Reaction to death of Lewis Katz

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Lewis Katz, 72, was killed when a private plane crashed in Massachusetts.

His friends, family, and colleagues react to his passing:

Drew Katz, son of Lewis Katz, today announced the tragic death of his father in a plane crash in Massachusetts.

"It is with an incomprehensible amount of grief and the heaviest of hearts that my sister and I announce the loss of our beloved dad. While details are still not completely available, I am able to confirm that our father was a passenger on an airplane that crashed on takeoff near Bedford, Massachusetts."

"My father was my best friend. He taught me everything. He never forgot where and how he grew up, and he worked tirelessly to support his community in countless ways that were seen and unseen. He loved his native city of Camden and his adopted home of Philadelphia. He believed in strengthening education through his founding of charter schools, his support of the Boys & Girls Clubs and his generosity to his alma maters, Temple University and Dickinson Law School. But his greatest accomplishment by far was being the most amazing father to my sister and me, and grandparent to his four grandchildren."

"His sudden passing adds to our family's grief over the recent passing of our beloved mother, Marjorie Katz. We will miss both of them tremendously but will work to carry on the enormous legacy that they both created."

"I also wish to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the passengers and crew members who also died in this tragic accident. May God give us all strength in this difficult time."

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Mayor Michael A. Nutter released the following statement regarding the passing of Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News, and Philly.com co-owner Lewis Katz:

"I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear this terrible news. I just talked to Lewis on Wednesday morning to congratulate him and Gerry Lenfest on their winning bid for the newspapers.

"Lewis was such a 'full of life' guy, always optimistic and forward looking, always wanting to push the envelope and do good things for Philadelphia and Camden. He would talk with me and other officials about what he could to do to make life better for children and improve the image of our great City. His passion for education, children's sports programs and improving the business climate in our City were just a few of the things that he would always talk to me about.

"Lewis was a humble, soft spoken guy with a big heart who never forgot where he came from or how he achieved success. Our City and region will miss his commitment and passion, and our hearts and prayers go out to Drew and the entire family. May God Bless Lewis Katz."

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Governor Tom Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett made the following statement today following the passing of Lewis Katz:

"Sue and I are shocked and saddened by the tragic death of our friend, Lewis Katz. His personal warmth, wisdom, and strength of character make his passing a great loss, and his life and friendship a greater treasure.

"The legacy he leaves behind is one of a brilliant businessman with a profound commitment to make a difference, as evidenced by the many civic institutions he supported. But it was his beautiful soul and his quiet acts of philanthropy that we most admired. In his words, 'It's never a perfect day, unless you help someone who can never hope to repay you.'

"We join Lewis's beloved family and his many friends in mourning his loss."

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"All of us at the NBA were extremely saddened to learn of the tragic, sudden death of former Nets owner Lewis Katz," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "Lewis was a trusted friend and valued member of the NBA family. He was a visionary businessman who touched the lives of so many with his tireless pursuit of innovation and enterprise, as well as his deep commitment to his family, friends and community.

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Statement from Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli and Freeholder Jeffrey Nash in regards to the passing of Louis Katz.

"The Freeholder Board would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Katz family. Louis was raised in a row home in Camden City's Parkside neighborhood and never forgot those roots. He dedicated much of his life to giving back a tremendous amount of attention and resources to the city of his birthplace.
He served as a Camden County Freeholder from 1972 to 1976 and after that worked to enhance the city through philanthropic donations, collaborating with everyone from the First Nazarene Baptist Church on South Eighth Street to the Boys and Girls Club in Parkside that bears his name today. In addition, Katz worked tirelessly on behalf of the Jewish Federation and was a supporter of the Katz Jewish Community Center that bears the name of his parents Milton and Betty.
Even after all of Katz's success in business and professional sports he remained in Camden County by living in Cherry Hill and raising his family here. It is with profound sadness we say goodbye to a former freeholder who labored to improve the city and county through his philanthropy and compassion."

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Lt. Governor Jim Cawley and his wife Suzanne made a statement today following the passing of Lewis Katz:

"Lewis's civic, athletic and academic contributions to the Philadelphia region and beyond are immeasurable. The Commonwealth lost a great leader and philanthropist. The impact of his generosity will be felt for generations to come."