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SAMUEL HALPERIN Obituary
HALPERIN Dr. SAMUEL HALPERIN Dr. Samuel Halperin, a widely respected national education policymaker, died in his Washington, DC home on May 6, 2014 at age 84 of pancreatic cancer. Dr. Halperin dedicated his career to American public education, striving to bridge the gap between research, policy and practice in education and youth development. Among his many accomplishments, he developed the landmark Elementary and Secondary Education Act in 1965, led George Washington University's Institute for Education Leadership from 1969-81, and founded the Institute for Educational Leadership and the American Youth Policy Forum. Dr. Halperin is the author or editor of over a dozen books and 100 articles related to the political process and educational policy issues. Most famously, he co-wrote the influential 1988 reports The Forgotten Half: Non-College Youth in America and Pathways to Success for America's Youth and Young Families. He earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from Washington University of St. Louis in 1956 and, over his career, taught at Wayne State, American, Duke, and Teachers Columbia Universities, and lectured at many others. Dr. Halperin served as a director or advisory member of over 50 nonprofit organizations. In addition to his professional commitment to social equality through education, Dr. Halperin was dedicated to the Jewish social justice tradition of Tikun Olam, as a Zionist and supporter of numerous Jewish organizations in the US, Israel and beyond. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marlene Halperin, son Dr. Elan Halperin (Dr. Barbara Brynelson), daughter Deena Barlev (Dr. Robert King), and five grandchildren. The family will welcome friends on Saturday, May 10, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the home of Deena Barlev, 16114 Llewellyn Manor Way, Silver Spring, MD. Contributions may be made to the Sixth and I Historic Jewish Synagogue, or The Latin American Youth Center, both of Washington, DC. http://www.legacy.com/funerals/rapp-silverspring/obituary.aspx?n=samuel-halperin&pid=170934755
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Memories and Condolences
for SAMUEL HALPERIN
Sponsored by His Loving Family and Friends.
Bill Rosenblum
July 2, 2014
Dear Marlene and Family -
My wife Rita and I would like to convey our deepest sympathy to the entire family. I knew Sam for 40 years or more though our shared loves, numismatics and Israel. He was one of true giants in our field and was always willing to share his knowledge. Early in my career he unwittingly let me know that numismatics was a 24 hour 365 days a year "calling" when he called me one early Thanksgiving morning to discuss a group of banknotes. I'm very sorry for your loss.
June 6, 2014
It was sad to learn that my friend Sam Halperin has passed away. I worked with Sam on education legislation in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare during the Johnson Administration in the 1960's. Through the years, the seminars and papers that Sam wrote and supported were excellent contributions to the development and understanding of education and youth policy issues. In recent years, my wife Carol and I enjoyed seeing and talking with Sam and his wife Marlene when we met them at many Shakespeare Theatre plays. With appreciation for the wonderful life he lived, our sympathies are extended to Sam's family.
Richard E. Johnson
Stevanne auerbach
May 27, 2014
Dear Marlene and children
Sam was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. My good friend since the 60's i valued our friendship over all of the years. Hope you are managing ok and all is well for you
Sam was a great person and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew him
May 27, 2014
Dear Marlene and children
Sam was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. My good friend since the 60's i valued our friendship over all of the years. Hope you are managing ok and all is well for you
warm wishes
Stevanne Auerbach PhD
Janice and Adel Sanchez
May 26, 2014
Dear Marlene and Family,
We are thinking of all of you in the midst of your loss. We have such wonderful memories of Sam from these past thirty-some years we have known him. The last time we were together was about two years ago for a party after a concert. He was so loving, generous, encouraging. We remember him with great fondness.
Sending love and prayers, Janice and Adel Sanchez
May 19, 2014
Elan,
I am a classmate of yours from HAGWASH. Sincerest condolences on the loss of your father.
Rabbi Mordechai Wecker
Greg Lipscomb
May 13, 2014
To say I will miss him so understates the scale of what has happened that it mocks the words of their meaning. He took me on late in his life, took me on as an apprentice, understudy, acolyte. He became my guide, my liege, in all matters Israeli and Jewish, and then in all matters of life itself. We met regularly at a vacuous inexpensive carry-out on M Street, each of us eating just a few ounces, as though we were in the Negev, he my Abraham, I his Isaac. And slowly, without expectation or reward, he mentored me, told me gently of what to take on and what not to. Life, ever querulous, simmered and then settled down, so that when I had to leave the city, for good, he said goodbye without ever really saying so, but knowing that he had vested within me the courage to carry on without him.
Dayna Nokes-Minor
May 13, 2014
Dear Marlene and Family, words cannot express how I felt hearing the news of Sam's passing. We here at ARE will always remember his spirit and his dedication to this agency. On a personal note it was Sam who first made me feel welcomed in my new position as President and CEO of this agency. I was always able to call on him and he gave me guidance, but even more than that he let me know that I was not alone. We will truly miss him and know that we are here for the family if there ever a need. Bless you all and Sam's spirit surrounds us all.
James Guthrie
May 12, 2014
I worked with Sam in 1966 and 1967. He was a brilliant political strategist and a fine mentor to me. I am grateful for his influence on my life I am most sorry to learn of his death. It as premature from my standpoint I would like his wife and children to know that few others taught me as much regarding Washington DC, politics or education policy.
James W. Guthrie
George W Bush Institute
Dallas Texas
Christine Wilson
May 10, 2014
We will miss you, Sam.
Sherry Peach-Walker
May 9, 2014
Dear Deena and Family --- it was a sincere honor and pleasure to work with you these past few months. It is deeply satisfying to know Elizabeth and the others were a support to you, your father and your family. It was also impressive to see your level of love as well as your commitment to his comfort - you are all so blessed to have one another. Thinking of you during this time and wishing you all well.
Alan and Marilyn Zuckerman
May 8, 2014
Marlene and family. The world is a sadder place today. Sam was a dear friend, mentor, colleague and sometimes co-conspirator. He was instrumental in the growth of the National Youth Employment Coalition. Sam was always a gentle, smart and caring advocate for young people and people, organizations and programs that served them well.
We share your loss, but we have such great memories. Much love, Alan & Marilyn
Linda Hall
May 8, 2014
My thoughts, and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Linda Hall
Judie Shepherd-Martin
May 8, 2014
Dear Marlene And Family: I had the pleasure of meeting this gentle giant through my fiancé Thomas W. Gore; and there was no kinder heart than his; his generous spirit and words of encouragement during a difficult time will forever be a source of strength for us. Such a wise and compassionate fellow whose memory we will treasure forever; Shalom; Judie and Thomas. Whatever, whenever we are just a phone call away and never ever hesitate to ask. His spirit of Excellence lives on in all of us that he inspired!
Lori Kaplan
May 7, 2014
Dear Halperin Family, I was so sad to get the news today regarding your loss. I have known Sam for many years and valued his kindness, his wisdom, and his commitment to young people through his policy and direct service work. Today I learned even more about his many incredible accomplishments - far more than I even knew. Every time I would see him he would give me a very warm and gracious smile and he always made me feel that my work was truly valued and appreciated by him. And even with his passing he continues to value our work. Thank you for sharing him with so many and please know that his reach extended to all of us who valued him. My prayers are with you all.
Lynda Tredway
May 7, 2014
To Sam's wonderful family to whom he was devoted -- another way he provided a warm, loving, caring and constant example of how to live and love in this world. He taught me so much, supported me so consistently -- his mentoring, standards of excellence and human example of unfailing kindness have served as a model since I met him in 1986. Blessings to all of you. Lynda
Jan Muzyczka
May 7, 2014
Dear Marlene, Deena and Elan-I am so sad to hear that Sam is gone. He was a special person. He and my mom were great friends. love-Jan Muzyczka
May 7, 2014
I am sorry for your loss. May the peace of God be with you.
Peter Joyce
May 7, 2014
There are GIANTS in the field of education. I consider Sam to be at the top of the list. He was passionate, committed, and very insightful. I worry that there are a limited number of people who can stand in his shoes these days.
Eran Yuval
May 7, 2014
Sam, Your love, thoughtfulness and example have inspired me since I can remember. I will miss you very much.
McCarthy
May 7, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. May the Most High God comfort you during these difficult days. (Psalm 83:18)
Glenda Partee
May 7, 2014
Sam was my mentor and friend. We worked together at the American Youth Policy Forum, but it seems like I knew him or of him for forever. He was a great advocate for youth.
Stephanie Lurz
May 6, 2014
Such a sweet man. We will miss him at AYPF.
May 6, 2014
I know This wonderful man through the eyes of his beautiful daughter Deena. He must have been an extraordinary man. He certainly lived a extraordinary life.
Cyndi Glass, Maryland
sid morginstin
May 6, 2014
Sam was a great client -- and more importantly a great friend. He will be missed. May his memory be for a blessing.
carmen hertel
May 6, 2014
I am one of many who did not meet Dr. Halperin personally. Though fortunate that through his grandchild Talia, who is my co-worker is now linked to his greatness. What a life! It is with awe that I read all his achievements. However, it is not so much that the list keeps on, but the love that shines forth from it. And the love that will radiate from it even more. What wondrous love. Truly as he is named, when the Lord called out "Samuel, Samuel", he answered " Here I am." And He served in the House of the Lord. Thank you. It is a privilege for me to know you.
Michael Kirst
May 6, 2014
I worked with him at OE from 1964-1968. He was influential in dozens of bills that are still here today.
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