The Tampa Bay area lost a giant of
a man, a giant of a businessman
and a giant donor to worthy
causes when David A. Straz Jr.,
whose name adorns the Straz Center for
the Performing Arts in Tampa, the largest
performing arts center south of Atlanta,
passed away.
Straz was 77 when he died in his sleep,
while on a fishing trip with friends off the
coast of Homosassa Springs in November.
Many buildings have been named in his
honor, due to his generosity. The only
mistake some believe he made was in
politics. Having never run for public
office, he spent $5 million campaigning
to become mayor of the city of Tampa.
He came in second to current Mayor Jane
Castor, who was already a legendary figure
in this city following her successful career
as its police chief.
Straz is remembered for his congenial
attitude and many charitable works,
including the tens of millions he donated to
The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
that now bears his name. Straz Center
President and CEO Judy Lisi said: “His
philanthropic legacy will continue to live
on our stages and inspire the hearts and
minds of all of us.”
He was also a strong supporter of Tampa
General Hospital, where he served on
the board for 20 years, until he resigned
when fellow board members voted to start
paying themselves for serving. In addition
to being a director and former board chair
at the Metropolitan Opera in New York
City, he also supported charitable and
educational programs in Liberia, where
he served as ambassador at large and
honorary consul general.
Straz also gave generously in his native
Wisconsin to churches, colleges and his
alma mater, Marquette University, which
named its business school for him. He
traveled to Cuba to help improve the
relations of that country with the United
States.
He moved to Tampa in 1980, bringing
a fortune with him. He started a new
banking institution here that he sold in
1994. In 1986, he married Catherine Lowry,
and they had a daughter Keebler, who
currently attends law school.
According to his campaign finance
reports, David Straz was worth about $426
million. In reality, he was worth far more
than that to our community. Those who
knew him or benefitted from his charitable
donations will not forget his name or his
144 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020
gentlemanly ways and graciousness.
We will remember this giant of a man, who
treated others with care and love. He used
his wealth well and did it with warmth and
concern. He cared about people and their
lives. He always helped where he could.
David A. Straz Jr. will be greatly missed. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: John Wilson, who retired
from Fox TV in 2014, worked more than
50 years in radio and television news
broadcasting.
COMMAERNTTARY
John Wilson
LOSING A GIANT
By John Wilson
Tampa lost a generous soul when David A. Straz Jr. passed away in November 2019.
He is pictured here with daughter Keebler and wife Catherine Lowry Straz.
GRAM / TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE