LEON FASSLER Obituary

FASSLER--Leon, age 81, devoted husband of Estelle, loving father of Dr. Ronald and Wendy Weissman, grandfather of Matthew and Seth Weissman and Natalie Karafiol, brother of Joseph, Gustave, and the late Michael. Funeral Wednesday, June 18, 1pm at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 21 Broad Street, West Mount Vernon, NY. Shiva Wednesday and Thursday 5-8pm at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Weissman, 5 Renaissance Square, White Plains, NY. Died peacefully at home on June 15. He was a Renaissance Man, a brilliant conversationalist and devoted enthusiast of the arts, particularly the opera. .

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Published by New York Times on Jun. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for LEON FASSLER

17 Entries

Robert Lee

July 24, 2016

Leon took the teaching position of Jonesie Jacobs, my mother's junior jigh school English teacher, when Jonesie retired. My mother, Marjorie Lee, a poet and novelist, was exceptionally close to Jonesie and through Jonesie became close to Leon. We lived in Philadelohia which I am sure Leon regarded as exurbs of New York City.

When I was 13 my mother sent me to stay with Leon for one week. Leon was in his 30's I think and a bon vivant. For one week i shadowed him. During the day and night. He taught me to button my blazer (I was in NY, he told me, not Philadelohia). He took me to the Rainbow Room. He took me to the palladium. With his fabulously dressed and beautiful dates. There were no
People like Leon in Philadelohia. He took me to antique shops where I bought a beSutiful antique Victorian painted and stained glass panel, which I have to this day. $25 in 1960.

Leon delighted in being classy. he delighted in correcting my English (which was grammatically correct already). But he lectured me that due to was not a proper synonym for because. And a handful of other putative misuses.

I am sort if a meat and potatoes kind of guy. I ride motorcycles and drive fast cars and wear blue jeans. Even at the age of 69. I have a feeling Leon never owned a pair of blue jeans. I have a feeling he was never in a Walmart and that if I had years later taken him to one he would have given me strict instructions that if by done cruel twist of fate he happened to die while in Walmart that I would drag his dead body at least to the nearest Nordstrom's.

I haven't seen or talked to Leon for 20 years at least.

I'm sorry to hear of his death. That one week I spent with him was a seminal one. A magical one. I lived in his world. We all create worlds and parallel universes and his was ne plus ultra.

Estelle, I am sorry for your loss. There is a relatively modern Christian hymn the refrain of which is, "We're all passing through." We are all passing through, to pass through never again, I fear.

That's what makes the loss significant. Every hand dealt is in the end a losing one. The only difference is how we okay the hand before we find and he played it elegantly.

Katharine Nemser

July 20, 2014

Dear Estelle, I did not see Leon for years, but he certainly touch me . He was a rare breed. I'm so lucky to had spend some many wonderful time with you, and Leon. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Katharine Nemser

Ben Nemser

July 19, 2014

Dear Estelle. I only now learned of Leon's passing. Leon was one of the most caring, interesting, charming, and classy people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, He was a true gentleman, a very rare commodity in this day and age. Katharine, Josh and I all cherish our memories with you and Leon.
Ben Nemser

June 21, 2014

Dearest Estelle,

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Leon was an exceptional person and friend.

Love,
Anne Smith and the Hyman Family

MaxineLax

June 20, 2014

sorry to hear of Leon's death..he was a "star"..

June 18, 2014

Dear Estelle,
our deep condolences ... Leon was a wonderful man ... warm hugs,
Anna and Emanuel Nadler

Rae and Irv Russo

June 17, 2014

To our dear friend Estelle,
Leon was a warm and wonderful man. We will miss his good humor and friendship. Please accept our deepest condolences at this most difficult time.
Rae and Irv Russo

June 17, 2014

we loved him dearly....beezy,mitty marcie and wendi

June 17, 2014

Barbara and I have a warm spot in our hearts for Leon. He was always upbeat and positive, and we enjoyed our times together. We will miss him.

Allan and Barbara Weissman

June 17, 2014

Dear Estelle
Elliott and I were so very sorry to hear of your great loss. Please accept our deepest sympathy and know that out thoughts are with you ant the entire family at this very sad time.
Most Sincerely
Sue & Elliott Solomon

Stephen Gordon

June 17, 2014

I met Leon for the first time at High Ridge when I became a member last year. He was a delightful lunch companion who had much to offer from his lifetime experiences. I will miss his company and his warm welcoming way. May his memory be forever a blessing to his loved ones.

June 17, 2014

Dear Estelle,
He was a wonderful man who added so much to everyone's life. My sympathy is with you ....Phyllis H

CAMERON BISHOP

June 17, 2014

I will really miss Leon. He was a lot of fun. He made me laugh, and was always great with the advice. It was a honor to work with him. Dr. Cameron Bishop

Marcia Winikoff

June 16, 2014

Dear Estelle,
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
The Winikoff's

Sue and Fred Witt

June 16, 2014

Smart, honest, loving, devoted, and loved by all. We were all better people for having him in our lives. Leon will be deeply missed.

Jan Weissman-Hopman

June 16, 2014

My dear Uncle Leon. I will miss our phone conversations and visits and your advice.You were loved !

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