Obituary of Leon Letwin , 85

Deeply loved husband, friend and comrade; father and grandfather; teacher and scholar; champion of social justice and peace; and person of the highest integrity, died peacefully on July 13, 2015 at age 85 at Foxdale Village. He was a UCLA Law School professor for more than fifty years.

Leon was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Bessie (nee Rosenthal) and Lazar Letwin, on December 29, 1929. He attended Washington High School, The University of Chicago, The University of Wisconsin Law School (JD) and Harvard Law School (LLM).

A lifelong activist, he pioneered law school affirmative action programs, was an outspoken opponent of the Vietnam War, and was at the forefront of defending the rights of political protesters, criminal defendants, high school students, and many others. A brief biography (along with many other materials) is posted at https://leonletwin.wordpress.com/.

Leon was preceded in death by his brother William (Shirley) of London, England. He is survived by his wife Alita (Zurav) of Foxdale Village, sons Michael (Ellen) of Brooklyn, Dan (Eva) of State College, David (Kristin) of Brooklyn, four grandsons Brian (Chou) of Ho Chi Minh City, Andy of Brooklyn, and Nick and Timmy of State College.

A celebration of Leon’s life will take place at in the Foxdale auditorium on Sunday, July 26, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception.

Donations in Leon's memory may be made to the Center for Constitutional Rights, Jewish Voice for Peace, Foxdale Village Training and Tuition Reimbursement Fund (benefit staff), or other causes consistent with his beliefs.

Condolences may be sent to:

Alita Letwin
500 E. Marylyn Ave, Apt. K165
State College PA 16801-6219