By 1915 he was known locally as "The Bowling King" but still restlessly sought an opportunity that would truly engage him. Carter Cafritz, who sits on the board of WETA, began his career in partnership with Conrad, building apartments and town houses in and around the city. Morris had one vision, and Gwendolyn another; whoever now gains control might offer still a third. We will miss his gracious and generous presence.. ", According to friends, her confidence was badly shaken when she was robbed at home in 1969 by gunmen who bound and beat her, stealing most of the spectacular jewelry Morris had given her. In Remembrance. Real estate was more than mortgages and refi nancing in the Cafritzian heyday; it was empire building . Calvin Cafritz, their eldest son, became Board Chairman in 1989 and in 1993, he was elected President and CEO of the Foundation. And by 1970, arts and humanities took the largest share of the funding. "She was a classic case," summarizes Vidal. Baron and Baroness Constantine Stackelberg . He was 91. They have helped us to be innovative and to expand. The George Washington University community is remembering the life of Calvin Cafritz, a businessman, philanthropist and longtime supporter of GW. He never tired of committing himself to this mission, which only grew bigger with time. In the last half-century, the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation has awarded more than $507 million in grants. Once it was built, he wasn't interested in it.". Calvin Cafritz, D.C. developer and head of the Cafritz Foundation, dies The control of so much money, especially in a city with limited corporate philanthropy, brings enormous power. Her statements in the press, even the adoring press of yore, suggest at the least a daunting mother. Small wonder that, as he approached his forties unmarried, he was one of the most eligible bachelors within the small, closed circle of Washington's Jewish society. The suit was filed by the middle and youngest Cafritz sons, Carter, 53, and Conrad, 51. "He's part of a legendary family, and he's the only one who seems interested in keeping up the legend," says one friend. Her husband, along with her parents, was buried in Washington Hebrew Cemetery, in Southeast, in a nicely landscaped, square plot designed for four under a monumental headstone reading CAFRITZ. "That black sense of humor asserts itself, or he'll do something outrageous." It is a secretive organization: The foundation would answer no questions for this article. including, but not limited to, any facilities located in Washington, D.C.; Palm Beach, Florida; or Monte Carlo, Monaco." What do the younger sons of the celebrated Washington hostess hope to gain by waging legal war over their mother's will? Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Calvin Cafritz to show support. ", While she cultivated the mighty, Morris looked closer to home, helping to found the Washington Community Chest, becoming an activist in local Jewish groups. Washington, DC 20006. Old press notices, written in the uncritical fashion of the day, recount her summers in Monte Carlo; her typical day in Washington (beginning with a ride in her limousine -- license number 2301, to match her address -- to the Supreme Court or the Capitol, to take in a decision or an interesting hearing); her winter trips to Palm Beach; her shopping trips in Paris; her ladies lunches at the Mayflower Hotel. By the time of her death, however, Calvin was still the son closest to his mother. Meanwhile, for as long as it takes, Conrad's childhood home turns a sleeping face to Foxhall Road, drapes drawn at all the windows. Devoted father to Laurence (Sherri) Cafritz and Jodi (Mark Bronsky) Cafritz; cherished grandfather to Daniel, Ryan, Jeremy, Jack and Mick; beloved friend of first wife Sandie Cafritz; loving brother to the late William (Buffy) Cafritz; treasured uncle to Sandy (Helen .