Ronald S. Katz

February 20, 1936 - January 17, 2022 Ronald Sanford Katz, the first-born son of Fred and Sophie Katz and older brother of Michael, was raised in Fargo, North Dakota.

He received his undergraduate degree at Tulane University and then a Juris Doctor from the University of Denver before moving to Los Angeles in 1964.

Soon after relocating, Ron agreed to a blind date over coffee and a game of pool with Leona Shapiro - a partnership that would span over the next 55 years. Their union would result in three beautiful children, Stacy, Jody, Paul, and four fantastic grandchildren, Benjamin, Olivia, Joel, and Bailey.

In the late 1970s, Ron started his own Beverly Hills-based law firm until his wife, Leona, also earned her J.D. in 1990, and the law firm of Katz & Shapiro formed. The husband and wife team continued as practicing partners for over 30 years until he passed.

In addition to his devotion to his family and passion for the law, Ron adored gourmet food, fine art, travel and had an unquenchable zeal for the game of golf.

While those he has left behind will mourn the absence, Ron's impact - via his intelligence, wise counsel, humor, stalwartness, and joy for life - will be felt like an echo reverberating throughout our lives to keep forever close our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend.

Ronald is survived by his wife Leona, children Stacy, Jody, Paul, and grandchildren Benjamin, Olivia, Joel, and Bailey. In addition, his in-laws Ralph and Shirley Shapiro and Martin Shapiro, nieces Lauren and Alison Shapiro, Robynn Paul, Traci Fradkin, and nephews Peter Shapiro, and Spencer and Simon Katz.