Reaction to the death of Lewis Katz, 72, Philadelphia Inquirer co-owner and former owner of the NBA’s New Jersey Nets and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils among other enterprises. He was one of seven people killed Saturday in a fiery plane crash in Massachusetts.
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“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.” —- Gov. Tom Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett.
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“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.” —- Adam Silver, NBA commissioner.
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“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.” —- Michael Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia.
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“He was a brilliant and innovative businessman, but more importantly a tireless and inspiring humanitarian. He directly impacted the lives of so many people and will be deeply missed.” —- Bruce Ratner, majority owner of Barclays Center; minority owner of the Brooklyn Nets.
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“While he was a person of tremendous influence in a variety of businesses, including sports, Lewis was, pure and simple, a great guy who highly prioritized his family and his friends.” —- Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner.
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Katz “was a unique, accomplished, and widely respected Pennsylvanian and a generous philanthropist who contributed greatly to Philadelphia.” —-former Gov. Tom Ridge.
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“Lewis was a minority owner of the (New York) Yankees and a valued, long-time friend and colleague to so many of us within the organization. We will cherish his sense of humor, intellect, and deep sense of philanthropy.” —- Hal Steinbrenner, Yankees managing general partner/co-chairperson.
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“I worked for Mr. Lewis Katz with both the Devils and New Jersey Nets, and experienced first-hand the influence he had on both organizations. Lewis was extremely active in the business community, a philanthropist, and a family man.” —- Lou Lamoriello, president of the New Jersey Devils.
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“The Commonwealth lost a great leader and philanthropist. The impact of his generosity will be felt for generations to come.” —-Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley and wife Suzanne.
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“Lew was an extremely hard-working and successful businessman who also was incredibly down to earth and gave back to his community with joy and grace. A proud Temple University graduate, Lew had many conversations with me about how to improve neighborhoods around the campus perimeter. As pleased as he was to see Temple’s tremendous growth over the years, his concern about possible negative impacts on longtime residents was a constant.” —- Darrell L. Clarke, president, Philadelphia City Council.
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