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Raymond Lederman Obituary

Dr. Raymond Karl Lederman Whose compassion and deep devotion to his family and values made him a guiding light to all who knew him, passed away peacefully at his home on June 15, 2015 after a long journey with cancer. He was 65. Born on February 24, 1950 in Detroit, he graduated from the University of Michigan, then attended medical school at Michigan State University. He practiced family medicine in California before meeting the love of his life, Amy Hirshberg, and moving to Tucson in 1982 to complete a residency in psychiatry at the University of Arizona. A passionate advocate for child and adolescent mental health, he served as medical director for Desert Hills Hospital and the Providence Corporation, where he was adored by patients and staff alike. As the Associate Medical Director of the Arizona Department of Health, he reformed the behavioral health system for children and adolescents across Arizona. He served as Associate Medical Director for the Community Partnership of Southern Arizona for six years before retiring in 2011, but continued as a psychiatric consultant for the United States Department of Justice; responsible for reviewing, monitoring and auditing inpatient and outpatient facilities nationwide. He was a leader and active member in Tucson's Jewish community and gave generously of his time to Hillel, Tucson Hebrew Academy, Congregation Or Chadash and other community organizations. Ray was a devoted son, brother, father, husband and friend. He exuded a gentle strength, radiant smile and unique ability to connect with others on a deep human level. Ray is survived by his wife of 32 years, Amy Hirshberg Lederman; his children, Joshua and Lauren; his siblings, Martin Lederman, Judy Gold and Sema Lederman; as well as countless relatives and friends. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Rd., followed by graveside services at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray's honor to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY, www.evergreen-tucson.com

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

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Jun. 17, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Lederman

Not sure what to say?





Lana Longoni

June 11, 2021

Amy: I will never forget Ray as he truly made an indelible mark in my "Favorite - Authentic - Kind - Compassionate & Dedicated" people in my life The pictures are reminders of all of you & often Wonder what the children have chosen for their lives Gone too soon: NEVER forgotten!!

July 1, 2015

Dear Amy, my most sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved husband. Joan Elder

Lana Longoni

June 29, 2015

To: Amy, Josh & Lauren: MANY years ago, while working at Desert Hills, I had the privilege of babysitting Josh & Lauren. I was blessed to to have been even a small part of the Lederman Family since Ray was one of the kindest, most loving, and dedicated people I had ever met. Ray epitomized all that was genuine and authentic! I have asked about him many many times, and now am saddened, with countless others that he has passed from this earth. Thank you for posting the pictures - they brought many smiles. Amy, Josh and Lauren, I hope that the indelible memories in your hearts will help you during your most challenging times. I send Hugs and Deepest Sympathy for an AMAZING husband, father, friend and colleague. He was THE BEST!

Josh Lederman

June 20, 2015

Josh Lederman

June 20, 2015

Josh Lederman

June 20, 2015

Josh Lederman

June 20, 2015

Josh Lederman

June 20, 2015

Josh Lederman

June 20, 2015

Jan Springer-Woodland

June 19, 2015

My deepest sympathies are extended to Ray Lederman's family. I was fortunate to have worked many years with Ray at Desert Hills Center For Youth and Families. He was the most compassionate person I ever met and had such a wonderful connection with the children he served at Desert Hills. All the staff enjoyed his laughter, smile and wit. Rest in peace my friend.

Jan and Craig Courtney

June 19, 2015

Dearest Amy, Josh and Lauren,
I just learned tonight about Ray's passing. I know you will find comfort in one another. Ray was one of the kindest, most compassionate men I have ever known-not to mention he had a wicked sense of humor. May your memories keep him always with you. Craig and I send our deepest condolences and warmest thoughts to all of you. Love, Jan

June 18, 2015

Dear Amy,Josh and Lauren,
Tricia and I are thinking of you during this difficult time. Ray was one-of-a-kind--warm, compassionate, loving, sensitive,fun and funny--a real mensch. Even after all these years, I can conjure up the sound of his voice and laugh which never fails to make me smile. May his memory be a blessing.
Richard Fruchter

Kathy Jirschele

June 18, 2015

Dearest Amy, I send my deepest condolences to you on the loss of your husband and soul-mate Ray. I will keep you and your children in my thoughts and prayers.

June 18, 2015

Dear Amy and Family,
My deepest and sincerest condolences on the loss of your wonderful Ray. I heard only the best about him when I was at JFCS. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Behr

Reagan Gray

June 18, 2015

Dear Amy and family,
My heart goes out to you. Through Brenna, I learned what a compassionate man Ray was. His optimism and genuine concern for his family and friends was immeasurable. Thinking of you. Love, Reagan

Sandi Archer

June 18, 2015

I was one of the very fortunate who worked with Dr. Lederman at Desert Hills. Although I have a huge basket full of memories, my fondest is the sound of his laughter. I will keep it with me always. My most sincere thoughts are with the family he adored.

Ellyn Wolfenson

June 17, 2015

Dear Amy,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear husband. May his memory and everything you created together sustain you as the days turn into weeks, months and years. Sending you all good things across the miles.
Ellyn Wolfenson

June 17, 2015

Dear Amy and family,
We are very saddened by your loss and send our sincere
condolences.
Harold and Simone Hyams

June 17, 2015

I met Ray when we were both at the Dept of Psychiatry, I remember him as a gentle, compassionate man that I admired. My sympathy to his family, the world has lost a treasure, Martha Fimbres

Sheryl Oden

June 17, 2015

Dear Lederman family--- I am sad to learn of your loss - I hope you find comfort in one another. I think of all of you often. I will keep you in my thoughts and secular prayers

Natalie Perry

June 17, 2015

My deepest sympathy
for your loss. I worked with Ray at Providence for many years. He was a great mentor and a caring human being. His loss will be felt throughout the community.

June 17, 2015

Dear Amy and Family,
Years ago I had the pleasure of supervising Ray during his residency, and we interacted periodically over the years. He was the most compassionate of men who cared for others and had the capacity to understand them. The world is a much sadder place with his passing.
Ron David

Stephen Scheiber

June 17, 2015

Amy and family,
Mickie and I send our condolences. I have fond memories of Ray when he was a resident in training and I was his training director. We are proud of all he accomplished in his short life.
Warm condolences,

Steve and Mickie Scheiber

June 17, 2015

Dear Amy and family, We are so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. He was such a warm, compassionate friend and psychiatrist. A true "Mensch."Our thoughts are with you. Love, Becky and Tex

June 17, 2015

Dear Amy, Lauren, and Josh,
The Greenwald family extends is deepest condolences. Holly always spoke so highly of you and Ray and how you always welcomed her into your home. I knew him professionally from CPSA. Our thoughts are with you during this trying time.
Jani, Holly, and Candice Greenwald

Ethan Fletcher

June 17, 2015

I met Ray years ago when Josh and I were students at Interlochen. I'll always remember his warm presence and how special he made me feel when he attended my organ recitals. My heart aches for the Lederman family as they mourn the loss of this wonderful man.

Mitchell Pozez

June 17, 2015

Amy and family,
Robin and I send our most sincere condolences of the loss of Ray. Tucson lost the nicest guy in town and he will be missed greatly. Please know that we are thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Mitch Pozez

James Fein

June 17, 2015

With love and compassion to the whole family.

Lisa Stutz

June 17, 2015

Dr. Lederman, you were my mentor, my friend and one of the kindest, funniest people I have ever met. You taught me so much, and I owe so much to you. But mostly, you showed this world that caring for each other is what really matters. I still have your "Rays Soda Pop Top Device" AKA 'a strainer" that you made me when I brilliantly swallowed that soda can top! You brightened my world, I will never forget you! Lisa Stutz

Gaye Tischler

June 17, 2015

I was stunned to read about Ray's death. We graduated from Mumford High School together back in 1967. I will always remember Ray as smart, sweet, and handsome. It looked like he went through his life doing wonderful work. Please know that you are in my heart and thoughts.

Vida and Eliot Barron

June 17, 2015

Rest in peace, dear friend. Your smile will light the way for us always.
Loved and missed by Vida and Eliot Barron

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

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Memorial Events
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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Evergreen Mortuary, Cemetery & Crematory - Tucson

3015 North Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85705

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