Jack Morton Lenavitt

After 88 years of fierce dedication to his family, Jack Morton Lenavitt died peacefully in his home on Yom Kippur, September 20th, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. Jack's life was led by his unbridled passion for storytelling, enthusiasm for law, and steadfast support for his loved ones.

Jack Lenavitt was born on May 2nd, 1938. His parents, Lillian and Samuel Lenavitt, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Cheri; and their three children, Peter (Lindsay) Lenavitt, David (Tatum) Lenavitt, and Lilly (Jay) Lenavitt, who continue his legacy by meeting every moment with humor, fortitude, and most of all, commitment to their families. Jack was also a devoted "Papa" to 6 granddaughters, Grace (27), Ava (24), Olivia (22), Audrey (19), Lola (17), and Nora (10), who all felt his boundless encouragement to follow their dreams.

He grew up in Old Orchard where he made friendships that he carried throughout his whole life, and attended Devilbiss High School. In his pursuit of knowledge, he earned his Bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University, then worked at the welfare department and sold shoes to put himself through the University of Toledo Law School. His voracious appetite for learning expanded his career from litigation in the courtroom to owning a racetrack with his family. His staunch entrepreneurship never ceased, and he continued to create new businesses and renew his law license until the end of his life.

He was a deeply thoughtful man who spoke with a wit and breadth of language informed by years practicing law and absorbing classical texts; it is an impossible feat to do him justice, as he would, in writing. He gave his love and advocacy selflessly and unconditionally, never asking for anything in return except to join him for the occasional corned beef on rye at the nearest Jewish deli. He entered every room with a gentle smile, but if prompted to give a toast or recall a funny anecdote, Jack held everyone's attention with a poignant story punctuated with a good laugh. To have known Jack is to have been blessed by a man who truly put others before himself and took great joy in watching them thrive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 24th, 10:30 a.m., at Temple Shomer Emunim, 6453 W. Sylvania Ave, Sylvania, OH 43560, with graveside services to follow, at Beth Shalom Cemetery, Oregon, Ohio. In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Temple Shomer Emunim in the Lenavitt Family Fund.

* If you have any memories about Jack, his family would love to have them. Please email to LLenavitt@gmail.com

Arrangements by the Robert H. WICK/Wisniewski Funeral Home, (419) 535-5840.

www.wickfh.com

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