Zalman Shavell

Zalman Shavell, 86, passed away the morning of March 3, 2026 after a protracted battle with Lewy Body dementia. He is missed by his wife of almost 66 years, Lenore, his children, Wendy and David, their partners Mike and Tracy, and his grandchildren Barri, Lance, Reece and Addie. Zal will be remembered by his family for the unconditional love he had for them, his quirky sense of humor and his passion for inquiry… especially when it came to airplanes and math. He taught his family the importance of understanding why events unfold in a certain way with his refrain of “first principles,” and instilled in them the work ethic he learned from his grandparents as a child.

Even before Zal became a husband, father, and Zade, he was an enthusiastic and lifelong learner. Zal graduated from the A Course at Baltimore Polytechnic, went on to complete a Bachelors of Aeronautical Engineering in three years from RPI and then pivoted to earn his MBA and PhD in Economics from the University of Maryland. He was proud to have served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, though he was quick to remind anyone who referred to him as a Vietnam Veteran that there were so many others who gave so much more than he was asked to do. He went on to have a prolific career in the federal government, helping to bring the Federal Reserve Board into the computer age, and the US Congress to navigate rapid changes in both interstate banking and air traffic control.

In retirement Zal continued to embrace life to the fullest, serving as a docent at the Air and Space Museum, playing clarinet in a local ensemble, playing softball and traveling the world. Through all of this, his love for life, family, friends and dogs never waivered.

A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel at Judean Memorial Gardens / Cemetery, 16225 Batchellors Forest Rd, Olney, MD 20832, US, on March 5, 2026, at 1:00 pm.