been near to my heart since that first evening of watching "Miss America" in Nashville. I will cherish Max's e-mail of just a few weeks ago in which he recalls his antics in those days. A wonderful human being who will always remain in my memory and make me chuckle. In that way he may be gone, but never departed.

Love you, and continue to stay in touch.

November 11, 2013

Dear Annie,
I am so sad to learn of Max's passing. It seems all my life that he has been there as a trusted advisor and treasured companion. Nancy and I are deeply grieved at losing him.
Jim Tichenor

Elinore and Harvey Kolodner

November 10, 2013

The best friend anyone could ever have, whether bowling, dining or performing magic. Our hearts are with you Anne

November 6, 2013

I had the profound privilege of knowing this man of generosity, vision and true courage when I was a member of Gaudenzia's executive committee. I never underestimated his convictions and his willingness to act on these convictions. His gentle way and humor will be missed. Job well done. Rosemary

November 6, 2013

Annie & Family: As long as I breathe, Max shall live on. Devoted husband and Father, Dear Friend, Foodie Extraodinaire, and Dedicated Lawyer.

Suzanne Bender,Esq.

November 6, 2013

Dearest Fatty R.,
How very sad I am to learn of your departing! I cannot imagine a Heaven without you in it, eternally lighting up the (after-)lives of erstwhile members of our shared profession, as well as fellow connoisseurs of good food, good humor and good nature. You were my teacher, my friend, my favorite (and first) critic and a model of how to cope and thrive in our work and in life. I think of you often. Much of my practice is devoted to what you taught me more than twenty (!) years ago. Your off-putting comments, quirks and spectacular wit often seemed bizarre to me back then, but I get it all now...now that I am quickly approaching the age you were when we met. Although I will miss you terribly, you will not be forgotten. And frankly, "si post fata venit gloria non propero." Lovingly and respectfully, Suzanne Bender, Esq.

Garrett Mitchell

November 4, 2013

Dear Annie -- This news strikes me in such a profound way, having just signed a letter to you both on Friday about the Haverford 50th in which I told Max that he was one of the principle reasons I looked forward to our reunion. Such a remarkable man, such a positive force for world that needs more Max Bockols, and so devoted to you and Eli. It breaks my heart to think of him leaving us, and the best I can do today and tomorrow and tomorrow is to keep you both in my thoughts and prayers, to be grateful that Max Bockol was part of my life, and to assure you that all of us in the Class of 1964 think of you as one of us. Sending much love to you -- Garry Mitchell

Patty Redenbaugh

November 3, 2013

My Dear Max,
To know you was to love you. Unfortunately, I'm afraid you were one of a kind. I could never be with you without laughing, even during times of heart-break. God Bless you, Ann. We all know you were thoroughly and totally loved by this great man. I am very sad and yet will always feel richer in spirit for having known Max. My thoughts and love are with you, Ann, and the whole family. All my love, Patty Redenbaugh

John Aird

November 3, 2013

This is such terrible, terrible news. Max was such a warm, smart, and giving human being. As a Californian, I've only seen him once or twice since we graduated together from Haverford, but I can still see him clearly lighting up a room with his presence and filling it with that infectious laugh that brought such joy to others. What a wonderful soul. My heartfelt sympathy to Annie and to all his family.

Rebecca Heard

November 3, 2013

I think I will miss your humor the most, Max. You could always make me laugh. I also learned a great deal from you in the years I worked for you. I will miss you dearly. Anne, Joe and Eli, my prayers are with you.

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