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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Norwood to Test Computer Voting System for Upcoming Town Meeting Election Involving All 202 Seats—October 27, 1975
Facing an unprecedented election where all 202 town meeting seats are up for grabs, Town Clerk Bartley Connolly arranged to test computer voting machines from Electronic Voting Machine Corp.
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Norwood Labor Leader and Presidential Advisor Kenneth T. Lyons Criticizes Small Business Administration-October 30, 1974
NAGE President and presidential advisor Kenneth T. Lyons of Norwood called for major reforms in Small Business Administration loans while reflecting on his close ties to U.S. presidents.
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George Elias Formally Resigns From Finance Commission to Avoid Special Election-October 22, 1974
Former Finance Commissioner George Elias officially resigned his post, timing his departure to avoid a costly special election while hinting at a potential run for selectman.
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Norwood Novice Upsets Political Veterans to Capture Dem Nomination for State Rep-September 11, 1974
Twenty-two-year-old Harvard graduate William S. Sullivan defeats a field of six to win the Democratic primary for state representative in the 17th Norfolk District.
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41 Percent Voter Turnout in Norwood Primary-September 11, 1974
Warm weather and a competitive seven-way Democratic primary drive a 41 percent voter turnout in Norwood, while neighboring Wellesley battles electronic voting delays.
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The 17th Norfolk Representative District Democratic Nomination Race-July 16, 1974
(Pictured, Gregory W. Sullivan) As the summer of 1974 reached its peak, the residents of Norwood were abuzz with excitement and anticipation. The town was on the cusp of a significant event, one that would shape the future of its representation in the state legislature. On this day, July 16th, seven Democrats vied for the…
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Norwood Shuffled in State Senate Redistricting Proposals to Fix Constitutional Flaw-August 1, 1973
A reporting discovery by The Patriot Ledger revealed a major geographical flaw in a proposed State Senate redistricting map, forcing a last-minute shuffle of Norwood’s voting precincts.
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Sullivan: Non-Stop To Victory / Danovitch In Convincing Victory-November 6, 1974
22-year-old Democrat Gregory W. Sullivan won all five Norwood precincts to secure the 17th Norfolk District seat, while incumbent Republican Alan P. Danovitch won a fifth term in the 18th Norfolk District.
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A Profile of Longtime Norwood Selectman John A. “Alec” Abdallah-October 5, 1968
A profile of longtime Norwood Selectman John A. “Alec” Abdallah, exploring his family roots, political philosophy, and dedication to the town he calls the crown jewel.
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140 Citizens Attend League of Women Voters Candidates Night at Norwood Junior High School-October 4, 1968
Approximately 140 citizens attend a League of Women Voters candidates night at Norwood Junior High School to hear state and county hopefuls debate welfare, veterans’ preferences, and government size.
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