Sylvan Schefler

Sylvan Schefler, known affectionately as "Bear", who journeyed from wartime Europe to America and built a life defined by resilience, devotion, and an abiding love of sports, died on September 8, 2025, in New York City with his family by his side. He was 87.

Mr. Schefler was born in Belgium and came to the United States with his parents and older brother during World War II. He was proud of his Jewish heritage and carried history with quiet strength.

Sports were among his great passions. A lifelong New York Giants and New York Rangers fan, he was also a proud member of the "Super Bowl Five," a small group of devotees who attended every Super Bowl. He often said that the experience was one of his life's greatest honors and was able to take several of his grandchildren with him over the years.

He graduated from Cornell University, where he met his future wife, Joan Kanstoren. The couple married shortly after and shared 66 years together, celebrating their anniversary just one day before his death.

Professionally, Mr. Schefler built his career in finance at Drexel Burnham Lambert, continuing on in the financial services industry. But work never defined him as much as his commitment to family. He delighted in time spent with his three daughters - Dawn (Robert Spiera), Hope (Glenn Taitz), and Nikki (Brad Silver) - and his grandchildren - Amanda, David, Emily (Brandon Gold), Zachary, Julia, Harrison, Jeremy, Jack, Justin, and their significant others. He is also survived by his brothers, Arno (Danner) and Joseph (Elizabeth).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sylvan's honor to Park Avenue Synagogue or Memorial Sloan Kettering - Pancreatic Cancer Research.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 9:45am at Park Avenue Synagogue. 50 E. 87th Street.