Lewis Katz, born on the 11th of January, 1942, was an American businessman who became famous for his various investments, most notably for owning The Philadelphia Inquirer, the new Jersey Devils, and the New Jersey Nets. He died on May 31, 2014 in a ‘plane crash.
So how much is Katz’ net worth? As of 2017, based on authoritative sources it is reported to be $400 million, acquired from his various investments and businesses throughout his years in business from the 1960s.
Lewis Katz Net Worth $400 Million
Born in Camden, New Jersey, Katz grew up in a single-parent home. A year after his birth, his father, Milton, died of a heart attack leaving him and his sister to the care of their mother, Betty, who worked as a secretary at the RCA and became the family’s sole breadwinner.
Katz earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Temple University in Philadelphia, then worked for a while under Drew Pearson, a journalist, before deciding to enter law school – he graduated first in his class at Dickinson School of Law in 1966.
After finishing law school, Katz’s career spanned from being a lawyer to becoming a businessman. He worked as a clerk for Chief Justice John C. Bell of Pennsylvania, then he was a co-founder of the law firm Katz, Ettin & Levine. He later ventured into business, becoming the owner of Kinney Parking Systems, one of the largest parking companies in New York. He also became a chairman of Interstate Outdoor Advertising, a company which produces billboards that focuses on outdoor advertising. His various ventures in business helped tremendously in increasing his net worth.
Further in his career, Katz became part of the YankeeNets/Puck Holdings group, which owned two New Jersey sports team, the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League and New Jersey Nets of the National Basketball Association. Although they later sold the teams to different owners, handling the teams still helped in his wealth creation.
Katz last business venture happened when he won control over Philadelphia’s Inquirer. Katz along with other investors acquired the company after bidding $88 million. Unfortunately, a few days later he tragically died in a plane crash.
Katz along with seven other people was killed when the plane they were on from Bedford, Massachusetts crashed on its way to Atlantic City, New Jersey. He was 72 years old when he passed away.
Before his passing, Katz was also a well-known philanthropist who often helped his hometown in New Jersey. He set up Katz foundation, where he served as a director. The foundation helps finance educational, medical, and charitable causes. He also provided financial assistance to his former law school, The Dickinson Schools of Law, and also established programs for the people of Camden, New Jersey. He also provided donations to various Jewish organization, targeting particularly young Jewish entrepreneurs.
In terms of his personal life, Katz married Marjorie Nemarow in 1966, who died in 2013; they had two children, Drew and Melissa.
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