Sidney Lerner

December 10, 1930 — January 12, 2021

Sidney Lerner Memorial

Please let us know you're here.

Family & Friends of Sid

Live stream HERE on February 21, 2021 at 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

A photo montage will play in advance of the Memorial at 3:30 PM so feel free to log onto this website at that time to see Sid through the years.

Leave a Memory of Sid Below

Sidney Lerner's Memory

Eric Persons

I first met Sid over lunch in a small restaurant in Downtown Syracuse. I didn’t know much about him then, but remembered we had a

Read More »

Bud Feuchtwanger

I knew Sid for many years. We shared ideas for new products and new ways to do business/nonprofit activity. He was extremely creative. One project

Read More »

Grant Schinto

I’ve known Sid and Helaine literally my whole life. There are many things I will miss about Sid. For one thing, his sense of humor.

Read More »

Thomas Hartung

An amazing celebration of a life lived! I am most grateful that I met and got inspired by Sid. Always combining energy and determination with

Read More »

Urvashi Rangan

I have known Sid mostly through his companionship and working in partnership with Helaine. I can easily picture both walking down the halls in the

Read More »

Daniel Pomerantz

Dear Helaine, Sid’s creativity and insight helped make our organization what it is. Every day we use some tool, do some task, use some process,

Read More »

Nass

Sid was not only a relative but also a great friend.

Read More »

sbs@stefaniesacks.com

Sid was a warm hello. A friendly chuckle. An honest conversation. About things that mattered. He was a creative genius. He paved the way to

Read More »

David Van Slyke

Sid was a talented, energetic and generous spirit, and I enjoyed spending time with and learning from he and Helaine over the past five years.

Read More »

Michael Gilbert

As an employee of AJC I am enormously grateful for the transformative impact of the Lerners on our work. Thanks to Sid’s compassionate vision and

Read More »

fran and alan

we always looked forward to our dinners together. They filled us with warmth. And because Sid was so very modest we never realized we were

Read More »

Wenonah Hauter

Sid was a creative genius who brimmed over with amazing ideas. I have so many fond memories of Sid offering inspired designs and memorable phrases.

Read More »

Maggie Tauranac

It is a joy and a privilege to work at GRACE and carry on the work that Sid and Helaine have created, and I will

Read More »

Mitchell Fox

Flying to New York for a meeting with Helaine and Sid remains one of my fondest professional memories. While the main topic was animals, Sid

Read More »

Weiling

Thank you for including me in mourning Sid’s loss. he was a special person. It was a joy working with Sid alone with all the

Read More »

Anthony Meyer

Sid will be missed very much. His support of AJC was crucial and so important. May his memory always be for a blessing.

Read More »

Jillian Laskowitz, AJC

I had the privilege of meeting Sid (z”l) a handful of times while he and Helaine met with AJC CEO David Harris. Sid always lit

Read More »

Bob Martin

I always enjoyed meeting with Sid, learning from his insights and passionate beliefs. I will miss him.

Read More »

Dana Smith

An honor and privilege to work for you and to help carry out your mission. You are definitely missed. We will not loose sight of

Read More »

Gina Wingood

Sid thanks for being a giant in the field of public health. Your passion, devotion and spirit was always felt. Thank you for touching the

Read More »

Jon Schweitzer

Though we never met, I will be forever grateful for Sid’s profound impact on American Jewish Committee, where I work, and the world at-large. Sid

Read More »

Ruby Lerner

I loved the dinners at your apartment in the 70’s; there were always so many intriguing people around. Sid’s rapier wit always stole the show.

Read More »

Scott Valins

Sid, Your stories of creative courage and ingenuity will always be an inspiration. Elizabeth and I hold dear the endless encouragement and guidance you’ve shown

Read More »

Diane Hatz

Dear Sid – I will always be grateful for your encouraging words, kind support, and amazing ability to come up with tag lines and titles

Read More »

Avi Posnick (StandWithUs)

Sid was a true leader. His (and Helaine’s) guidance and support have been transformative to our work and to me personally. My favorite memories of

Read More »

Megan Saynisch

I didn’t get to work with Sid much, being on the “other side” of the GRACE office, but when I did, his creativity, passion, and

Read More »

Mark RItchie

Sid had a million ideas – really, really great ideas – and he was always interested in other people’s ideas as well. The world is

Read More »

Hank Wasiak

Sid took me under his wing at Benton & Bowles in the ’60’s and I’ve been blessed to have Sid’s mentorship, wisdoms and friendship with

Read More »

Rick Hyne

I am AJC’s Chief Financial Officer and have been with AJC for close to 13 years. I deeply believe in the mission of AJC. As

Read More »

Avi Mayer, AJC

I had the pleasure of meeting with Sid, often together with Helaine, on numerous occasions. Each time, I couldn’t help but marvel at the speed

Read More »

Pamela Frasch

Sid’s life was a blessing to us all. His positive impact on the world will be felt for generations to come, and for that I

Read More »

Susan Ackerman

What a raconteur! I loved hearing all of Sid’s stories. Our dinners together were such fun. I’ll miss Sid and love to you, Helaine. xox

Read More »

Kim Glassman

Sid, your passion for public health, and improving the lives of people across the globe, has been the inspiration for my own journey in this

Read More »

Avi Gordon

Sid was a friend from the moment I met him. His enthusiasm was contagious and his desire to help was appreciated beyond words. Sid and

Read More »

David Harris

I loved Sid, whom I had the pleasure of knowing for 20 years. Among the most creative, caring, brilliant, and impactful individuals I’ve ever met.

Read More »

Gloria Kantor

I will always cherish the wonderful memories of our times together-including all our New Year’s eve celebrations ! You were an extraordinary human being .And

Read More »

Bob Lawrence

Cynthia and I were deeply saddened by Sid’s death and feel privileged to have known hims for these past two decades of his life. Sid

Read More »

Maren “Marnie” Imhoff

I give thanks for Sidney’s long and productive life. He and Helaine did so much to strengthen public health and sustainability, and to a create

Read More »

David Gottesman

Sid frequently gave me good advice based on all reading and studying that he had done. He recommended some very good organizations to me in

Read More »

Al and Jill

We feel like we are with you – and if it were a little later in the day we would be cradling a drink, watching

Read More »

Martin W. Bloem

I have loved working with Sid en enjoyed listening to his innovative ideas on how to make the world a better place. I will miss

Read More »

Jonathan

How we laughed at the last time we had dinner-main course: Head of:Roasted Cauliflower!

Read More »

Jimmy Schwartz

Sid, I will always remember how supportive you and Helaine have always been to me. Your words of encouragement in every endeavor that I pursued

Read More »

Anjali & Ranjeet Saxena

We are grateful to join Sid’s friends and wish Helaine all the best. Sid was pivotal in the scientific work of Brij Saxena, and we

Read More »

DONNY

Grateful for the many years we have known each other and for good times with wonderful friendship we shared.

Read More »

Bud Geisenheimer

Thanks Sid. Thanks for helping to bring my creative ideas to life. Thanks for introducing me to sushi. Thanks for making me laugh. Bud

Read More »

Zachary Borst

I’m so grateful for Sid, not only for my livelihood, but for his kindness to me. I’ve worked at The Monday Campaigns for the last

Read More »

Melanie Pell

As part of the AJC family, I am the beneficiary of Sid’s generosity and vision. Although we never met, his impact on and belief in

Read More »

David Holtgrave

I absolutely adored the time I got to spend with Sid over about 15 years. He was so determined to make the world a better

Read More »

Jane Kantor

Sid, My brother Jimmy and I fondly remember you and Helaine coming over to our house every Friday night when we were kids. Jimmy and

Read More »

Mark Driscoll

I salute Sid for a life well-lived. Sid’s passion enveloped me and gave me my own passion for healthy causes. Every day at work was

Read More »

Michael Weiner

Sid was a kind man. A wonderful partner for Helaine. He had a positive impact on some many peolle, as individuals and the universe of

Read More »

Ted Ginsberg

Whether at dinner in NYC or on patio in Bridgehampton, always great conversation about our family and world affairs. I will miss our visits with

Read More »

Donny Hornung

Grateful for the many years we have know each other and our wonderful friends. It’s been a long and enjoyable voyage.

Read More »

Taryn

Mr. Lerner’s creativity and philanthropy are inspiring. It is a true blessing to have met him. I’m humbled to continue to work to bring his

Read More »

Faye Richland

I am one of Sid’s first cousins. I remember a conversation with Sid right after I finished college. It was about art. I knew he

Read More »

Sam Biondolillo

Working with Sid for several years at Benton & Bowles in the early 60’s, our weekly lunches(introducing me to the joy of tempura and sushi),

Read More »

Harry & Gloria Lerner

On our visits to New York from North Carolina, we always made dates for dinner with Sid and Helaine at one of their favorite restaurants

Read More »

Leslie Seff

I’ve known Sid for 20 years now, and I will miss his presence– always a source of something interesting! He reminded me very much of

Read More »

Peggy Neu

Sid, I miss your corny puns, impish grin, spirited debates and the fun we had as 2 former ad execs taking on the world of

Read More »

Julie Graham

Thank you for being such a good friend and mentor, Sid! Your constant creativity, infectious sense of humor and sincere generosity made you a one-of-a-kind

Read More »

Cherry Dumaual

I’ll deeply miss working with Sid. There was never a dull moment at The Monday Campaigns when Sid was around. He challenged us to always

Read More »

Victoria Hale

Few people have so completely dedicated their time, talents and resources, on behalf of others, as Sid Lerner has. He is a sterling example of

Read More »

Jeff & Judy McElnea

Dear Helaine and family, So much, that is so well deserved, has been said about Sid’s life and legacy, from awards and Honorary Degree citations,

Read More »

Mukul Singh MD, PhD

I have known Sid for more than twenty years from my days in Cornell. I remember him as a man of character and firm commitments.

Read More »

Ellen MacKenzie

Dear Sid, we will miss you dearly. The few precious times we had together, I always came away inspired and moved by your passion for

Read More »

Nancy Uberman

A man of warmth, wit and wisdom, conversation with Sid dazzled and delighted, always imparting something fresh and new or provocative. Words were his currency,

Read More »

Mike Klag

Sid Lerner was a remarkable man: smart, articulate, and passionate. He cared about the right things and the right causes. Interacting with Sid was a

Read More »

Adele Schwartz

Sid–a deep hearted man–his loss is a guiding spirit , a memory for a sense of direction and purpose. His wit stopped people in their

Read More »

Corinne Eskenazi

When I was a kid the landline would ring like clockwork on Friday early evening. My mom always had the same line” Oh , that’s

Read More »

Kathleen Sikkema

With our sincere appreciation for Sid’s generosity and support of the Department of Sociomedical Sciences and the Founder of our Lerner Center for Public Health

Read More »

Arlene Schwartz

It was 12 years ago when my granddaughter was attending nursery school that Sid started his campaign for Meatless Monday. My daughter in law was

Read More »

Gina Wingood

Dear Sid, Thank you for your generosity and your vision for serving as our Founder for the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion at the

Read More »

Flo and family

My condolences to the Lerner’s, my mother Flo always talk about mr Lerner , Mrs Lerner you are a Gem and you two are beautiful

Read More »

Bethany Jankunis

Sid, It was an honor and pleasure to work with you. Sending my deep condolences to Helaine and all who loved you. Bethany Jankunis

Read More »

Julian Tomchin

Sid, your intelligence and dry humor have been with me since our days at Syracuse thanks to email and facebook..

Read More »

Hank Wasiak

Thank you Sid for being my mentor and my friend. The world and I will miss you. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Read More »

Gloria Kantor

Thank you Sid for all the wonderful memories we shared and the great times the four of us had together -we so enjoyed your humor

Read More »

Linda P. Fried

Sid, your insights and expertise about how to support people’s ability to take care of their health, mixed with immense altruism and desire to contribute

Read More »

Diana Aceti

We are so sad to hear of Sid’s passing. He is a man with a great reach and his legacy lives on through his beautiful

Read More »

Stefanie Sacks

Both Sid and Helaine have been advocates for my work for many years. For that I am deeply grateful. In 2014, my book was published.

Read More »

Richard Hodosh

Sid – I will always recall our conversations over lunch or dinner. Your enthusiasm for life and making the world a better place was so

Read More »

Diane Hatz

Sid – Wherever you are now, in whatever universe or parallel reality, I know you’ll be using your creative genius to make that heaven a

Read More »

Donny Hornung

Our common love for Syracuse U brought us from roommates in college to a lifelong friendship we’ve had these 70 years. I am grateful for

Read More »

Shari Jo Gardner

Dear Sid, I miss you so much! You sure were the best father figure I ever had. Growing up, you were always such a big

Read More »

Shari Jo Gardner

Dear Uncle Sid, We miss EVERYTHING about you…Your bright cheerful hello, anytime we called, your uplifting smile, sharing times together laughing, discussing our lives and

Read More »

Ellie Rigolosi

Dear Sid, I was so happy to have met you through the “Syracuse” connection you shared with Vince. What a bond Syracuse was for all

Read More »

alfred sommer

Sid, we will all miss your probing intellect, quick insights, and profound commitment to making this a better, healthier world. You never stopped thinking and

Read More »

Marni Sommer

Dear Sid, Your enthusiasm for transforming the world of girls and women for the better, your warm and twinkly eyed greetings, and your generosity of

Read More »

Marjorie Gilbert

Dear Sid, you will be dearly missed for so many things including your innovative Meatless Mondays, your warm “how are you’s” every time I called,

Read More »

Susan Rockefeller

Sid, we will miss your brilliant innovative thoughts, your warm smile and laughter, and the love and commitment you brought to making the world a

Read More »
Scroll to Top