Richard P. Jaffe, a lawyer for many years, has died at the age of 80

Richard P. Jaffe, 80, of Philadelphia, longtime attorney at Duane Morris, former managing partner at Mesirov Gelman Jaffe Cramer & Jamieson, former chairman of the Science Center and Association for Corporate Growth, certified yoga and mindfulness instructor and mentor, died Sunday, March 31, of cancer at his home in Center City.

Like his father, Josef, Mr. Jaffe earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and became a lawyer in Philadelphia. He received his law degree from Temple University and was a corporate partner at Duane Morris for the past 14 years.

He previously worked at Ballard Spahr and Schnader Harrison, and was managing partner at Mesirov from 1991 to 2000. He was an expert in private equity law, transformative transactions and corporate governance, and advised companies, entrepreneurs and philanthropists.

He was a proponent of legal and scientific innovation through collaboration, and liked to “rise above” when disagreements threatened the collective well-being of affiliated groups. His eclectic client list includes businessman and philanthropist Sidney Kimmel, filmmaker Robert Mugge, Jones New York and NewSpring Capital.

Colleagues called him “a cornerstone of the Philadelphia business and entrepreneurial community,” and he enjoyed mentoring other lawyers and youth. He earned the 2022 Duane Morris Pro Bono Leadership Award, and a former colleague said in an online tribute, “He left an indelible mark on my career and my heart.”

Matthew Taylor, chairman of Duane Morris, called Mr. Jaffe “a giant” as a lawyer and citizen, noting “his intellect, confidence and strategic thinking on the most complicated legal matters.” Kimmel said in a tribute: “He always thought outside the box.”

Mr. Jaffe served as chairman of the global board of directors of Chicago-based ACG in 2015 and ’16 and was chairman of the Philadelphia chapter. He was also a former chairman of the Corporate Governance Advisory Council of Drexel University’s Lebow College of Business.

“It’s impossible not to remember his infectious smile, his subtle humor that could light up any room, and of course his bow tie,” colleagues at the nonprofit Science Center STEM said in an online tribute.

Outside of work, Mr. Jaffe has served as a trustee for the University of the Arts and the Tilt Institute for the Contemporary Image. He served on the board of Rodeph Shalom Congregation and supported Project Home, the Food Trust and the Anti-Defamation League. “He was a champion of the arts,” said Sarah Stolfa, CEO and artistic director of Tilt.

He favored pinstripe suits and colorful bow ties, and The Inquirer and other publications took note of his sartorial style. “I like a casual day,” he told The Inquirer in a 1996 story about a dress-up day at Mesirov, “but not in the office.”

Mr. Jaffe taught yoga and mindfulness, and offered online sessions to colleagues and friends during the COVID-19 pandemic. He resolutely descended on the One Logan Square apartment for a charity event, telling colleagues at the Science Center in a 2022 email: “I’ve learned to try to meet each of life’s challenges with a positive , thoughtful and open-hearted attitude.”

His brother Harry said: “His range never ceases to amaze me.” A cousin said in a tribute: “Richard leaves a legacy: a true mensch.”

Richard Paul Jaffe was born on February 21, 1944 in Philadelphia. He grew up in Wynnefield, sold concessions at Penn’s Franklin Field as a teenager and graduated from Central High School.

He studied biology and art history at Penn, and met Julie Erber when they were freshmen. Years later, they reunited and married in 1972. “We kissed, and that was that,” his wife said. “The spark was there.”

They had son Robert and daughters Emily and Kate, and lived in Center City. The family traveled the world together, and Mr Jaffe enjoyed summers in Margate, body surfing and guzzling watermelon on the beach.

Mr. Jaffe collected art and enjoyed cooking. He went fishing, told jokes and played catch with his children and grandchildren.

He often meditated and enjoyed talking to his son. “He was my best friend,” his son said. “He had this presence.”

His daughter Emily said: “He was the person who pushed me to find myself, while he was on the same journey to find himself.” His daughter Kate said: “We were always close. I’m a daddy’s girl.”

His wife said: ‘We had a wonderful relationship all those years and I slept under his arm every night.’

In addition to his wife, children and brother, Mr. Jaffe is survived by five grandchildren, a sister and other relatives.

Services were held on April 3.

Donations in his name can be made to the Food Trust, Finance Dept., One Penn Center, 1617 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 900, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103; and the Tilt Institute for the Contemporary Image, 1400 N. American St., Suite 103, Philadelphia, Pa. 19122.