Prominent Norwood Civic Leader and Philanthropist Dr. Lewis J. Danovitch Passes Away at 65-October 21, 1966

A Lifelong Dedication to Dentistry and Community Leadership

Dr. Lewis J. Danovitch, 65, of 62 Walpole St.—a prominent philanthropist, civic leader, and longtime dentist—died yesterday at Norwood Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Boston, Dr. Danovitch practiced dentistry in Norwood for over four decades following his graduation from Harvard Dental School in 1922. A pillar of his profession, he was a member of the American, Massachusetts, and Norfolk Dental Societies, having served as past president of the Norfolk society.

His civic involvement extended across numerous religious, business, and community organizations. Dr. Danovitch served as past president of the Rotary Club, the Norwood Chamber of Commerce, and Temple Shaare Tefilah. A key figure in local finance, he was one of the founders of the South Shore National Bank (originally established as the Norwood Bank and Trust) and served on its advisory committee at the time of his passing. His affiliations also included the Mt. Scopus Lodge of Masons, Aleppo Temple, the Miramashi Fishing Club of Canada, and as a charter member of the Walpole Country Club.

Deeply committed to charitable and international causes, Dr. Danovitch chaired the Israel Bond Drive and the Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and was a founder of the Hadassah Dental School in Israel.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Betty (Moshkowitch) Danovitch; two sons, Stuart Danovitch of Washington, D.C., and Alan P. Danovitch of Norwood; two brothers, Morris Danovitch of Norwood and Joseph Danovitch of Canton; and a sister, Miss Evelyn Danovitch of Canton. Funeral services were held at Temple Shaare Tefilah, officiated by Rabbi Joel H. Meyers, with burial following in Sharon Memorial Park. The family requested that contributions in his memory be made to Temple Shaare Tefilah in lieu of flowers.

Political Campaigns Halt Out of Respect-October 21, 1966

The passing of Dr. Danovitch prompted an immediate suspension of political campaigning in the region. The two Democratic incumbent state representatives for the 11th Norfolk District—David C. Ahearn and William Butters—announced they were halting all campaign activities during the family’s mourning period.

Ahearn and Butters were locked in a November election contest against the late doctor’s son, Alan P. Danovitch. In a joint statement released this morning, the two representatives extended their deepest sympathies to their opponent and the entire Danovitch family. The 11th Norfolk District encompassed the towns of Norwood, Foxboro, Sharon, and Walpole.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

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