In memory of Judge Paul Ribner, a dedicated advocate for justice and veterans.
Judge Paul Ribner, a prominent figure in Philadelphia’s legal community and an advocate for veterans, has passed away peacefully at the age of 95. His extensive career included serving as a judge for over 27 years and leadership roles with the Jewish War Veterans. Born in Shamokin and educated at the University of Pennsylvania, Ribner’s legacy includes significant contributions to both judicial and veteran affairs, as well as being a respected mentor. His passing marks a substantial loss for the communities he served throughout his life.
Philadelphia – Judge Paul Ribner, a respected jurist and advocate for veterans, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, at the age of 95. His death followed a brief hospital stay due to complications from inpatient rehabilitation. Judge Ribner’s contributions to the legal field and veteran affairs left a lasting legacy in Philadelphia and beyond.
Born in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, Judge Ribner moved to Philadelphia at just six months old. He exhibited academic excellence from an early age, graduating as valedictorian of his high school. He furthered his education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he completed both his undergraduate studies and earned a JD Law Degree from Penn’s Law School in 1952.
During his final year of law school, Judge Ribner enlisted in the U.S. military as a member of the Air Force. Serving as a First Lieutenant, he was stationed at various bases including San Antonio, Texas; Seattle and Tacoma, Washington; and Montgomery, Alabama. His military service continued through the Korean War, where he was promoted to Captain and appointed Judge Advocate and legal advisor at Kelly Air Force Base.
Upon returning to civilian life, Ribner remained actively engaged in law and veteran affairs. In 1973, he served as National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) and had the opportunity to meet with then Vice President Gerald Ford at the White House after Ford canceled a visit to a JWV convention. Following this role, he was appointed Deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania and later worked with the Public Utility Commission until 1963.
In 1971, Judge Ribner was nominated by Pennsylvania Governor Milton Shapp to serve as a judge for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, where he dedicated over 27 years of his life until his retirement. Throughout his judicial career, he presided over numerous high-profile criminal and civil cases, gaining recognition for his expertise in various areas of law.
His leadership extended beyond the judiciary into veteran advocacy, where he was elected to two terms as National Commander of the JWV. He championed a variety of causes internationally, including issues affecting veterans in Israel, Denmark, and Great Britain. Notably, he called for the dismissal of a Joint Chief of Staff following anti-Semitic remarks made at Duke University Law School during a high-profile press conference.
In addition to his judicial and advocacy roles, Judge Ribner was a longstanding member of local and state bar associations. He also maintained active involvement with numerous legal and veterans’ organizations, contributing significantly to the legal community in Pennsylvania and nationally. Judge Ribner was associated with the Germantown Jewish Center for over 30 years and achieved a prominent status in martial arts as the International President of the Shotokan Karate Association (ISKF), receiving his 5th degree in Karate from the Prime Minister of Japan.
Judge Ribner is survived by his beloved wife, Judge Doris Smith-Ribner, who retired from her role on the statewide appeals court, along with their daughter Sarah Ribner and a close-knit family of relatives and friends scattered across Pennsylvania, Florida, and New York.
Funeral services for Judge Ribner are scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Goldsteins’ Rosenberg’s Funeral Directors, Inc., with interment to follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. His passing is a significant loss to the legal and veteran communities, where he was both a mentor and a respected figure.
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