Calvin Cafritz

Cafritz

Calvin Cafritz

Washington developer and one of the region's leading philanthropists, died Thursday morning, January 12, 2023, at Sibley Memorial Hospital, in Washington, DC. He was 91 years of age.



Calvin Cafritz, a native and longtime resident of Washington, DC, was born March 29, 1931, as the eldest son of Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz. His father, one of Washington's leading commercial and residential builders from the early 1920's to the 1960's, distinguished himself as an outstanding civic leader known for generosity. In his later years he established one of the Washington region's leading philanthropic entities, the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. His mother, Gwendolyn, one of Washington's leading hostesses in the post-World War II years, was President of the Foundation from 1964 to 1988.



Calvin Cafritz, a successful businessman, was involved in real estate for more than fifty years. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation in December 1988 and since February 1989 had served as Board Chairman. In July 1993, he was elected President and CEO of the Foundation and in the last six months became Chairman Emeritus.



Mr. Cafritz began his career with Cafritz Construction Company in 1947. After college and military service, he rejoined the firm in 1956 and served in various positions, until the death of his father in 1964 when he became President of Cafritz Company, Cafritz Construction Company, and Ambassador, Inc. During his tenure, the companies developed, constructed, and leased a number of additional office buildings in Washington's central business district. In 1971, Mr. Cafritz resigned to form Calvin Cafritz Enterprises, with investments in aviation, communications, and Washington area real estate. Throughout his career he was recognized not only for his natural intuitive insight but also for his in-depth study and acute analysis of every possibility for investment in real estate.



Mild, self-effacing, decorous, humble, and unfailingly courteous, Mr. Cafritz led by example and always with a smile. His commitment to causes and institutions extended beyond writing checks to giving time and energy. He warmly greeted staff and fellow philanthropist alike, making no distinction between people. He often conveyed his conviction that believing in a cause obligated one to support it financially. For him, philanthropy required partnerships that are broad, diverse, and extensive.



With that philosophy he built a substantial reputation for philanthropy. He and his wife, Jane, and the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation have made major contributions to the city of Washington, DC and the region. In the last half-century, the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation has awarded more than $507 million in grants. In 2021 alone some 430 grants were given to 413 nonprofits of all sizes, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Washington National Opera (through the Cafritz Young Artists of Washington National Opera program), the Phillips Collection, the National Gallery of Art, and countless colleges, universities,and schools throughout the DC area.



In 2000, under Mr. Cafritz' leadership, the foundation's board established the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Awards for Distinguished DC Government Employees, an annual program designed to recognize and reward outstanding performance and exemplary service by locally based federal employees. Mr. Cafritz said that the awards are designed to "shine a light on the contributions of extraordinary government employees. We hoped to let the public know about these outstanding individuals and to send a message to other excellent government employees that their dedication and considerable accomplishments are valued."



Mr. Cafritz' grace, elegance, discernment, desire for excellence, and commitment to making the most of every day and every situation will continue to inspire and motivate all who knew and loved him.



Mr. Cafritz was married previously two times; his first wife was Enid Cafritz and his second wife was Joyce Smith. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jane Lipton Cafritz, a distinguished Washington lawyer, whom he married on June 1, 2000. He is also survived by his three children, Elliot Cafritz (Lauren), Anthony Cafritz (Pearl), and Elizabeth Peltekian(Viken); five grandchildren, Sam, Alexander, Seb, Aram, and Van; three stepchildren, Olivia Rubenstein, Irina Rubenstein, and James Speyer; and two step-grandchildren Evan and MJSpeyer. Mr. Cafritz is also survived by his brother Conrad Cafritz. He was preceded in death by his brother Carter Cafritz. In addition to his loving family, he leaves behind a long-time member of the family household, Lilian Punzalan, and countless admiring friends.



A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to a charity of your choice.