Dr. Ezra Stieglitz

Dr. Ezra Stieglitz, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the age of 81, surrounded by his family in Providence, Rhode Island. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to his family, students, and community.

Born on June 25, 1944 in New York City, Ezra was the son of Oscar and Rae Stieglitz. He received his undergraduate education at City College of New York, where he met the love of his life and wife of 56 years, Varda. He went on to earn his Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh and built a distinguished career as a Professor of Education and Holocaust Studies at Rhode Island College.

Throughout his decades-long career, Ezra was known for his compassion, deep integrity, and commitment to helping others.

He published numerous academic articles and books in literacy education and developed a student and faculty exchange program between Rhode Island College and universities abroad. He also proudly helped develop Holocaust and genocide education curriculum across the entire State of Rhode Island, ensuring future generations would learn, remember, and understand. He served as a senior board member and Vice President of the Bureau of Jewish Education and held additional leadership roles at Providence Hebrew Day School and Congregation Beth Shalom.

Ezra is survived by Varda Stieglitz, his devoted wife; two sons, Eric Stieglitz of New York, New York and Daniel Stieglitz of Jerusalem, Israel; one daughter, Eve Stieglitz of Aventura (Miami), Florida; one grandson, Joshua Isaac Stieglitz-Minen and one brother, Dr. Howard Stieglitz, New Rochelle, New York.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel, 458 Hope Street, Providence, with burial to follow in Lincoln Park Cemetery, Warwick.

Those unable to attend services in person may join via live stream at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85346832731?pwd=6LSR99SvhVqXUChbTmkZiWp4ZAtsvD.1

Donations may be made to Congregation Beth Shalom, 401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence, RI 02906 and Providence Hebrew Day School, 450 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence, RI 02906, two organizations that were deeply meaningful to Ezra and the Stieglitz family.

Shiva will be observed at the Stieglitz residence in Providence. The schedule will be as follows:

Wednesday 12/24: Mincha/Ma'ariv immediately following burial (approx. 4:00 pm)/Shiva hours from 4:00 - 7:30 pm

Thursday 12/25: Shacharit at 8:00 am/Mincha/Ma'ariv at 4:00 pm/Shiva hours from 8:00 - 11:00 am and 4:00 - 8:00 pm

Friday 12/26: Shacharit at 6:45 am/Shiva hours from 9:30 - 11:00 am

Saturday 12/27: Ma'ariv after Shabbat at 5:15 pm/Shiva hours from 5:15 - 8:00 pm

Sunday 12/28: Shacharit at 8:00 am/Mincha/Ma'ariv at 4:00 pm/Shiva hours from 8:00 - 11:00 am and 4:00 - 8:00 pm

Monday 12/29: Shacharit at 6:45 am/Mincha/Ma'ariv at 4:00 pm/Shiva hours from 9:30 - 11:00 am and 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Tuesday 12/30: Shacharit at 6:45 am