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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David Kimowitz never greeted me without a smile. Great guy. I am sad. I love you. That is all.
— Joe List (@JoeListComedy) August 5, 2019
I’m so sad and horrified to hear of the death of David Kimowitz. A club owner who loved comedy and comics. A terrible loss for his young family, and the NYC comedy community. RIP David ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
— Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) August 4, 2019
Our hearts go out to the family & friends of David Kimowitz, owner of @TheStandNYC Sending our love to our brothers & sisters in the NY comedy community. David was a great man who created one of the best rooms in the country. Gone but not forgotten. #rip #davidkimowitz #thestand pic.twitter.com/U7Wz7uJd4P
— The Comedy Store (@TheComedyStore) August 4, 2019
So sad to hear about the passing Dave Kimowitz. He was a genuinely good person in a sea of assholes. Great father and supporter of comedy. The comedy community won’t be the same. 🙁
— Luis J. Gomez (@luisjgomez) August 4, 2019
This is such shocking news. A great guy and friend has passed this weekend. Just talked with him last week and Fri night. He seemed so happy, a wife, 2 kids, his new club opened. And now this horrific new. David Kimowitz you will be missed. RIP
— RichVos (@RichVos) August 4, 2019
This is absolutely devestating news. David Kimowitz was always such a joy to be around. I’m so saddened by this. My heart goes out to his family. ? https://t.co/V5M7d0Ui4C
— Bonnie McFarlane (@bonniemcfarlane) August 4, 2019
I can’t believe you’re gone. Grateful for the time I had with you. Thank you for making me laugh through clouds of vape smoke and for believing in me at a time when no one else did. A great manager, family man, and friend. This so cruel. Rest In Peace David Kimowitz
— Subhah (@Subhah) August 4, 2019
David Kimowitz was such a kind and spirited person. He was always so joyous and silly and warm. Such a gift to our community. Sending love to his wife and children and all the people grieving and missing him. ❤️
— Rachel Feinstein (@RachelFeinstein) August 4, 2019
There’s not enough good people in this industry and Kimowitz was one of the good ones. Still in shock and my heart goes out to everyone who had the pleasure of working with him longer and knowing him better than I had the chance to. ♥️?
— Comedy Groupie (@ComedyGroupie) August 5, 2019
Shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of my friend David Kimowitz. I truly can’t believe this and my heart goes out to the entire Kimowitz family. Just sickening. You will be missed dearly! RIP brother.
— Paul Virzi (@PaulVirzi) August 4, 2019
I’m still in complete shock about David Kimowitz. What a tragic loss to the Comedy community. Dave was a great guy and a great father. My heart goes out to his family. You will be missed dearly.
— Sarah Tollemache (@stollemache) August 4, 2019
Im sick right now, all I can do is stand with my brothers at @TheStandNYC! I love yall ??
— Yamaneika Saunders (@yamaneika) August 4, 2019
RIP Dave Kimowitz. Known him over 20 years. Later he got into the comedy biz and owned the great Stand Comedy Club. Most important, the kind of dad we all aspire to be. Heartbroken for his family. Can’t believe he won’t be around to fuck up our fantasy football draft this year. pic.twitter.com/JY2xBefjHs
— Matt Goldich (@MattGoldich) August 4, 2019
Rest In Peace David Kimowitz. Good guy gone too soon. Horrific thing to happen to such a beautiful soul. My prayers and condolences to his family and his children. pic.twitter.com/dNMW9ZKZnT
— ARDIE FUQUA (@ARDIEFUQUA) August 5, 2019
Have always felt welcome at @TheStandNYC and David Kimowitz was a big part of that. RIP.
— Mike Lawrence (@TheMikeLawrence) August 4, 2019
RIP David Kimowitz. We where JUST in Montreal laughing about how you should manage your one-liner jokin dentist of a father. You’re dad & brother hooked up my broken teeth. David was a dope gentle & friendly man. He took me & @LaughingVlad Vlad to see Cred I. Shit! I will miss U! pic.twitter.com/BVabb3AxU5
— StandUpKid (@noredavis) August 4, 2019
My heart is broken, I just saw him. So glad that the last thing we said was “I love you”. Rest well my Kimowitz. https://t.co/DyASVAOn1p
— Aida ??Rodriguez ? (@FunnyAida) August 4, 2019
My heart is broken, I just saw him. So glad that the last thing we said was “I love you”. Rest well my Kimowitz. https://t.co/DyASVAOn1p
— Aida ??Rodriguez ? (@FunnyAida) August 4, 2019
I’ve been honored to be part of the extended @TheStandNYC family and every bit of my heart goes out to them today. RIP David Kimowitz.
— Christian Finnegan (@ChristFinnegan) August 4, 2019
One of the nicest men in the business. This is terrible. https://t.co/FVXziHAAh1
— Nikki Glaser (@NikkiGlaser) August 4, 2019
Such a shame. Great guy and family man. Huge supporter of comedy. He just opened his new comedy club @TheStandNYC only a month ago. Just awful news. https://t.co/xGT6SaDDCw
— jim florentine (@Mrjimflorentine) August 4, 2019
Horrific. Dave Kimowitz was a wonderful man. I witnessed his passion, dedication, and kindness firsthand. He fought hard for his clients and we made a great tv show together. I can’t believe it. Thinking about his family and all those whose loved him. <3 https://t.co/3Xhue8IZgY
— Annamaria Sofillas (@inmybunk) August 4, 2019
I did not know #davidkimowitz personally, but doesn’t make it any less tragic. I do know that he and his partners made something special with @TheStandNYC to further the world of comedy. A great legacy he leaves. Heart goes out to his family and everyone at ‘The Stand’. pic.twitter.com/nDST6MWvcU
— Erik Nagel @ItsErikNagel (@erockradio) August 4, 2019
For years and currently I would just go to @TheStandNYC and just sit in the back and watched. I wasn’t booked. I just liked it there. The wonderful things being said about the owner explains why now. Rest in peace #davidkimowitz. You left a great gift. pic.twitter.com/Z1Te4grrLG
— Jackie Fabulous (@Jackiefabulous) August 4, 2019
I don’t know what to say. My heart is w Dave, his family, & all of you at @TheStandNYC. I’m so sorry this happened to him. A great life cut short. Just senseless and incredibly sad. I’m so sorry…
— Von Decarlo (Brown) (@VonDecarlo) August 4, 2019
.@TheStandNYC has meant so much to me , a big hug to the whole family #heartbroken
— Joe Bartnick (@joebartnick) August 4, 2019
Comedy became my family after I lost mine, and held me afloat during the worst ten years of my life. My heart goes out to those who are suffering right now. I’m so sorry for your loss. @TheStandNYC
— frank liotti (@FrankLiotti) August 4, 2019