“The Honorable Judge Sidney M. Aronovitz” Memorial Corporate Painting
The Honorable Sidney M. Aronovitz (1920–1997) was a United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida for over 20 years. Born in Key West, Florida, he graduated as Senior Class President and Valedictorian of Key West High School, later earning High Honors at the University of Florida. During World War II, he served as a U.S. Army Captain in Europe, earning the Bronze Star. After practicing law in Miami for over three decades, he was appointed to the Federal Bench by President Gerald R. Ford in 1976, where he served with distinction until his passing.
Judge Aronovitz’s legacy includes significant contributions to justice and equality. In 1980, he ordered the release of over 2,000 seized Key West vessels used to rescue Cuban refugees during the “Freedom Flotilla,” canceling $4.6 million in fines. He was selected by Chief Justice William Rehnquist to serve on the inaugural United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court from 1988 to 1992 and championed the rights of minorities, women, the homeless, and Cuban refugees. For his dedication to justice, he was awarded the Gold Medallion by the National Council of Christians and Jews.
Beyond the bench, Judge Aronovitz gave generously of his time, including pro bono legal work and serving as a founding board member of Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami. He was inducted into the University of Florida College of Law’s Heritage of Leadership Society, and the Judge Sidney M. Aronovitz Memorial Scholarship was established in his honor to support minority law students.
In 2009, President Barack Obama signed a law renaming the U.S. Post Office, Custom House, and Courthouse in Key West as the Sidney M. Aronovitz United States Courthouse.
It was a privilege to create this pastel portrait of, “THE HONORABLE JUDGE SIDNEY M. ARONOVITZ” MEMORIAL CORPORATE PAINTING, which now graces the lobby of his namesake courthouse—a tribute to a devoted public servant, loving husband of over 50 years, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
39 1/2″ X 54″
Commission Portrait: Original Pastel Portrait Painting, Memorial Portrait Painting, Subject: The Honorable Sidney M. Aronovitz, Memorial Corporate Painting, Styles: Realism, Medium: Pastel, Materials: Heavy Acid-Free Art Paper Mounted with Acid-Free Foam Core, Spacers, Frame, Tru-View Museum Glass with UV protection for preservation.
Master Pastel Artist L.A. CLINE