Sheldon Lerman, age 94, passed away on August 7, 2023. He is survived by his loving sons Barry (Maida) and Brad (Rita), and his grandchildren Sarah, Ben, Joe, Jeff, Katie and Sam. Brother to Morton and great-grandfather to Asher, Natalie and David, Shel was married to Elaine for 72 years before her passing in 2022.
The oldest son of the late Daniel and Cele Lerman, Shel was born in Chicago, grew up in Albany Park and met the love his life, Elaine, when they were in grammar school. They married in 1950 and would often comment that the secret to a good marriage was love, laughter, and plenty of patience.
Shel was an electrician, skilled in complex installations of heating and ventilating systems in large commercial buildings. He learned his craft from his father and used to say that he had worked in nearly every boiler room in downtown Chicago, which was likely absolutely true.
But his life centered on his family. He adored Elaine, and they saw the world together after his retirement. They were known for holding hands wherever they went, and no doubt, that is what they are doing today. Shel had a joy for life until the end. He was quick with a joke, had an easy laugh, appreciated the good fortune of health and family, and took things as they came, with good humor and kindness. He made friends easily, was well-liked by his neighbors, his friends, and even much later, his doctors and caregivers. Throughout his life, he enjoyed music and theater, was an excellent trumpet player in his youth, a committed bowler and a frustrated golfer.
He enjoyed a good meal, sometimes perhaps too much, but as healthy as his appetite was, his heart was bigger. Elaine and he gave generously to hospitals, medical research and Jewish charities.
Most of all, Shel was simply a good person: loyal, trusting, honest, and generous. He approached life with humility and gratitude – and leaves behind a family blessed for having him in our lives.
Services will be held at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home (111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette, IL) on Thursday, 8/10 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, www.juf.org, to which Shel and Elaine contributed for over 50 consecutive years.
