Jesse David Reingold

Jesse Reingold was born in 1936 in the Bronx, New York City. He was a loving husband to Rochelle Reingold, a wonderful father to his sons Leonard, Jonathan, and James, and a doting grandfather to Kendall, Sophie, Michelle, and Aaron Reingold. His wife, children, and grandchildren were the center of his life.

Jesse graduated from NYU law school and became a successful patent attorney in Manhattan.

He completed his career at the international law firm Greenberg Traurig. His work there included patents for pioneering biomedical pharmaceuticals such as Recombinant Growth Hormone, which presaged therapeutics such as Humira and Enbrel. At his retirement one client commissioned a cartoon of the opposition counsel cowering outside the courtroom, whispering to each other “Reingold is making his case!” He loved that cartoon.

Following his retirement and subsequent move to Seattle, he volunteered on the Clyde Hill planning commission, becoming its Chair from 2011 to 2018. He received a commendation from the city for his contribution to the city Master Plan. An avid Bridge player, he spent many years competing in a local men’s club with his partner Indru, as well as social games with his wife. A consistent dog lover, he enjoyed many years walking his King Charles Spaniel “Cocoa” at the Medina Park where he became a well known presence. He could often be found carefully combing out Cocoa’s fur with a gentle and practiced hand.

A fine connoisseur of classical music, there was always music playing in the house. He could name most any piece that was playing, and had opinions on the definitive recordings of many compositions. Passing down Beethoven’s seventh symphony was an important rite of passage for his sons, as this was the only recording passed down from his own father. He instilled a lifelong appreciation of music in all three of his sons, one of whom went on to a career in music. A longtime patron of the arts, he and his wife attended the New York Philharmonic and the New York City Ballet before settling into a long subscription at Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Jesse’s life was marked by an unswerving commitment to integrity and standing up for the little guy, even as he ascended to the highest levels of the law. In retirement, many benefitted from his compassion and generosity. Late in life he showered his grandchildren with love and attention, making each one feel special.

The family would like to thank the many doctors from University of Washington Medical Center who saved his life many times over and allowed him to enjoy a full life, shepherding him through several emergencies as well as complex and novel procedures such as the MitraClip. Dr. Dichek was his general cardiologist and Dr. Minami was his heart failure specialist, and both carry our highest recommendation.

We would also like to thank the caregivers who provided loving support for him and Rochelle through the last year and a half. Paula, Fifi, Caroline, Denky and Michelle helped him recover from his first illness and it was a blessing for you to help him at the end.

Donations in Jesse’s honor may be made to the Pacific Northwest Ballet. We thank all who made the time to visit him and our family during hospice.

Private services will be held.