Rayfiel, Leo Frederick, 1888-1978

RAYFIEL, Leo Frederick, a Representative from New York; born in New York City, March 22, 1888; attended the grade and high schools; was graduated from the New York University Law School in 1908; was admitted to the bar in 1918 and commenced practice in Brooklyn, N.Y.; member of the New York State assembly 1939-1944; elected as a Democrat to the Seventy-ninth Congress; reelected to the Eightieth Congress and served from January 3, 1945, until his resignation on September 13, 1947, having been appointed a judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, in which capacity he served until his death; died in Wayne, N.J., November 18, 1978; interment in Wellward Cemetery, Farmingdale, N.Y.

<p>Leo Frederick Rayfiel (March 22, 1888 – November 18, 1978) was a United States Representative from New York and a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.</p>

<p>Born in New York City, New York, Rayfiel received a Bachelor of Laws from New York University School of Law in 1908. He read law in 1918. He was in private practice of law in Brooklyn, New York from 1918 to 1945. He was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1939 to 1944. He was a United States Representative from New York from 1945 to 1947.</p>

<p>Rayfiel was elected as a Democrat to the 79th United States Congress, reelected to the 80th United States Congress and served from January 3, 1945, until his resignation on September 13, 1947, to accept a federal judgeship.</p>

<p>Rayfiel was nominated by President Harry S. Truman on June 30, 1947, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York 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. His service was terminated on November 18, 1978, due to his death in Wayne, New Jersey. He was interred in Wellwood Cemetery in West Babylon, New York.</p>

<p><b>RACES</b>
<ul>
<li>11/05/1946 NY District 14 Won 75.00% (+49.99%)</li>
<li>11/07/1944 NY District 14 Won 58.31% (+36.23%)</li>
<li>11/03/1942 NY Assembly - Kings 02 Won 45.09% (+12.98%)</li>
<li>11/05/1940 NY Assembly - Kings 02 Won 59.12% (+36.07%)</li>
<li>11/08/1938 NY Assembly - Kings 02 Won 54.14% (+9.55%)</li>
</ul>
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