Justin L. Vigdor passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 26, 2024 at 95 years young. He is pre deceased by Louise, his devoted wife of 72 years, his parents, Irving and Ida Vigdor, and his brother, Jerome. He is survived by his children, Robert (Rebecca) Vigdor, Jill (Jonathan) Vigdor Feldman, Lisa (Jeffrey) Vigdor Peck, and Wendy (Bill) Vigdor Hess; grandchildren Melissa (Kevin) Smith, Richard (Elana) Vigdor, Jayme Feldman (fiancé Matthew Norton), Jason (Jessie) Feldman, Lena (Ellen Watlington) Peck, Allie Peck, Solomon Hess, and Althea Hess; great grandchildren Charlotte, Violet, Garret, Davis, Dean, Dillon, and another one due in March.
Justin was born on July 13, 1929 in the Bronx, New York. He received his LLM from New York University and his law degree from St. John’s College of Law. He served in the US Army in the Judge Advocate’s Corp. He moved to Rochester in 1954 where he joined the MacFarlane, Harris law firm. Justin practiced law right up to the time of his death, most recently he was of counsel at Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC. Justin’s professional affiliations, honors, and achievements are too numerous to list. Briefly, he was a fellow of the American and New York State Bar Foundations; member of the House of Delegates of the American and New York State Bar Associations; former president of the New York State Bar and member of the House of Delegates, and founder of the Senior Lawyer’s Section; former president of the New York State and Monroe County Bar Foundations; and a lifetime member of the New York State Uniform Law Commission.
Justin’s dedication and steadfast commitment to improve the community earned him several accolades and personal gratification. Justin was the beneficiary of numerous honors and awards. He was the recipient of the New York State Bar Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award; the Humanitarian Award, Monroe County Bar Foundation; Nathaniel Award for Community Service and Professional Accomplishments; Philanthropy Award, Rochester Area Community Foundation; Rodenbeck Award for Service to the Community and Legal Profession; and the Rochester Rotary Award. He was a former board member of the Mary Cariola Center. Justin was instrumental in the establishment of the Al Sigl Community of Agencies to streamline services to adults and children with special needs.
Justin spearheaded fundraising for the Telesca Center for Justice to coordinate public legal services. In 2012, Justin worked to form the Rochester Fringe Festival, now the largest multidisciplinary performing arts event in New York State, and served as Board Chair for ten years.
Beyond Justin’s incredible list of achievements, accomplishments and awards, Justin’s most notable attribute was his dedication to his wife, Louise, who developed Alzheimer’s disease which slowly progressed. His devotion and dedication to Louise was unwavering.
During his long life, Justin enjoyed playing golf, tennis, skiing, reading, and traveling. He and his wife traveled extensively before Louise’s illness. Justin loved a good dirty martini (and he made the best), hosting friends, and learning something new every day.
The family would like to thank Dr. Diego Cahn-Hildago and his medical team, and Justin’s caring angels, led by Al, who was like another daughter to him, Melinda, Loretta, Debra, Megon, and Roslyn for their devotion and support. The family is filled with gratitude for Justin’s medical team, his caring angels and the community and staff at Valley Manor.
Funeral Services will be held on THURSDAY January 2, 2025 at 11 AM in The Main Sanctuary at Temple B’rith Kodesh (2131 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618). CLICK HERE for a map to Temple.
For those unable to attend in person, please CLICK HERE to Livestream the service.
A procession will follow to White Haven Memorial Park (210 Marsh Road, Pittsford, New York 14534).
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, January 2 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Temple B’rith Kodesh; and on Friday, January 3 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Genesee Valley Club (421 East Avenue, Rochester, New York 14607). CLICK HEREfor a map Genesee Valley Club.
