Lewis L. Jaffe

Lewis L. Jaffe, 86, of Unity Township died Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at Select Specialty Hospital in Latrobe. Born October 17, 1924 in Butler, PA, he was the son of the late Max Jaffe and Fannie Posner. Lewis attended Penn State University to study journalism prior to his service in the Air Force during WWII. Upon his return, he attended Haverford College. His first career was spent in the family retail business, which operated a chain of clothing stores in western Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan. After retiring from business, he founded 21st Century Networking, an organization dedicated to the advocacy of education reform and community betterment. He was an active and passionate member of the World Futurist Society, working closely with activists around the country to determine how social and technological developments will shape the future. Locally, he worked with Saint Vincent College in their efforts to reform the teaching of math and science. Bringing people of all religions to live and work creatively together was his greatest gift.

He is survived by daughter, Lynne Jaffe of North Carolina, daughter Kim (Jaffe) Gribi and husband Kevin of Michigan, sons Doug Jaffe of Latrobe, Garson Jaffe of Latrobe and Jon Jaffe of North Carolina; three grandchildren, Tim Skolnik, Jordan Jaffe and Ali Gribi, brothers Arthur Jaffe of Florida, and Norman Jaffe and wife Alice of Pittsburgh, and several nieces and nephews. His sister Beulah Robins and brothers Sidney and Richard Jaffe preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 15, at noon at the Jewish Community Center, 5738 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, with lunch immediately following. Memorial contributions can be directed to: The Lewis Jaffe Scholarship Fund, Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650.