Ronald Elberger

Ronald E. Elberger peacefully passed away July 31st, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.  Ron was born in Newark, NJ on March 13, 1945. Growing up, Ron loved music and was an avid saxophone player.  Later in life, Ron enjoyed playing piano for family and friends. At a young age, Ron took an interest in martial arts.  Ron was a multi-degreed black belt and helped train several police forces on defense tactics through the proper deployment of martial arts.  Ron received his B.A. at George Washington University, followed by his law degree at American University in Washington, D.C.

In 1971, Ron came to Indiana on a fellowship to work with Legal Services Organization of Indianapolis, Inc. and became Director of Litigation, Chief Counsel.  In 1972, Ron began practicing at Bose McKinney and Evans, where he became partner in 1981.  Ron practiced litigation, constitutional/civil rights law, entertainment law, sports law, appellate law, and professional responsibility/ disciplinary law. Ron was proud of his work with the American Civil Liberties Union (Board of Directors); Indiana Civil Liberties Union, Inc. (President and Chairperson); National Council for the School of Media and Public Affairs of The George Washington University; Flanner House, Inc. (Board of Directors); Flanner House of Indianapolis, Inc. (Advisory Board); The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (Board of Directors & Distinguished Advisor) ; Medical Licensing Board of Indiana (former President and active board member for sixteen years); and as a Research Assistant for United States Supreme Court Justice, Abe Fortas.

Ron led a successful and colorful law career for over 50 years, practicing law up until April of this year.  A partner at BME for 40 years, he had a diverse law practice including: civil rights law, major litigation, entertainment law, legal ethics, and appellate law.  Ron had an exceptional career and was honored with many accolades for his expertise and the time he gave of himself to his community.  He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana. Ron was also recognized as a Distinguished Barrister and Fellow by the Indianapolis Bar Association, Indianapolis Bar Foundation, and Indiana State Bar Foundation.  For over 20 years, Ron was also included in Best Lawyers in America®.

Ron vigorously represented his clients, but his family was his life.  Ron loved nothing more than to experience life with his immediate family.  Ron was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Love of family guided his life. Ron always enjoyed an exceptional meal and his lobster feasts. Ron delighted in telling stories, sharing experiences, traveling with his family, spending time at his lake house, fishing, listening to and playing music, gardening, and bird watching; all with his wife, children and grandchildren.  Ron also loved going to art fairs, watching movies, attending the theatre, and seeing / hearing comics.

Ron is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rena Elberger; son Seth (Liz) Elberger; daughter Rebecca (Josh) Elberger Brown; six grandchildren Sophia, Nayomi, Aleeza, Marion, Brodey, and Sydney; and sister Dorothy Fishman.  Ron was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Spyro Elberger; sister, Ida Baum; parents, Morris and Clara; and Uncle Sol and Aunt Mary Lefkowitz.

In his loving memory donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation (911 E 86th Street, Suite #100, Indianapolis, IN 46240), or The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (3000 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208).

Services to be held on Thursday, August 4th at 11:00 am at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, located at 6501 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260.  Livestreaming will be available https://indianapolishebrewcongregation.livecontrol.tv/0a3c2b2b