Obituaries

Obituary: Lawrence Otis Graham

The noted lawyer, author and activist was 59.

Lawyer, author and activist Lawrence Otis Graham died Feb. 19, 2021.
Lawyer, author and activist Lawrence Otis Graham died Feb. 19, 2021. (courtesy of Cuddy & Fedder, LLC)

Noted lawyer, author and activist Lawrence Otis Graham of Chappaqua died Feb. 19, 2021. He was 59.

Graham was a lifelong Westchester County resident, graduating from White Plains High School, and a prominent one. His public service locally included serving on the board of the Red Cross of Westchester, the Westchester Holocaust Commission, the SUNY Purchase College Foundation and the Westchester County Police Board.

A bestselling author, his 14 books include "A Member of the Club: Reflections on Life in a Racially Polarized World." Among the essays therein is the famous story of his undercover experience working as a busboy at the Greenwich Country Club — when the graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School was 30 and had taken a leave of absence from his midtown law firm to write a book.

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Graham was a frequent news commentator on issues of politics, race and class.

"His writing particularly struck a chord as he described growing up Black, well educated, articulate and accomplished, and still facing prejudice and racism in this society," said Westchester County Executive George Latimer in a tribute on Facebook. "I met him when he and his wife Pam - a talented and successful executive in her own right - lived in White Plains and I was going door-to-door running for re-election as a County Legislator. I walked away from that front door meeting knowing I had just met an impressive man... and he was that and more over the 25+ years of our friendship."

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Graham was 'of counsel' at one of the region's top law firms, Cuddy & Feder LLP. The law firm posted this statement:

Larry was a consummate intellectual, deeply engaged in the community and always present in the world around him. As our colleague, his candor, insight, and unwavering commitment to the highest levels of professionalism and ethics touched us profoundly and reminded us of the privilege we as attorneys have in service to others.
Larry’s enthusiastic and energetic community efforts were rooted in his belief that one must give back and make a difference in the lives of people. His talents were highly sought after as a board member at several universities and philanthropic organizations, as a police board commissioner and a commentator on Channel 12. Larry’s intelligence, vision and sensitivity resonated particularly in his dedication to telling the story of uniquely human experiences and the search for equity for all people.
Larry was particularly attuned to the history and future of Cuddy & Feder. Larry grew up in White Plains, knew the Feder and Cuddy families as a teenager and enjoyed a long connection with our firm. He was an advisor to many, friend to all, and a special part of who we are today. Larry will be sorely missed, and his presence remains in our hearts as we move forward together. We send our condolences and caring support to Larry’s wife, Pamela Thomas Graham, his children and his extended family and friends.

Visitation will be from noon to 5 p.m. Friday at Lee's Funeral Home, 160 Fisher Ave. in White Plains.

Donations may be sent in his memory to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, online or by mail to the Contribution Receipt Center, PO Box 98097, Washington, DC 20090.


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