Dr. Harvey A. Schlesinger

Dr. Harvey A. Schlesinger, DDS, age 87, passed away Thursday, November 24th, 2022, with his family by his side. Harvey was the adored husband of Elaine Schlesinger (nee Cowan), cherished father of Karen Neides and Jill Schlesinger, beloved grandfather of Melissa, David and Adam Neides.

Dr. Schlesinger was a true gentleman and an accomplished Endodontist who cared about his loved ones and the patients he served for 36 years. Harvey was a proud graduate of Cleveland Heights High School, Case Western Reserve University where he played college baseball and was a varsity letterman. Dr. Schlesinger graduated from Case Western Reserve School of Dentistry, followed by an Endodontic internship at Mt. Sanai Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Upon returning to Cleveland, he was an Endodontic clinical instructor at Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry for 7 years, as well as in private practice, and served as President of the Euclid Dental Society. Dr. Schlesinger was a past member of the American Association of Endodontists, the Cleveland Dental Society, and Chaired The Speakers Bureau of Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity.

Harvey and Elaine were college sweethearts fixed up by friends to attend a Cleveland Indians “Guardians” game. Little did Harvey know that his pretty date had listened to sportscaster Jimmy Dudley, since the age of eleven and was a diehard fan. Throughout their inseparable 61-year marriage, Harvey and Elaine shared a passion for their Cleveland sports teams, New York Theater, the music of the Big Band Era, with Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing, Sing,” being Harvey’s favorite. Another passion of Harvey’s was the history of WW II. He and Elaine attended the 45th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France, an experience that they would never forget. The Schlesinger’s were tennis players, and Harvey captained the men’s interclub tennis team at The Oakwood County Club for 37 years. He enjoyed the competition and lasting friendships made both on and off the court. Harvey was a “guy’s guy” who was part of a lunch bunch that met every Wednesday for good food and chatter about Dentistry, medicine, politics, and of course sports. No subject was off the table! But, Harvey’s greatest pleasure in life was watching his 3 grandchildren on a stage, on a court, on a trip, or on his sunny back porch. He had a close bond with his children and grandchildren, who all treasured his honest advice, lack of drama, and acceptance of others. He guided them with a gentle hand, and lived his own life with kindness, integrity, and class.

Harvey was predeceased by his loving parents Charles and Mina Schlesinger (nee Schneiderman), brother Donald Schlesinger (Marcy) both deceased, brother-in-law Joel Cowan (deceased). He is survived by brother Jerold Schlesinger, sister-in-law-Belita Cowan (Ronald), many nieces, great-nieces, nephews and a great nephew.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to InMotion (a non-profit organization helping people with Parkinson’s disease) 23905 Mercantile Road, Beachwood, Ohio, 44122. www.beinmotion.org

A private family service and interment was held November 28, 2022. The family will receive friends Sunday, December 4th, 2022, between 1-4 PM at The Temple-Tifereth Israel, 2600 Shaker Blvd, Beachwood, Ohio, 44122.