Gary S. Lewis

Gary Scott Lewis of Drexel Hill, PA died unexpectedly in his sleep during the evening of December 22, 2024, at the age of 70. Gary had been in excellent health; his doctor speculates he likely suffered a massive heart attack or a pulmonary embolism during the night.

Gary was born on May 7, 1954 in Blue Island, IL to Robert Franklin Lewis and Jean Leingang Lewis Miller. When Gary was 2, his family moved to Drexel Hill where his father worked in the school system, first as a science teacher and football coach, and later as a principal and district administrator. His mother was a homemaker and volunteer. Gary was born between his two brothers, Randall Franklin and Greggory Charles Lewis. 

Gary attended Drexel Hill Middle School and Upper Darby High School where he played football, wrestled and played trumpet in the band. Gary followed his father to Northwestern University, where he majored in Art History. His law career began at the Paralegal Institute of Philadelphia where his teacher, then boss, mentor, law partner and always dear friend, Steve Foxman, quickly recruited Gary because in Steve’s words, Gary was a brilliant and lovely guy who could see around corners.

After realizing he was performing mid-level associate work for paralegal pay, Gary entered Villanova Law School, where he graduated first in the Class of 1984. It was there that he met his wife, Nancy Redd Lewis; he was devoted to her and she to him for 37 years. 

Gary was a commercial real estate lawyer first at Schnader, Harrison, Segal and Lewis; then at Hangley, Connolly, Epstein, Chicco, Foxman and Lewis; and finally, at Eckert Seamans. He spent his time off spoiling his family and playing tennis, another sport at which he excelled.

Gary was a lawyer’s lawyer whose advice and counsel were sought by partners and clients alike. But for all his accomplishments in the legal field and for all his ability to move smoothly in the world of business closings and partners’ meetings, he was not devoted to the law in the slightest. He always made it perfectly clear that he practiced law for one reason only and that was to provide a comfortable life for his family. 

In 2016 after 32 years in law practice, Gary made his best and most important career move of all: he retired. For the next 8 years, he did the things he loved – painting, playing his guitar, writing songs and playing cornhole while drinking beer with his friends. Last summer, he cared for his 1-year-old grandson, Felix so his daughter-in-law and son could work, a true labor of love. His family is devastated to have lost Gary so suddenly, but they take comfort in knowing he had those 8 gloriously happy years at the end of his life.

In addition to his wife and his brothers, Gary is survived by his sons, Scott William and Todd Robert Lewis, his daughter-in-law, Kelsey Fox, the absolute apple of his eye, Felix Lucius Fox, and his beloved dogs, Poppy and Bud. A niece, (Elizabeth Redd Woodbury), and a nephew, (Gregory Robert Lewis), also survive him.

Family and friends are invited to a service in remembrance of Gary on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 1 PM at The Farmhouse at People's Light, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern, PA 19355. As I’m sure you know, Gary would have wanted you to dress comfortably. 

Contributions in Gary’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would have pleased him.