Robert Phillips Davidow

Robert Phillips Davidow, born on February 18, 1938, in Huntington Woods, Michigan, peacefully passed away on March 17, 2024, at his home in Hillside Terrace Senior Living. He was the son of Lazarus S. Davidow and Laura Netzorg Davidow, and was preceded in death by his older brother, James Davidow.

Bob graduated from Cranbrook High School in 1955, where he was lucky enough to play football with future Heisman trophy winner Pete Dawkins. He earned his degree from Dartmouth College in 1959 and followed his father and aunt into the law, earning his JD from the University of Michigan Law School in 1962.

His commitment to serving his country led him to the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps of the United States Army, where he served with distinction as a Captain from 1963 to 1966. During his military service, he wed Alison Jones in December 1964, with whom he had two children, Laura Ellen Davidow and Philip Andrew Davidow. He earned additional academic degrees in law, including an LLM from Harvard University and a JSD from Columbia University.

Bob transitioned into academia, teaching at law schools at the University of North Dakota, Florida State University, Texas Tech University, Queens University Belfast, and George Mason University. He tirelessly advocated for civil liberties, fought against segregation, and passionately opposed the death penalty. His scholarly contributions on topics ranging from judicial selection to constitutional law underscored his commitment to justice.

In 1996, Bob married Susan Grubb, embarking on a new chapter of his life. He obtained a master's degree in divinity to broaden his approach to social justice. He then redirected his energies to the Cook County Public Defender's Office, where he continued to champion the rights of the accused until his retirement in 2010. After retirement, Bob and Susan settled in Ann Arbor where they became valued members of the Jewish Cultural Society of Ann Arbor.

Bob was an enthusiastic participant in many productions with the University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society (UMGASS). He threw his heart and soul into shows, and found joy in singing and dancing with the chorus. His earnest dedication to justice and fairness, as well as the words to many Gilbert and Sullivan songs, live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Bob is survived by his wife, Susan Grubb; his children, Laura Davidow Hirshbein, Phil Davidow, and their respective spouses, Peretz Hirshbein and Anna Davidow; and his grandchildren, Abigail Hirshbein, Daniel Hirshbein, James Davidow, and Alexander Davidow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Access to Justice Campaign, https://atjfund.org/, or to the University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society, https://www.umgass.org/give