In Memoriam: William D. Zabel

Magazzino Italian Art mourns the passing of William D. Zabel, a distinguished attorney, longtime member of the Museum’s Advisory Board, and dear friend of Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu.

Known widely as one of the country’s leading lawyers, Bill also leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of public service and moral conviction. As a young lawyer, he volunteered in Mississippi during the summer of 1964 to help expand Black voting rights. Soon after, he played a pivotal role in Loving v. Virginia, writing the American Civil Liberties Union’s lead brief in the landmark Supreme Court case that struck down laws banning interracial marriage. Throughout his life, he remained deeply committed to civil rights, immigrant justice, and human rights through leadership roles in several organizations, and extensive pro bono work through his firm.

For Magazzino, Bill was far more than a trusted legal advisor. In moments of important decision-making, turning to him provided wisdom, humanity, perspective, and moral clarity. The creation of the Magazzino Italian Art Foundation itself owes much to conversations with Bill, whose guidance, generosity, and good counsel helped shape the institution from its earliest days.

Magazzino’s Co-Founders Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu, together with the Advisory Board and the Museum Director, extend their heartfelt condolences to his wife, Deborah Miller Zabel, his family and to all who knew and loved him.

NYT Obituary