Mr. Julian Paul Rackow, a 1959 graduate of Cheltenham High School and an accomplished attorney and civic leader in Philadelphia, passed away on December 19, 2025.

Mr. Rackow was a member of the wrestling team during his days in Wyncote. As a student in Cornell University’s Class of 1963, he majored in Government and enjoyed his membership in Beta Sigma Rho fraternity. He went on to graduate from Harvard Law School in 1966.

Mr. Rackow practiced commercial real estate law for more than four decades with the law firm Blank Rome. From his obituary:

In recognition of his respected role in the industry, Julian was elected Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers and a member of the National Economic Committee of the International Council of Shopping Centers. He was also committed to supporting the community and served as President and later Chairman of the Board of the Central Philadelphia Development Corporation, advising Philadelphia’s business community and its Business Improvement District; Board member of Avenue of the Arts, Inc., a non-profit organization promoting cultural and economic growth on South Broad Street in Philadelphia; and Board member of the Parkway Council Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to promote the development of the Ben Franklin Parkway and surrounding area in center city Philadelphia. 

Services were held on December 23, 2025 in Blue Bell.

For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.