Mr. Seymour Auerbach

Seymour Auerbach, 93, an accomplished architect, passed away on October 10, while recovering from a fall suffered at his home of almost sixty years in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He is survived and will be missed by his brother S. Leonard Auerbach (Holly); his daughters Kalin Hyman (John) and Alison Auerbach (Marc Schindler); his grandchildren, Tucker Hyman (Kaeley Secan), Montana Hyman, Maya Schindler, and Jacob Schindler, and his great granddaughter Berkeley Rose Hyman; as well as a niece, cousins, and his devoted caregiver. His two marriages ended in divorce.

Sy was born on May 28, 1929 in New York City (Bronx) and raised by his beloved parents, the late Jennie (Norman) and Nathan Auerbach. He graduated from the Yale University School of Fine Arts with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1951. He then served in the US Army Corps of Engineers as a Sergeant First Class. From there, Sy moved to the DC area and launched a successful career in architecture and academia.

Sy considered “it to be of the highest calling to be involved in the improvement of man’s physical environment: not only his shelter, but also his public environment and the implements he uses.” He devoted his professional life to designing spaces that were both functional and pleasing to the eye. Sy began his career as a designer, associate and then partner in several architectural firms. He joined the faculty of the Department of Architecture and Planning at The Catholic University of America in 1960, earned tenure in 1974, and continued teaching until his retirement in 1999. He reveled in mentoring young architects, challenging them to “solve individual problems of design.”

Sy went into private practice in 1971 and was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. His commissioned projects included residences, resorts, religious institutions, schools and university buildings, as well as financial institutions and office buildings. Designing synagogues, where his profession intersected with his faith and cultural upbringing, was a source of particular pride. Sy was also President of Kamak Enterprises, Inc., which he created to pursue patent commercialization and develop his many inventions. Sy received numerous awards for his work and enjoyed entering design competitions. He was a member of the Cosmos Club and served on various boards throughout his career.

Sy was admired for his sharp intellect, wit and charm, as well as his creativity and artistic eye. He loved reading mystery thrillers, tinkering in his workshop, traveling, and a good scotch! Spending time with friends and family, celebrating their accomplishments, and seeing his grandchildren grow up brought him immense joy.

A funeral will be held at 12:30pm on Sunday, October 16 at Joseph Gawler’s Sons in Washington, DC, followed by interment at Parklawn Memorial Park and Menorah Gardens in Rockville, MD. The family will receive friends at his home from 5:00-8:00pm. Donations may be made in his name to the Maryland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association or the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad.