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
Born in Montreal, Quebec
Leonard was born in Montreal on October 12, 1931.
Montreal, Quebec, 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
Marries Evelyn Colman at the Hamilton Hotel
Leonard married Evelyn Colman at the Hamilton Hotel in Washington, beginning a marriage that would last more than sixty-five years.
Hamilton Hotel, Washington, D.C.
1960
Earns a Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School
Leonard received his J.D. from George Washington University Law School, combining his engineering background with formal legal training.
Washington, D.C.
1960
Admitted to the Virginia Bar
Leonard was admitted to the Virginia bar in the same year he completed his law degree, beginning a legal career that would span more than five decades. 
Virginia
1961
Becomes Patent Counsel at NASA
Leonard joined NASA as Patent Counsel, protecting the inventions that came out of America's space program through the Apollo era and the decade that followed. His name appears as attorney of record on NASA patent documents from these years.
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
1962
Welcomes his daughter Lisa
Leonard and Evelyn welcomed their first daughter, Lisa.
Washington, D.C.
1963
Welcomes his daughter Sharon
Leonard and Evelyn welcomed their second daughter, Sharon.
Washington, D.C.
1964
Earns a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from George Washington University Law School
While working at NASA, Leonard returned to George Washington University for an advanced law degree, deepening the specialization that would define his practice.
Washington, D.C.
1965
Welcomes his daughter Debby
Leonard and Evelyn welcomed their third daughter, Debby.
Washington, D.C.
1969
Buys the family home in Potomac, Maryland
Leonard and his wife bought the house in Potomac where they would raise their family and live for the next fifty-seven years.
Potomac, Maryland
1975
Becomes Deputy General Counsel of the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration
Leonard moved into the federal energy establishment as Deputy General Counsel of ERDA, the agency created in the wake of the 1970s energy crisis to lead national energy research.
Washington, D.C.
1977
Becomes Assistant General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Energy
At the newly formed Department of Energy, Leonard served as procurement counsel for five years, directing a staff of roughly twenty-five attorneys on federal procurement, financial incentive awards, and contract disputes.
Washington, D.C.
1979
Admitted to the District of Columbia Bar
Leonard was admitted to the D.C. bar, where he remained a member in good standing for the rest of his career.
Washington, D.C.
1984
Becomes General Counsel of the United States Synthetic Fuels Corporation
As General Counsel of the federal corporation charged with developing America's synthetic fuels industry, Leonard supervised the legal structuring of complex project financings — the capstone of his twenty-four years in government service.
Washington, D.C.
1985
Becomes Counsel at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
After a career in public service, Leonard entered private practice as Counsel at Skadden, advising on energy and infrastructure projects, government contracts, and intellectual property. His clients ranged from power producers and technology companies to the United States Enrichment Corporation.
Washington, D.C.
1988
Co-authors the first edition of "Intellectual Property in Government Contracts"
Leonard co-wrote the first edition of "Intellectual Property in Government Contracts" with Professor Ralph C. Nash Jr. of George Washington University. At nearly 1,500 pages, it became a standard reference for practitioners in the field.
1994
Buys the family beach house in Bethany
Leonard and his wife bought the beach house in Bethany that became the setting for the family's annual summer week together — a house that took in all fifteen of them, year after year.
Bethany Beach, Delaware
2001
Celebrates his 70th birthday with family and friends
Family and friends gathered for a large party in Leonard's honor.
2021
Celebrates his 90th birthday over Zoom
With the pandemic keeping everyone apart, the family marked Leonard's 90th birthday over Zoom.
2026
Moves with his wife to The Grandview
After fifty-seven years in the Potomac house, Leonard and his wife, Evelyn, moved to The Grandview.
Bethesda, MD

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

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