It is with profound sadness that we share that our long-time friend, colleague, and partner, Lewis J. Pepperman, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, at the age of 67. Lew was a member of our firm for over 43 years and served as Stark & Stark’s Co-Managing Shareholder from 1999-2014. Most recently he was serving as the Chair of Stark & Stark’s Business Litigation Practice Group. As a selfless and kind-hearted leader, Lew mentored many lawyers throughout our community. Lew was a great lawyer and an even better person. At Stark & Stark we have always treasured the family atmosphere and support for one another among our colleagues. We have this level of compassion for each other in large part because of Lew and the values he instilled in us all. He was a leader that always led by example in everything he did.
Most importantly, he was a devoted husband to Rita and loving father to Michael, Jessica, David and Alexander. Family was everything to Lew. He was fiercely loyal and deservedly proud. Lew treasured every moment with his family and was always there for life’s pleasure as well as its struggles.
“As a firm leader and a compassionate friend, Lew will never be forgotten,” said Managing Shareholder Michael Donahue. “His honesty, integrity, intelligence, and perseverance were a daily inspiration to all of us who were fortunate enough to spend time with him.”
Lew was passionate about serving and educating his peers within the legal community. He was also a frequent lecturer regarding mediation and served as a member of the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Complimentary Dispute Resolution. Lew was well-known for his passionate community service throughout Mercer County. He was a member of the Board of Trustees, Audit Committee, and Human Relations Committee of Rider University; a member, past President, and current Chair of the Audit Committee of the Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Greater Mercer County; a Trustee of the Recreation Foundation of Hopewell Township; and had served as a board member of the Jewish Federation and the Princeton United Way.
Lew will be dearly missed. Please keep Lew’s family in your thoughts as they navigate through this difficult time.
