Celebrating the life of
Norman Ravitch
November 22, 1936 - July 16, 2026
Norman Ravitch, 89, of Savannah, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026. He was born November 22, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, son of the late Louis Ravitch and Shirley Schwey Ravitch, and preceded in death by wife, Helen Lee Thornton Ravitch and a son Nicholas Ravitch.
Survivors include a son, Michael Ravitch, a cousin, Elaine Berlinger of East Windsor, NJ, her son, Howard Berlinger of Naples, FL and her daughter, Ronli Merlis of Boston, MA.
Mr. Ravitch was an academic scholar and graduated in 1953, at age 16, from Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, New York. He received a bachelor’s degree in 1957, from Queens College, City University of New York, and a master’s degree in 1959 and PhD, in 1962, from Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey. Norman was Dean of the University of California, Riverside, was also a professor of European History, and he was fluent in German and French.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church at 11:00, Wednesday. July 22, 2026. The committal will be at The Park Cemetery in Fort Gaines, Georgia at 1:00, Thursday, July 23, 2026.
So sorry
- Barbara Irwin, Indio, CA
I grew up with Norman when families lived around the corner from each other. We were cousins. Norman had a tough childhood. A sister with brain damage from an illness and a father with a violent temper. We was able to get away when he went on to get a Ph.D. He became a European History professor. Till the end he researched Eastern Europe, where our family came from. Rest in peace, Norm.
- Elaine Berlinger, East Windsor, NJ
I grew up with Norman when families lived around the corner from each other. We were cousins. Norman had a tough childhood. A sister with brain damage from an illness and a father with a violent temper. We was able to get away when he went on to get a Ph.D. He became a European History professor. Till the end he researched Eastern Europe, where our family came from. Rest in peace, Norm.
- Elaine Berlinger, East Windsor, NJ
Norman was a loving man who inspired us with his world travels and love of history. We have fond memories of him sharing family stories as we grew up, especially about this parents and sister. We are heartbroken to have lost him.
- The Merlis Family , Boston , MA
Michael: We are sorry to hear about Norm's passing. He was an interesting person to hold a conversation with. And he could write an opinion letter to the editor that would stir up those on the opposite side of his stance. And being friends with those same people, I would find myself defending Norm, which was a full-time job back then. He and your mom are finally back together. I am sure Helen is keeping him straight already. RIP Norm. The Bush Family
- Mitchell, Leslie, & Wesley Bush, Savannah, GA
We were so sorry to hear of Norm's passing. We were neighbors for 20 years. Our prayers are with his family.
- Nancy and Kenny Meyer, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Mass of Christian Burial
- 11:00a.m. on Wed, July 22, 2026
- St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church
-
7020 Concord Road (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31410 - 912-897-5156
- Burial
- 1:00 p.m. on Thu, July 23, 2026
- The Park Cemetery
-
New Park Road (map)
Fort Gaines Georgia 31751
