Stanley Schlesinger

Stanley Schlesinger, on June 11, 2025 of Haverford, PA.

From a humble and difficult beginning, Stanley Schlesinger carved a life of success, love and joy for himself and everyone around him.

Stanley grew up in the Bronx and lost his own father at the young age of 9. He and his older brother, Lenny, were raised by his mother, Jessie Schlesinger. He always acknowledged his childhood friends who gave him not only friendship but a strong sense of belonging and lifelong values that filled the void of his loss of a father at such a young age. The “Phantoms” were a social club that enjoyed sports, playing pool, and gathering in one of the building’s basements where they lived. Of course, Stan was the official treasurer of the group. Obviously, his calling to numbers and accounting started at an early age. They Phantoms remained friends throughout the years, spending special moments together such as New Years parties, family events and lifelong travel. Stan was the last of the 22 Phantoms to pass away --- truly the last man standing. They are all welcoming him in heaven asking him why it took him so long – he was still enjoying his wonderful life.

As a young boy, Stan worked to help with the family expenses. He delivered groceries and was a golf caddy at a nearby course. Whatever he earned he gave to his mother to help out. He continued to help her throughout her life. He was always a very good and loving son. 

Stan did well in school. Numbers spoke to him. He attended City College. After college, Stan first worked for the Textile Workers’ Union and then for an appraisal firm before joining the accounting firm of Leo Sussman & Company. When Leo Sussman (who was both an attorney and accountant) decided to focus on his law practice, Stan took over the accounting practice and he grew/managed that accounting firm for approximately 50 years. Stan loved his clients and enjoyed his client’s successes and watching their business grow and flourish. He would visit his clients regularly and got to know them well. Along with his business relationship with his clients he also developed strong personal connections with them over the years and was still in contact with their children.

He met the love of his life, Helene Schlesinger at a college social event. They were smitten right away. Thank goodness he had a car because she lived in Queens and otherwise, she would have been “geographically undesirable”. They had a lovely courtship. They married and within a year had their first child, Caryl. The family grew with the addition of Hilary 2-1/2 years later and then Cliff 4 years later. Stan was a fun and loving father to all of his children and he loved them unconditionally.  His family was the center of Stan’s life. Each one thought they were his favorite. He made life fun, interesting and special. There were always great times at Silverpoint Beach Club, family vacations, yearly trips to Florida at Christmas and Phantom gatherings in the Catskills. There were many memories of Christmas times spent at Sanibel Island in Florida and in later years, family gatherings at The Mohonk Mountain House, the Greenbrier Resort, The Nemacolin Resort in PA, and SkyTop to name a few.

About 35 years ago, Helene and Stan bought their second home on Long Island in Southampton. The most treasured memories for the family were spent at this Southampton home each summer. It was also their weekend retreat and special place throughout the year. Stan loved his Southampton home and served over 35 years on the Board of the HOA and as their Treasurer. He wanted to help make the Southampton community a special place to live for all its residents. Stan loved making fires as they came out in the winter, sitting on his deck in the summer, playing tennis and golf with friends and his grandchildren and hosting family and friends each weekend. Of course, he enjoyed several US Open Golf tournaments played at Shinnecock Hills attending with his family and great grandson.

Stan never knew a stranger. He would go out of the house to take out the trash and come back an hour later. He had to talk to everyone. He was always curious about people. He was warm, engaging and kind. He had a strong sense of doing the right thing. Of course, they had their favorite restaurants in Southampton such as La Parmigiana. Stan knew all the wait staff there. Everyone was Stan’s friend, among them, his sons-in-law, Todd and Tom and daughter-in-law, Sue.

He loved his grandchildren so much. Each one that came along, first Andy and Bess and then Julie and Brett and then Alex were his pride and joy. They never missed a special event and attended every graduation and saw each of his grandchildren married. Stan was there for every important event in their lives. Later he welcomed his great grandchildren – Josh, Regan, Addison, Corinne, Wes, Harrison and Mila. It is remarkable to see how his family grew from Helene and Stan to a wonderful family now numbering 22 and continuing to grow.

In the final chapter of his life, he and Helene moved from Queens to The Quadrangle to live in PA near their son, daughter-in-law, and Helene’s beloved cousin of blessed memory. Their time at the Quadrangle was filled with the opportunity to meet many new people and participate in the activities and learning opportunities offered there. He enjoyed dinner with various friends and his weekly pool game along with walks to the pond when the weather was nice. It was a lovely place for him and he was very happy there.

His entire family feels incredibly blessed to have had him in their lives for so long and to have shared with him their joys, challenges, successes, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Stan truly was the kindest of men, so humble and who did not forget where he came from. He cared about everyone, and he received that back from so many of the people who knew him throughout his life. What an amazing story to share and be so proud of. Stan will be deeply missed!

Memorial Contributions

Memorial contributions in Stanley’s memory may be made to:

HIAS

Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Founded to help Jews fleeing pogroms in Europe, today HIAS stands for a world in which refugees of all faiths find welcome, safety, and opportunity.

https://hias.org/

ADL

The Anti-Defamation League, is an international non-governmental organization that was founded to combat antisemitism, as well as other forms of bigotry and discrimination

https://www.adl.org/