Richard Paul Jaffe

RICHARD PAUL JAFFE, 80, one of Philadelphia’s most prominent lawyers and influential patron to the arts, passed away on March 31, 2024, surrounded by his family. Known for his signature bow ties, his generosity of spirit and his mentorship to so many lawyers and entrepreneurs, Jaffe was a force in the corporate law community, committing himself to his clients until the day he died. A Philadelphia native, Jaffe graduated from Central High Sch., Univ. of Penn, and Temple Univ. Sch. of Law. Jaffe was corporate partner at Duane Morris for more than a decade, prior to that Ballard Spahr. He spent three decades at Mesirov, Gelman, Jaffe, Cramer & Jamieson, and was managing partner until merging with Schnader Harrison. He served as the President of ACG (Association for Corporate Growth), Philadelphia, director then chairman of the ACG Global. Outside of his corporate work, Jaffe served as chairman of the Science Center, trustee at the Univ. of the Arts, and Tilt (formerly Philadelphia Photo Arts Center). With all of his accomplishments, Jaffe believed his greatest success was his family. Married for 52 years to Julia (nee Erber), his best friend from college, and father to Robert Jaffe (Lindsey Rose), Emily Jaffe (Dan Shotz), and Kate Jaffe; Devoted grandfather of Lily, Zelda, Zachary, Josef, and Elle. Beloved by his sister Barbara Lorry (Wilfred) and brother Harry Jaffe. Jaffe cherished his entire extended family and his dearest friends. To honor and celebrate Jaffe’s life, relatives and friends are invited to Funeral Services, Wednesday, 11 AM precisely at Cong. Rodeph Shalom, 615 N. Broad St., Phila., PA. Family will start receiving at 10 AM. Int. Montefiore Cem. Shiva will be observed at his late residence Wednesday following interment, Thursday 5-9 PM, and Saturday 5-9 PM. Contributions in his memory may be made to The Food Trust, www.thefoodtrust.org