PAUL BABITZ

BABITZ--Paul. Paul Babitz, a pioneering real estate attorney, died peacefully on October 23 surrounded by his cherished family. Born in Elmira, NY, Paul graduated from Syracuse University and the University of Michigan Law School. He began his legal career in Rochester, NY, and quickly distinguished himself as a gifted and highly entrepreneurial tax lawyer. Paul founded his own practice, which grew into a nationally recognized firm. An early leader in leveraging tax-credit financing to promote affordable housing, he evolved from trusted counsel to visionary principal - advising others and leading transformative projects of his own. A champion of higher education, Paul established the first Tax Institute at the University of Rochester and founded the Pediatric Scholar Exchange between the University of Rochester Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University. Known for his dry humor, moral conviction, and unshakable integrity, Paul led with empathy and fairness. He found joy on the ski slopes, on the golf course, in the quiet ritual of a fine cigar, and at his beloved summer home on Canandaigua Lake - his personal Shangri-La. Paul is survived by his wife, Brenda; his children, Ted (Judy) Babitz and Bobbi (Jim) Armstrong; and his grandchildren, Molly and Jack Babitz. A memorial service will be held at Canandaigua Lake in the summer of 2026.