Lewis P. Amsel

Lewis P. Amsel, 83, beloved husband of 61 years to Irma (née Lazar), passed away on February 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted father, he is deeply mourned by his children Judith (Jerrold) Weinstein and Jeffrey Amsel (Jenny Cizner), and was the extremely proud grandfather of Melissa Weinstein, Alicia Amsel, and Molly Amsel. Lew was the caring son of the late William and Irene Amsel and a cherished friend to many whose lives he touched with humor, warmth and generosity.

Born in the Bronx and raised in New York City, Lew graduated from Columbia University with a degree in pharmacy and later earned his PhD from the University of Buffalo. He dedicated much of his distinguished career to Pennwalt Pharmaceuticals in Rochester, NY, where he and Irma raised their two children. His work spanned product development, technical operations, and the scale-up and optimization of new drug processes. After relocating to Glenview, IL, Lew continued his career with Searle Pharmaceuticals and ultimately retired from Pfizer Inc.

Lew embraced life with enthusiasm. He loved golf (most days), was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed boating on the Chain of Lakes-always with Irma by his side, even though she could not swim. He was a passionate reader and found great joy in playing canasta with friends and enjoying happy hours and gin and tonics. A lover of the opera, symphony, and travel, Lew especially treasured a recent 10-day cruise through Canada with his beloved Irma. Deeply committed to his faith, he was an active member of synagogues in both Illinois and Florida, where he read Torah weekly and taught Hebrew school. Above all, he was endlessly proud of his three beautiful grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237, Congregation Beth Shalom, 3433 Walters Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062, or Empath Tidewell Hospice, 5957 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL.

Chapel service will be held on Friday, February 13 at 12:15 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, with interment to follow at Shalom Memorial Park. For a link to view the service, shiva information, and to leave condolences, please visit www.shalommemorial.org or call 847-255-3520