Gordon P. Gitlen died at his home surrounded by friends and family on May 3, after a five-year battle with cancer.
Gitlen was born in 1953 in Hartford, Connecticut, moved to Southern California, attended Santa Monica High School, Claremont Men’s College, Franklin College in Lugano, Switzerland and Southwestern Law School.
He began practicing law in Santa Monica in 1983, specializing in litigation, real estate, business, and property owners’ rights. He also served as a Judge Pro Tem for the West District Superior and Municipal Courts and was awarded a Certificate of Merit for his 15 years of service to the Court System. An ardent advocate of property owner’s rights, he received the Ellis Award in February 2000 from the Action Apartment Association, which he headed.
He is survived by his parents, Edith and Howard, and his brother, Scott.Services were held Sunday, May 15, at Hillside Memorial Park & Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Sarcoma Alliance www.sarcomaalliance.org, National Cancer Institute www.cancer.gov, or Temple Beth Shirah Voices of Hope to End Poverty Concerts by Year 2015 www.estherleon.com.
