© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

N.J. Nets, Devils Owner Gave Millions To Local Causes

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

There was a memorial service for Lewis Katz this week, where a video was shown of the man being mourned saying, life is meant to have as much fun as you can conjure up. Mr. Katz died last Saturday night in a plane crash with six other people. He was 72. He made millions in parking lots, billboards and sports. He owned the New Jersey Nets and Devils and had just bought the Philadelphia Inquirer. He grew up in Camden, New Jersey. His father died when he was a year old.

Lewis Katz gave back millions to charter schools in Camden, Temple University and the local Boys and Girls Club. Bill Cosby told mourners to continue his legacy of generosity, saying, you better not let it fall. Lewis Katz lives in what you do to the gifts that were given to you. Lewis Katz was also the kind of man who left impulsive, hundred dollar tips.

Bill Clinton recalled how Lou Katz once told him to whisper in his ear at a fundraiser. They'll think that we're close, and I can raise more money. So President Clinton says he whispered, Lou, you're a putz. And Lewis Katz just nodded as if he'd been given the nuclear code. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

Scott Simon is one of America's most admired writers and broadcasters. He is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and is one of the hosts of NPR's morning news podcast Up First. He has reported from all fifty states, five continents, and ten wars, from El Salvador to Sarajevo to Afghanistan and Iraq. His books have chronicled character and characters, in war and peace, sports and art, tragedy and comedy.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.