Rett Ludwikowski Obituary (1943 - 2026) - Fairfax Station, Virginia

Rett R. Ludwikowski, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and distinguished law professor, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026. Born in Skawina, Poland, he immigrated to the United States in 1982, where he built a life marked by dedication, intellect, and generosity. He is survived by his loving wife, Anna Ludwikowski, his son Mark Ludwikowski, his daughter Agnes Ludwikowski-Habera, and his four grandchildren, Max, Alek, Roman, and Leo. Rett devoted his life to the study and teaching of law, inspiring countless students with his knowledge, integrity, and passion. He earned doctorate degrees in law and legal and political theory at the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland. Until 1982 he taught law and politics and held the chair of Modern Legal and Political Movements and Ideas at the same university. After coming to the United States following the imposition of martial law in Poland, he continued his research work, while holding several visiting scholar and visiting fellow positions, including Elizabethtown College, PA (1982-1983), and The Hoover Institution at Stanford University (1983). In1984, he joined the faculty of the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America, where he would teach for four decades. He directed the Comparative and International Law Institute and founded the International Business and Trade Summer Law Program, strengthening academic ties between the United States and Poland at a time when such collaboration carried particular meaning. In 1991, he founded the International Business and Trade Summer Law Program, fostering academic collaboration between the United States and a newly democratic Poland at a moment of historic transition. In 2024, he received the Amicus Poloniae (“Friend of Poland”) award from the Polish Ambassador in recognition of these efforts. A respected scholar, Rett authored more than 20 books and numerous publications on constitutional law, international trade, and political thought, including Main Currents of Polish Political Thought and Constitution Making in the Countries of Former Soviet Dominance. His textbook International Trade has gone through four editions in Poland and continues to be widely used by students and academics at Polish universities. His work earned him Fulbright scholarships and recognition as a leader in international legal education. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rett was a devoted family man who cherished time spent with his loved ones. He will be remembered for his warmth, humor, generosity, and the profound impact he had on students, colleagues, and family alike. A memorial service will be held at Nativity Catholic Church, 6001 13th St NW, Washington, DC on February 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ukraine Relief Fund: https://greatergood.org/crisis-in-ukraine-send-aid-now-old Click this link to view additional details about Rett's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/rett-ludwikowski