Remembering David Kimowitz (updated)

While the country and the world mourn major losses to senseless violence this weekend in Texas and Ohio, New York City comedy is crushed this week after suffering a major personal loss, also to senseless violence.

David Kimowitz one of four owners of The Stand Comedy Club, was brutally murdered on Saturday morning in a double homicide that has left everyone in comedy reeling. He was 40 years old, leaving behind a wife, two young daughters, and a gigantic loving comedy family. Kimowitz touched so many people in comedy- whether it was as one of the owners of the newly re-opened Stand comedy club, or as a manager, or television producer- he touched so many parts of the industry and it seemed that everyone who worked with him, loved him. We got to work closely with Dave on a few projects and can say that everything being written about him on social media is absolutely true- he was someone who was smart, trusted, kind, joyful, respected and just loved. He made comedy better and this is going to be tough to recover from for everyone.

David and his family’s au pair, Karen L. Bermudez-Rodriguez were brutally murdered. The au pair’s 27 year old boyfriend has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder, possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and criminal restraint.  But a better way to know him, and remember him, is not to focus on the details of how he died, but to read the words of the people closest to him, about how he lived.

He will be missed by family and friends, his business partners Patrick Milligan, Paolo Italia and Cris Italia, the comedians he managed and those who played and loved The Stand, which just had its stunning grand reopening after a long year of planning and building. It’s a time that should be filled with joy, pride and plans for a big future.

His partners at the club posted beautiful words of love and loss on their Instagram.

Our dear friend and partner, David Kimowitz, was tragically taken from us early Saturday morning. It was a beautiful life that ended far too soon. Dave was one of the most beloved figures in the New York comedy scene and one of the driving forces behind The Stand. He treated everyone like family, and was a beacon of light, wisdom, positivity and kindness to so many comics in an otherwise unforgiving profession.  Dave believed he could do anything he put his mind to. It was infectious. When we first started our company, the industry looked at us as outsiders. We had a different angle and it was a tough road. But it was Dave’s confidence that helped get us through the first couple of years and manifest all we’ve achieved today. It’s a legacy that we will proudly carry on in his name for years to come.  But Dave’s biggest accomplishment wasn’t professional. It was his wife Laura and their two beautiful daughters who were everything to him. He was a loving father and husband, and he looked forward to going home to his girls every night. 

Along the way, we were lucky enough to have Dave’s family adopt us into the Kimowitz clan. His parents, brothers and of course, Laura, were our biggest supporters. Dave always wanted to share his family with people. That was his secret sauce. He’d invite comedians to family dinners so they could feel the same joy that he experienced throughout his life. He was generous like that, and he spent all of his time surrounding himself with those he loved. We can’t think of a better way to go through life. 

Dave, we miss you terribly. And although no one can fill the deep void we feel in our hearts, we will do our best to live every day the way that you did. 

Monday night, friends gathered at The Stand’s brand new club to share a full range of emotions about the violent death of their friend Dave. It was a private affair, and the lights of the Stand’s new signature marquis were kept dark, broadway style, to mark the passing of a friend. Comedians, family, industry and friends gathered and shared anger, grief, and of course, laughs together, as one by one, members of the group took the stage to share stories and special moments. The evening was headed up by Dave’s brothers who said they were touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support from the comedy community, and expressed a determination to live a life that honors their brother. Daves partners were all there, as were the staff of the club, who all talked about the bonds that building not one but two clubs have generated. Out of respect for the privacy of Dave’s friends, I won’t list any names of those who showed up, or the details, but it was a touching and emotional night as everyone shared stories both privately in small groups and from the stage. The stories ran the gamut from the dark sense of humor Dave shared with others in the room, to incredible kindness and generosity that Dave showed to friends, clients and even strangers. The theme that ran through the night was community and unlikely bonds that form between people who have built their lives around live comedy. And everyone shared the desire to continue to build the club that Dave and his partners Patrick Milligan, Cris Italia and Paolo Italia started, in Dave’s memory and for his family.

With deep sadness, love, and respect to a friend, RIP Dave Kimowitz.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, in New Jersey.

For those wishing to support the Kimowitz Family, The David Kimowitz Memorial Fund has been established. Checks can be mailed to 10 Prospect Rd. Livingston NJ 07039. Venmo is @thedavidkimowitzmemorialfund. Zelle is thedavidkimowitzmemorialfund@gmail.com. People can also use that e-mail (thedavidkimowitzmemorialfund@gmail.com) to send stories, pictures and memories of David to be shared with his family.

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