Businessman, Sports Team Owner. At the time of his death, he was co-proprietor of The Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News. He was the former principal owner of the New Jersey Devils and New Jersey Nets. Born into a Jewish family, his father died while Lewis was a child. He attained his bachelor’s degree in Business from Temple University and studied law at Dickinson Law School, prior to amassing his wealth as the proprietor of a national parking company, in addition to the banking industry and establishing his own law firm in 1966, while he was in his early twenties. Additionally, Katz was a minority owner with the New York Yankees. During his tenure as the New Jersey Nets’ proprietor the franchise reached the NBA Finals twice (2002 and 2003). Known for his generosity, Katz donated millions of dollars to charitable causes. He died in a plane crash. He had just completed his purchase of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News days prior to his death. (bio by: C.S.)