John J. Witmeyer III
December 18, 1946 – July 31, 2013
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 18, 1946, John died at his home in Manhattan after a year-long battle with cancer. He was the son of John J. Witmeyer Jr., a decorated World War II veteran, and the late Thais Witmeyer.
John graduated from Tulane University in 1968 with a Bachelors of Science degree, and after graduating from Duke University Law School in 1971, he began practicing law in New York City at the firm of Mudge Rose Guthrie & Alexander. On June 1, 1976, John, along with friends and colleagues from Mudge Rose, founded the law firm of Ford Marrin Esposito & Witmeyer. He continued to practice law there until the day of his death.
A remarkable lawyer with incredible energy, John was very successful representing his clients during the course of his career. Perhaps the professional accomplishment of which he was most proud was his mentoring of young lawyers, many of whom are themselves now very successful and remember him fondly and call him friend. John also proudly served in the U.S. Army and at the time of his retirement had attained the rank of Colonel. In addition to much personal generosity, he served in leadership positions in professional, Catholic and philanthropic organizations, including the Gregorian University Foundation, Tulane College Dean’s Colloquium Endowment Fund, and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher (Eastern Lieutenancy). He was also a member of the Board of Trustees of Cristo Rey New York High School.
As anyone who knew him appreciated, John possessed the highest intellect which he utilized with unwavering service and fierce loyalty to his family, clients, colleagues, friends, his country and his firm. He was a trusted advisor for his clients and a formidable opponent for his adversaries. His intellectual intensity, indomitable spirit and unmistakable laugh will be greatly missed.
