Profile photo of Leonard Rawicz

Leonard Rawicz

OctOctober 12th, 1931 • AugAugust 4th, 2026
Bethesda, MD
Leonard Rawicz

Obituary

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Leonard Rawicz, who passed away peacefully on August 4th, 2026. Len was born on October 12, 1931, in Montreal, Canada, to Elias and Paja Rawicz. He grew up in New Jersey and Connecticut. Len was proudly protected by his three late older sisters, Natalie, Norma, and Leah.

He earned his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and later received his J.D. and Master of Laws (LL.M.) from George Washington University. Over the course of his decades-long legal career, Len practiced law, taught, volunteered, and shared his knowledge with others. He built a distinguished career in contract law and continued his commitment to learning and helping others throughout his life, retiring at the age of 92. He also generously volunteered his legal expertise with the NASA Federal Credit Union.

Len was an avid reader, cyclist, music lover, traveler, and follower of current events. Known for his intellect, curiosity, and kindness, he approached life with a genuine desire to learn, understand, and connect with others. He found his greatest joy in his family, cherishing every moment with those he loved. His warmth, wisdom, and generosity will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his legacy will continue through the family and many lives he influenced throughout his remarkable life.

Len is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 68 years, Evelyn; his daughters, Lisa (Daniel), Sharon (Howard), and Debby (fiancé Gery); his grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Pop,” Rae (Sandra), Sarah (Lee), Melody (Andrew), Jake, Rebecca (Sam), Josh, and Hannah (Zack); and his great-grandchildren, Emma, Parker, and Ryder. He will also be deeply missed by his extended family and many dear friends.

Timeline

1931
October 12th
Leonard's Date of Birth
Montreal, Canada
1953
Earns a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Connecticut
Leonard earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Connecticut. The technical training he received here shaped the whole of his later legal career, which centered on patents, engineering, and energy.
Storrs, Connecticut
1957
Becomes a Patent Examiner at the United States Patent Office
Leonard began his professional life examining patent applications for the federal government — his first step into the field of intellectual property that he would work in for the next fifty years.
Washington, D.C.
1959
January 31st
Leonard and Evelyn got married
Washington, DC
1960
Earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from The George Washington University
1961
Started as Patent Counsel at NASA — at Goddard Space Flight Center
1964
Earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from The George Washington University Law School
1969
August 4th
Bought the Potomac House
Bethesda, MD
1975
Started as a Deputy General Counsel, U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA)
1977
Started as Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
1979
Admitted to the District of Columbia bar
1984
1994
Bought a House in Bethany Beach
2001
Len's 70th Birthday
2021
Len's 90th Virtual Birthday Party
2026
Moved to The Grandview

Gallery

Memory wall

Post a message or share your memories and photos.


Family tree

Other family members
Emma Abrams
Great Granddaughter
Parker Abrams
Great Grandson
Ryder Suhrie
Great Grandson
Paja Rawicz
Elias Rawicz
Evelyn Rawicz
Natalie Mintz
Norma Nampkin
Sharon Hoffman
Children
Rebecca Hoffman
Josh Hoffman
Hannah Hoffman
Lisa Rozman
Children
Rae Rozman
Sarah Rozman
Debby Rawicz
Children
Melody Engel
Jake Engel
Leah Rawicz
‹
›
Natalie Mintz
Norma Nampkin
Leah Rawicz
‹
›
Evelyn Rawicz
‹
›
Sharon Hoffman
Rebecca Hoffman
Josh Hoffman
Hannah Hoffman
Lisa Rozman
Rae Rozman
Sarah Rozman
Debby Rawicz
Melody Engel
Jake Engel
Leonard Rawicz

Favorites


What was Leonard's favorite Restaurant?
El Mariachi
What was Leonard's favorite Drink?
Scotch
What was Leonard's favorite Game to play?
Didn't really like to play games
What was Leonard's favorite Sports Team?
Washington Commanders (Redskins)
What was Leonard's favorite way to exercise?
Biking
What was Leonard's favorite Local spot?
Bethany Beach
What was Leonard's favorite Food or Dish?
Lobster, Mussels, and Steak
What was Leonard's favorite Music?
Broadway showtunes
What was Leonard's favorite Book?
Patents and Technical Data (by Leonard Rawicz and Ralph Nash)
What was Leonard's favorite Sport?
Football
Fun fact about Leonard:
Didn't care whether or not his clothes matched
How did Leonard spend his free time?
Reading the newspaper, Science magazine, and listening to showtunes

Donate

In honor of our beloved Leonard, we invite you to contribute to a cause that reflects his lifelong passion and dedication. Throughout his career as an attorney, Leonard believed deeply in justice, mentorship, and opening doors for others.

In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations to the ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund, which supports racially and ethnically diverse students attending law school. Your generous gift will carry forward Leonard’s legacy by helping empower the next generation of legal minds.

Make a Tribute Donation Here: www.americanbar.org/groups/departments_offices/fund_justice_education/donate/pro-losf

Subscription

Subscribe to receive updates for this Memorial page - when new messages or photos are shared, or on meaningful anniversaries.
Share
English
Français
Deutsch
Nederlands
Español
Português
Magyar
Русский
繁體中文

Secure payment

First Lastname donation
Order total: $ 0
Your host will receive your funds within 24 hours.