As a former student who worked with Dr Schleifer through NJMS and Greystone, I was extremely saddened to hear about his passing. He was a wonderful mentor to me when I was a graduate student and his memory will live on. I learned so much from him about advocating for vulnerable patients. Thank you for your contributions to the field of medicine, to NJMS, and to Greystone. I have him to thank for the privilege of becoming a physician, under the guidance of his mentorship. 

We will continue the fight, Dr. Schleifer. Rest in peace.

I am deeply sorry for your loss.  Steve was a kind and giving man whose impact on my life, both personally and professionally was significant.  His words of wisdom were always appreciative and so timely.  I enjoyed working with him and learning from him.  He will be missed dearly by all his colleagues and patients.

Steven was an incredible scientist, mentor and friend.  He was an emotional support and fund of knowledge to empower me to make important changes to nursing education and improve practice while I was Chief Nurse at Greystone.  All the while he clearly was brilliant but never made anyone feel inferior but brought out the best in each of us.  At the same time he was always true to his spiritual core and his religious foundation.  He is a neshumah who will be clearly missed as each of us strive to emulate his dedication to make the world a better place.

What distinguished Dr. Schleifer, who preferred to be called “Steve”, from any one else I have known was his ability to hear about a problem, encourage brainstorming, and craft a workable idea for a project.  Over and over, he would bring calm curiosity, unwavering respect, and a fresh perspective.    Over the course of the last 15 years that I have known him, he has always been generous with his considerable knowledge, and also with his willingness to acknowledge the work of others.  Things simply seemed more possible around him.  
My most heartfelt condolences go out to his family.  He shared about his family, his wife, and children with love, pride, and appreciation.  He especially looked forward to traveling with his wife to visit his children.  He will be missed so very much.


I am so sorry for your loss! Please know I grieve with you.
Dr. Schleifer was a pioneer and champion for state psychiatric care. He believed in the treatment given at our large psychiatric hospital. His commitment to state of the art delivery of this never wavered. He challenged us to be better and do better and was never daunted with any hurtles that came our way!
His partnership with our staff led to publications, new treatments and promotion of higher level standards for the people we serve.
He truly was a champion for those of whom many people felt were “the least of these”
I knew his strong beliefs in his religion, and love of his family anchored him in a way that made him able to surpass his peers in so many ways.
He came to this world like all of us but certainly left it a better place.
My sympathies go out to his family, friends and colleagues. He will certainly missed.
Janet Monroe 

Dr. Schleifer was always gentle, kind, wise, helpful, thoughtful, approachable and professional.  I will always remember his smile. He will be missed at Greystone. My condolences and prayers are for his family and friends. 
Dr. Amelia Steinhardt

Because of Dr. Schleifer there were academic rounds, intellectual query, papers published and always a friendly welcome.  He is simply irreplaceable!
He will be deeply missed by the faculty, students and staff who worked with him.
Greystone was so fortunate to have him.
My sincerest condolences for the family.

Dr. Schleifer was a a wonderful person to work with. He showed such great compassion to our patients at Greystone and kindness to all. He will be missed. Zecher tzadik l'vracha, may the memory of this righteous man be a blessing.

I worked with Dr. Schleifer in the Equine Therapy research project. This research showed significantly reduced incidents of violence among the patients who participated in the Equine Therapy groups in comparison to the patients assigned to a social skills group or control group. 
Dr. Scnleifer’s contributions, support and direction made it possible for us to bring this innovative and rewarding therapeutic treatment to patients of Greystone Hospital. 
I send my condolences to his family for their loss,

I will forever treasure Dr. Schleifer’s friendship.  He generously shared his wisdom, knowledge, and kindness with compassion and a genuine concern for making people’s lives better.  

Working with him and learning from him was an honor,  for which I am thankful to have had the opportunity. 

My condolences and prayers are with the family and friends.  

I have the opportunity of interacting with Dr. Schleifer on different committees in Greystone. He was a pleasurable person with a lot of wisdom. My thoughts and prayers with the family. He will truly be missed.

To the family of Dr. Schleifer,

It comes with great sadness to learn of his passing. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to all of his family. He was so dedicated and caring to our patients and staff at Greystone and for this, we are very grateful. He was such a kind and gentle man  and those who knew him were  very lucky.  He frequently spoke so fondly of his family, which was so evident that he cherished each one of you. I pray that you all find comfort and peace in the days ahead.

With much sympathy, Suzanne Taylor, APN


It was a pleasure to work with Steve on a committee at Rutgers.  It was so clear that he was an outstanding person.  I want to extend my most sincere condolences to his family.

Dr. Schleifer was a pleasure to work with. He will truly be missed. My condolences to the family.

I will miss Dr. Schleifer. He was an exceptional leader, researcher, teacher and a mentor. He is a big loss to all of us. My sincere condolences to the family. 

It is with sincere sadness to hear about your loss.  I will truly miss Dr. Schleifer.  He was a down to earth kind person.  May you all be comforted thru this time.  La Shawn Brooks

Please know I am praying for the family of Dr. Schleifer. He was truly a  hard worker and cared about the well being of the patients here at Greystone. He will be missed greatly!  

Steve was a remarkable teacher and mentor to so many people.  Always open, always generous, always intellectually curious and focused relentlessly on building professionalism and capacity in everyone around him, he lifted the world. I send deepest sympathy and condolences to the family members.

OBITUARY

Steven Jay Schleifer

10 March, 1950 – 25 September, 2020

Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Directors

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