Jonathan William Lubell

1929 - 2016 JONATHAN WILLIAM LUBELL, renowned libel lawyer, passed away Sunday, November 13, 2016 at age 87, from complications of Parkinson's disease, with close family and friends by his side. Jonathan was born November 9, 1929, Bronx, New York. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dianne "Dee" Lubell, devoted daughters by a previous marriage, Rachel Lubell, Rebecca Lucas and Jessica Lubell; sons-in-law; three grandsons; godsons Michael and Peter Hopson. His parents, Sidney M. Lubell and Julia Bloch Lubell, brothers Bennett and David G. Lubell (identical twin), preceded Jonathan in death. Jonathan was an advocate for social justice, civil and human rights, racially equality and women's rights. Jonathan valued his professional affiliations, including National Lawyers Guild, Advisory Board of the National Task Force for Cointelpro Litigation. He received a B.S. from Cornell University, a JD (magna cum laude) from Harvard Law School in 1954. Jonathan was a target of the McCarthy era and was called to appear before the House Un-American Activities Committee. He was drafted in the United States Army in 1954 and served until 1956. Jonathan was a frequent lecturer on legal education panels, a prodigious author in libel litigation and First Amendment issues. He litigated numerous noteworthy and precedent-setting cases on defamation, copyright and the First Amendment. Journalist, Alexander Cockburn stated "Jonathan is the best libel lawyer in the country carving his way into legal history with such brilliant actions as the suit he fought on behalf of Colonel Herbert against CBS in the late 1970s, where he triumphed before the U.S. Supreme Court. Jonathan was an attorney in landmark Urban Renewal cases for Norwalk CORE, the Attica Prison Uprising and the Freedom of Information Act Proceedings. Jonathan was a man of great integrity, who leaves behind an enduring legacy. Despite the demands of his profession, he remained a sensitive, and caring man whose family meant everything to him. He maintained a wonderful sense of humor. Jonathan said, "A good and fulfilled life means above all love and support for each other and dedication to revolutionary change to improve the human condition. Anything less will deprive us of the full measure of living." Jonathan was an avid reader, sports fan and believed in lifelong learning. He took up painting after moving to Saint Simons Island with his beloved wife, Dee. His passion and instinct for painting revealed his creative side. Jonathan loved history, literature, jazz and art. Jonathan and Dee treasured their time in Brunswick and the Golden Isles. He appreciated spending time with friends and family engaged in deep discussion. He enthusiastically supported Dee's work with children in the areas of history, theatre and poetry. Jonathan also said, he hoped to "pass on good memories, values, principles and some wisdom; that those values and principles, would include appreciation of . . . the contribution that each human being makes to our knowledge and happiness." Donations in Jonathan Lubell's memory can be made to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation, https://www.michaeljfox.org/ Muhammad Ali/National Parkinson Foundation, http://www.parkinson.org Published on NYTimes.com from Dec. 12 to Dec. 13, 2016.