GARY PILLERSDORF

PILLERSDORF--Gary B.,

passed away June 5, 2017. He is survived by his two children, Stephanie Weismer and Andrew Pillersdorf; son-in-law Josh Weismer; grandchildren Ethan, Cameron and Gavin Weismer; brother Dr. Alan Pillersdorf; sister and brother-in-law Dr. Robin and Dr. Gerard Shaw; brother-in-law Dr. Ronald Brodkin; mother-in-law Evelyn Brodkin; and nieces and nephews Lance and Stacy Pillersdorf, Alex and Jessica Pillersdorf, Geoffrey Pillersdorf, Tara Pillersdorf, Daniel Shaw, and Jaime Shaw. He will be laid to rest next to his wife of 43 years, the late Diane Pillersdorf. Born to Irene Lipkind and Herbert Pillersdorf, Gary grew up in Stuyvesant Town in Manhattan, and graduated from NYU ('67), and Brooklyn Law School ('71). Despite suffering kidney failure in his early 20s, Gary become a respected trial attorney, and founder of The Pillersdorf Law Firm. His courtroom abilities and verdicts earned him a place in both the Million and Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forums. He believed in fighting for the rights of injured persons, and was most proud of his impact on ensuring higher standards of safety for innocent victims. Throughout his career, Gary received numerous awards and recognitions, including the "War Horse" from the Southern Trial Lawyers; the "Mel Award" from the Melvin Belli Society; and the "Compassionate Gladiator" from the Florida Justice Association. He was recognized as 'Lawyer of the Year' in 1995 by the Institute for Jewish Humanities; and was honored with several lifetime achievement awards. Gary was a past president of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, and the Network of Bar Leaders. He loved sharing his skills and knowledge, writing a leading textbook on New York motor vehicle accidents, lecturing throughout the country and teaching continuing legal education courses. Despite his health struggles, Gary maintained a sense of humor throughout his life, and was widely appreciated for his quick wit and story telling ability. He loved building model trains and performing magic tricks for his grandkids. Funeral services will he held at Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El at noon on June 7.