With great sadness, we announce the death of Louis Kwall on June 2 at the age of 81 after a long illness. Lou leaves a legacy of unwavering devotion to his family and friends, legal excellence, and dedicated community service.
Born on February 15, 1943, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Shirley, Z”L, and Sidney Kwall, Z”L. Lou is survived by his cherished wife, Jean (Haden). He was very close with his Uncle Jack, Z”L, (Andy) and their children Lou (Amy), Stacy (Will Carpenter) and Ellen, Z”L, and their children and grandchildren. Although an only child, he was Uncle Lou to Shawn Beth Elman (Kevin Hollaran), Ryan (Lynda) Barack, Sandra (John) Upchurch, Nicholas (Courtney) Carroll, Rebecca (Chip) Tieder, Paul (Hannah) Gross, all of their children and many, many others. He and Jean were also devoted dog parents.
Lou was a “Pittsburgh Guy,” with a love of the Steelers, Pirates and all things Pittsburgh. He had a group of childhood friends from Squirrel Hill, “the 49ers,” with whom he maintained lifelong friendships that included travel and frequent phone calls to check in with them and their families. Lou had countless other friends and colleagues who admired his wisdom, integrity, and generous spirit.
Lou completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh before earning his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law. His distinguished legal career spanned over five decades, making him a cornerstone of the Clearwater legal community. Early in his career, Lou served as a Special Assistant Attorney General in Pittsburgh. After relocating to Florida, he became the Chief Assistant State Attorney in the Consumer Fraud Division of Florida's Sixth Judicial Circuit. Later, Lou focused his practice on “helping real people with real problems,” in the areas of criminal defense, personal injury and civil rights.
Lou worked alongside esteemed colleagues, including Judges Raymond Gross and Sherwood Coleman, and attorneys Gregory Showers, Ryan Barack, and Michelle Nadeau. His career was marked by numerous achievements and accolades. He was elected twice to represent the Sixth Judicial Circuit on the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar and held leadership roles on various commissions, including the Pinellas Sports Authority and the Pinellas County Charter Review Commission. Lou also served as the President of the Clearwater Bar Association and received the Ralph Richards Award from that organization for his extraordinary sense of care, dedication, and service to both the legal profession and the community. He was known for his deep care for his clients and his creative problem-solving.
An active member of Temple Ahavat Shalom in Palm Harbor, Florida, Lou also served as its President and was instrumental in raising funds to build the sanctuary. As a member of the search committee, Lou brought Rabbi Gary Klein to the Temple, who said that we would not have had the congregation we have without Lou. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
In recent years, Lou and his beloved wife Jean enjoyed living in Big Sky, Montana, surrounded by close friends, breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and cool temperatures.
Louis Kwall will be remembered for his deep love for his wife Jean and his unwavering commitment to the community. His memory will be a blessing to all who knew him.