Bennett Aaron

Bennett L. Aaron, a revered Philadelphia attorney whose professional excellence was matched only by his devotion to family, faith, and community, passed away quietly at home in suburban Philadelphia surrounded by loved ones – most notably his beloved Carol, his wife, confidant, and world travel partner of more than 70 years. Their lifelong romance, which began in 1953 at the Pennsylvania summer camp owned by his parents, Rabbi Isadore and Betty Aaron, continues to serve as an inspiring example for their children and grandchildren.

Bennett leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service, and enduring impact on the city he came to cherish and the causes that defined his life. Born in Brooklyn in 1933, he and his brother, Joseph, shared a tiny bedroom in their Fort Green Brownstown where they loved to play stickball at the fire department next door. The two would emerge years later as a doctor and a lawyer, every Jewish mother’s dream.

Bennett stood as a pillar of Philadelphia’s legal community ever since his arrival in 1958following graduation from Columbia Law School. He quickly became known for his sharp intellect, meticulous preparation, and unwavering ethical compass, building a distinguished career marked by respect from clients and colleagues.

From the outset, Bennett chose to focus his practice on Estate Planning at Cohen, Shapiro, Polisher, Shiekman and Cohen, where he guided individuals and families through some of life’s most significant decisions with clarity, compassion, and foresight. He understood that estate planning was not merely about documents and tax strategy, but about values, legacy, and protecting treasured family succession plans. Clients trusted him not only for his technical mastery but for his steady counsel and deeply personal approach.

Later, Bennett would take his talents to Pepper Hamilton, where he further burnished his reputation as a thoughtful and accomplished attorney whose professionalism and integrity reflected the highest traditions of the firm. Throughout his career, he mentored young lawyers generously, offering guidance that extended far beyond the law. He modeled civility, balance, and the importance of practicing law as a calling in service to others.

Yet Bennett’s accomplishments in law tell only part of his story.

His heart was firmly rooted in service to the Jewish community of Philadelphia and in steadfast support of the State of Israel. He devoted countless hours to Jewish communal organizations, where he served at the highest levels of leadership at synagogues, educational institutions, and philanthropic initiatives. Bennett believed that sustaining Jewish life required both leadership and action, and he gave both generously. Whether serving on boards, organizing fundraisers, advocating for communal priorities, or quietly assisting families in need, he carried out his volunteer work with humility and purpose.

His connection to Israel was deeply personal and enduring. Bennett saw the State of Israel not only as a homeland for the Jewish people but as a living testament to resilience, history, and hope. He traveled there often with Carol and on countless solo trips, strengthening relationships and reaffirming his commitment to its future. Through advocacy, philanthropy, and education, he worked tirelessly to foster understanding and solidarity between his Philadelphia community and Israel.

Those closest to Bennett knew that beneath his professional accomplishments and public leadership was a deeply loving and devoted family man. He cherished his role as husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Family gatherings were filled with warmth, spirited conversation, and laughter — often punctuated by Bennett’s stories, reflections, and gentle humor. He took immense pride in the achievements of his children and grandchildren, celebrating their milestones as if they were his own.

Bennett is dearly missed by his loving children Marjorie and husband Richard, Morris and wife Carrie, and son Steven and wife Lisa. He was predeceased by his daughter of loving memory, Roberta.

His eight grandchildren – Brian, Julie and Danny Marsden; Charlotte, Rae and Louis Aaron; and Rachel and Jacob Aaron were the joys of his life who all felt his love and pride and will carry his legacy forward.

Bennett and Carol’s love of travel reflected their curiosity about the world and Bennett’s personal desire to experience its cultures, history, and beauty. Whether walking the streets of Jerusalem, exploring European capitals, or attending the Olympic Games in Beijing, Sydney, Atlanta and Los Angeles, discovering new destinations with family and friends, he approached each journey with enthusiasm and gratitude. Travel, for Bennett, was an opportunity to learn, connect, and deepen perspective.

Bennett was an avid tennis player since college, loved to walk through cities as he went from meeting to meeting, and despite growing up an avid Brooklyn Dodgers fan, relished cheering with us for our Philadelphia teams.

Above all, Bennett will be remembered for the values he embodied: integrity, generosity, loyalty, and faith. He understood success not as personal acclaim but as a contribution – to his profession, to his community, to Israel, and to the people he loved most, his dearest family.

His legacy lives on in the legal standards he upheld, the institutions he strengthened, the causes he championed, and the family who will carry forward his devotion and principles. Philadelphia has lost a distinguished attorney and dedicated communal leader. His family has lost their center of strength and love. But all who knew him carry forward the example he set – a life lived fully, purposefully, and with a really, really big heart.

Bennett’s calling card was his big “Hello There!” That’s the warm and wonderful greeting you would get anytime he would answer the phone. He would love it if you’d make that your own greeting the next time your family or friend reaches out to say hello.

May his memory be for a blessing.

A funeral service for Bennett will be held at 12:30pm on Wednesday, June 3, at Temple Adath Israel on Philadelphia’s Main Line, 250 N. Highland Avenue, Merion Station, PA. Interment to follow at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd at approximately 2pm.

You’re invited to join the family for shiva that afternoon, Beaumont at Bryn Mawr, 601 N. Ithan Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA. Minyan service will be held at 5:30pm. Shiva also will be held at Beaumont on Thursday, June 4, beginning at 6pm with a minyan service at 7:30pm.

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