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Fred Sonnenfeld Obituary

1927 - 2017
Fred Irving Sonnenfeld, of Geneva, NY, died Friday, March 24. He was 89. Born in Detroit to Jewish Hungarian immigrants, Fred was raised in the Bronx, graduated from Bronx Science, City College of New York, and Harvard Law School.

He possessed a handsome face, a brilliant intellect, and an intense love for life and family. A devotee of classical music, movie musicals and The New York Times, which, for nearly 75 years, he read daily cover to cover (except the sports section), Fred gleefully did the Times' crossword in pen.

A superb listener and a strong arm to lean on, Fred always made himself available to help a family member or friend. He loved a great joke and preferred classic films that, like Preston Sturges' films, combined "a great message with a little sex." Those who dined with him were informed that a meal was better when accompanied by fresh beefsteak tomatoes and steamed corn on the cob and that no dessert could ever contain too much lemon or vanilla.

After graduating from law school in 1952, Fred did his military service at Fort Dix, NJ, where an Army buddy set him up with Philadelphia college student Myra Gay Gever. Fred and Myra married in June 1956. The couple lived briefly in Queens before moving to Oceanside and then Rockville Centre to raise a family. Around this time, Fred paired up with some Harvard friends to establish Young, Sonnenfeld & Busner, a small corporate litigation firm in midtown Manhattan. The firm evolved over the years, eventually becoming Sonnenfeld & Richman, which is how the firm is still known today.

To those who knew Fred well he was gentle, caring, and wore an air of quiet contentment that never failed to soothe or give one hope. Because of his polite speech, calm demeanor and cautious stance, opposing counsel often underestimated him in court, stunned when he would decimate their arguments. One of the highlights of Fred's career occurred in 1976 when he wrote the appellant brief for, and partner Phillip Busner successfully argued, Carey v. Sugar before the U.S. Supreme Court, a rare privilege for even the most experienced litigators.

Fred believed deeply in the power of justice and democracy to create a better world. Even after he retired in 2003, and moved upstate, Fred volunteered for The Court Watch Project, observing proceedings to offer an impartial assessment of local courts' operations, and advocate for a fair and equitable justice system.

In addition to his wife Myra, he is survived by his seven children, seven grandchildren, and a great-grandson. Funeral services will be led by Rabbi Landowne on Sunday, April 2 at 10:30am, Devaney-Bennett Funeral Home, 181 N. Main Street, Geneva, NY 14456. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Court Watch Project, League of Women Voters-Geneva at http://geneva.ny.lwvnet.org. A memorial service will also be held in NYC/LI later this spring.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times from Mar. 29 to Mar. 30, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Fred Sonnenfeld

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Julia Brown

November 29, 2018

In the early 1980s I worked for a while at his Manhattan law firm. He was a genial Renaissance gentleman, had an entertainment client or few, and taught me what a theatrical "angel" was. One birthday lunchtime he arranged a surprise cake and sing for me in the firm library. Rest in peace, Mister Sonnenfeld, and L'chaim.

March 31, 2017

May his memories be a blessing,bringing comfort to grieving family and friends as he R.I.P

George Teel

March 30, 2017

It was a great pleasure to be Fred's son-in-law all these years. I will deeply miss having him turn up with a "What's doin'?!" and a smile. I will miss our conversations and debates, and his wholehearted advocacy of: Democracy, lemons, the New Deal, garlic, Rule of Law, chicken paprikash, Ethel Merman, The Big Apple, space exploration, The American Dream, the Gershwins, and always, acceptance of other people and their opinions.
We all learned a lot from him and admired him. His honesty, generosity of spirit, insight, optimism, genuine patriotism, and idealism will continue to be an inspiration. He always saw the best in people. Love, GP

March 30, 2017

Dear Andy & Family - I only had the pleasure of meeting Fred once, but he must've been a great man to have raised as fine a son, and gentleman, as you are. You and your family are in thoughts and prayers.

With deepest sympathies,
John Carroll

Charles Cooper

March 30, 2017

Sandi et al, Fred was a person of extraordinary courage and integrity. He recognized and fought for progressive ideas when doing so risked significant reprisals. His decision to adopt his late sisters three young children (my first cousins) in addition to the four of you will always reserve a special place for him in my heart.

March 30, 2017

Fred touched many people's hearts including Rob's and mine. We always enjoyed his company and looked forward to the times we could visit with him and Myra.

I got to know Fred better through Warren. There are few times when a father-in-law gets promoted to Dad. That was an easy promotion for War to make. He spoke fondly of Fred and the relationship they had developed.

In Warren and my conversations there was always an overriding theme of how well he lived life. You'll have many stories to tell and memories to share.

Thinking of you all~
Bonnie & Rob Wescott

PS My mom gave Sarita an angel for her car when she got her driver's license. It said, "Don't drive faster than your guardian angle can fly." How fast do you think Fred will be?

Arthur Teel

March 30, 2017

Dear Amy, my heartfelt sympathy for you and the entire family, a true gentleman has had to leave you.

March 30, 2017

Dear Sandi, Heartfelt condolences to you, Myra and the entire family. I treasure the years I spent working with Fred. It was a privilege to know such a unique and wonderful man. Best regards, Joel Berger

Mark Lutin

March 29, 2017

Sounds like he had a good full life and made a difference; can't ask for more than that. I hope your time of sorrow passes quickly and that you are soon left with good memories of happier days.

Stacey Donohue

March 29, 2017

Dear Sandi and the extended Sonnenfeld family: I'm so very sorry. I remember your dad fondly. Thinking of you all.
--Stacey Donohue

M Gutwein

March 29, 2017

Sandi and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Clearly he was a wonderful, well-loved man. My thoughts are with you during this time.

Tania Zamorsky

March 29, 2017

What a wonderful tribute! I am so sorry for your family's loss, Sandi.

Dana Morgan

March 29, 2017

I only know Fred Sonnenfeld through my work acquaintance with his daughter, Sandi. It has been a wonderful experience to have a connection to his family. What great memories you must have. Sincerest condolences.

Liz Pava

March 29, 2017

Sandi, thanks for sharing your dad's obituary - I would have liked him and understand a bit more where your passion and talents come from (and you look like his daughter!). Keeping your family in my thoughts.

Karen Berman

March 29, 2017

Sandi and Family, I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. May his memory be for a blessing.

Lee Jutton

March 29, 2017

My condolences to the entire family. I will be thinking of you during this difficult time.

Sandi

March 29, 2017

Dad: I will love you forever. Thanks for being you.

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