Howard Gittis
Howard Gittis | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 1, 1934 |
| Died | September 17, 2007 (aged 73) |
| Occupation | Attorney |
| Children | 4 |
| Website | MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc. |
Howard Gittis (February 16, 1934 - September 17, 2007) was an American attorney best known for his years of service as Ronald Perelman's right-hand man.
Biography
Howard Gittis was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduating from Philadelphia's Central High School.[1] He went on to earn his economics and law degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, he served in the U.S. Air Force at an Illinois airbase. At the fufillment of his military duty, Howard accepted a job offer from Tom McBride who had just been elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Tom McBride lost his subsequent election, leading McBride to found his namesake law firm and keep Gittis by his side. This eventually lead to a merger with Wolf, Block, Schorr & Solis-Cohen where Gittis eventually became managing partner, growing the firm to 150 lawyers. Gittis, with a well established diverse respected practice, in addtion to acting as political sage and mentor, was a leading force at Wolf Block for 25 years.[2] By design, little of his work as a lawyer attracted public attention, save for his work for politician Frank Rizzo, who he successfully defended from an attempt to recall by various activist groups.
Howard Gittis & Ronald Perelman first met back in the 1970s when Ronald still worked for his father, Raymond. Gittis, through Wolf Block, represented Raymond. Howard & Ronald hit it off immediately and kept in touch even after Perelman resided in New York and Gittis in Philadelphia. In conclusion of the Pantry Pride deal, while working on the Revlon take over for Ronald, Gittis formally joined Perelman's MacAndrews & Forbes where he remained until his death. Gittis became Perelman's most trusted advisor & partner. Gittis was recognized by the National Law Journal as one of the top 100 Attorney's in the country.[3]
Family
Howard Gittis, as the son of immigrants, was the first in his family to go to college.[1] He was married twice. He had three daughters with his first wife, Sondra before they divorced. Howard lived with Lynette Elizabeth Baldwin King for 20 years. After being introduced by Ronald Perelman's first cousin, they were engaged and married at their apartment in Manhattan in September 1991. With the refusal of a paramour to abort a pregancy, Howard supported his illegitimate daughter financially, as required by law, after the threat of a paternity suit. Howard did not recognize aforementioned issue with his surname during his lifetime. In protection of his family, Howard included thus issue in his will to the extent believed a court would award in a claim against his estate upon his death. Lynette and Howard remained together until Howard's death.[4]
Death
After having dinner at home on Sunday night, Gittis retired and died in his sleep.[5][6]
Notes and references
- ^ a b Hillel J. Hoffmann (2007). "Trustee and former board chair Howard Gittis dies at 73". Temple University. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
- ^ Larry Teitelbaum (2004). "Nearing 20 years as a dealmaker, Gittis still relishes a little risk and reward". Temple University. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
- ^ Stephen Miller (2007). "Howard Gittis, 73, Businessman, Perelman Adviser". New York Sun. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
- ^ David Patrick Columbia (2007). "Remembering Howard". New York Social Diary. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
- ^ Mark Schoifet (2007). "Howard Gittis, Adviser to Ronald Perelman, Dies at 73". Bloomberg News. Retrieved 2007-04-02.
- ^ Paul Tharp (2007). "Howard Gittis, Adviser to Ronald Perelman, Dies at 73". New York Post. Retrieved 2007-04-02.