Remembering Robert S. Warshaw: Visionary Philanthropist
Posted: April 22, 2013
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation mourns the passing of long-term member of the Board of Directors Robert S. Warshaw. Bob Warshaw provided support and guidance in our program to enhance the lives of people suffering from mental illness through research. He was honored with our 2010 Visionary Philanthropist Award, especially for his work with the Hofmann Trust. His leadership role went beyond offering his skills as a lawyer to his articulate reviews of our staff and structure. He will be missed as a vital force for our mission.
— Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D., President & CEO,
Constance E. Lieber, President Emerita, and
Stephen A. Lieber, Chairman, Board of Directors
Robert S. Warshaw was a friend, inspiration and example of someone interested in helping people living with mental illness who embraced the Foundation mission. Mr. Warshaw passed away on April 18, 2013 at the age of 88.
Bob was born in Boston and received degrees from Harvard College, Graduate School and Law School. He served in the United States Army in WWII in Europe. His legal career began at the law firm of Donovan Leisure. He then became a founding member of Javits, Moore and Trubin with New York Senator Jacob K. Javits. He later practiced independently, managing the estates of several well-known artists, including the renowned German-born American abstract expressionist Hans Hofmann.
At the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation 2010 Klerman-Freedman Awards, Bob, a Trustee of the Renate, Hans and Maria Hofmann Trust, was honored with the “Visionary Philanthropist Award.” The award recognized his dedication in pursuing Renate Hofmann’s desire to improve the lives of those living with mental illness.
Renate Hofmann, Hans Hofmann’s widow, personally suffered from schizophrenia. Her will designated that residual funds from the Hofmann estate—monies generated in addition to what was needed for support of the artistic legacy—be given to homeless and outcasts of society. The Trustees chose to concentrate their annual grants to research into the causes and treatment of brain and behavior disorders. Bob’s guiding influence most assuredly played a key role in the Trustees’ decision to begin funding NARSAD Grants in 1992. Since then the Hofmann Trust has made annual grants and has contributed more than $2.3 million to date.
Robert S. Warshaw will be remembered as a man of strong conviction and one who gave generously of his time and talents to ensure others had opportunity to lead productive lives.
