Leo Frederick Rayfiel

Leo Frederick Rayfiel (March 22, 1888 – November 18, 1978) was an American lawyer, jurist, and politician who served as a United States representative from New York for one term from 1945 to 1947. He served as a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York from 1947 to 1978.

Early life Leo F. Rayfiel was born in New York City on March 22, 1888, a son of Hyman Rafiel and Hannah Rich Rayfiel. Rayfiel was one of eight siblings who lived to adulthood, and his family moved to Brooklyn when Rayfiel was three years old, where he attended Brooklyn's Public School 84. He graduated from Boys High School in 1906.

Rather than begin a legal career, Rayfiel toured the country as a traveling musician in a group that included Gus Edwards, George Jessel, and Eddie Cantor.

Family In June 1916, Rayfiel married Flora Marks, his former bookkeeper and the daughter of garment manufacturer Harris Marks. They were the parents of three sons. Robert worked as a chemical engineer. David was a well-known Hollywood screenwriter. Howard was an attorney and screenwriter who worked for many years as counsel to Desilu Studios.

Career Rayfiel attained admission to the bar in 1918. A specialist in real estate law, he practiced in Brooklyn from 1918 to 1945. A Democratic Party loyalist, in 1928, Rayfiel turned down a nomination for the New York State Assembly so he could continue practicing law. In 1938, Rayfiel won election to the Assembly, and he served from 1939 to 1944.

Rayfiel was elected to the 80th Congress in 1944. He won reelection to the 81st Congress and served from January 3, 1945, until resigning on September 13, 1947. On June 30, 1947, Rayfiel was nominated by President Harry S. Truman to the seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York that was vacated by Judge Grover M. Moscowitz. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 23, 1947, and received his commission on July 30, 1947. He assumed senior status on March 4, 1966.

Rayfiel's service ended on November 18, 1978, due to his death in Wayne, New Jersey. He was interred in Wellwood Cemetery in West Babylon, New York.