Erwin Alfred Lezberg

Erwin was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, in 1929 to David and Anna Lezberg. Erwin’s father, David Lezberg, immigrated from Russia as a young man, and with his brothers owned and operated the Tip Top Market in Somerville. As a boy, Erwin delivered groceries on his bicycle to local customers. At a young age, Erwin showed curiosity for the natural world and science, nurtured by his chemist uncle. Erwin began to experiment in his basement with some explosive results.

Erwin studied chemical engineering at Tufts University, where he was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. After graduation, he joined the Lewis Research Lab at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Cleveland, Ohio. There he worked as an aerospace engineer for 42 years, conducting and supervising research on hypersonic jet propulsion, jet combustion, and monitoring of atmospheric pollution associated with aircraft engine emissions and the eruption of Mount St. Helens.

In 1956, Erwin married Sally Rubin in Cleveland, Ohio. Married for 47 years, they raised six girls. He and Sally were active members of Beth Israel West Temple. He fostered his children’s interests in outdoor activities by enthusiastically taking them along on camping, fishing, skiing, and canoeing trips. His passion for gardening, which he cultivated over many years, is shared by all of his children.

Erwin volunteered at Berea Little Theater as a set builder and eventually as an amateur actor, displaying role-playing skills that would be remembered by all of his grandchildren. When he retired, he took up pottery, applying the perspective of a research chemist to experiment with glazes and produce clay creations of all sorts.

After Sally’s death, Erwin relocated to Ann Arbor in 2007, where, with his partner, Rhea Seldin, he participated in the Jewish Cultural Society Chavurah, sought out continuing education courses, and enjoyed spending time with Rhea, friends, and family. Erwin will be remembered fondly for his generosity of spirit, his creative nature, his passion for science, and his quiet and abiding love for his family.

Erwin was preceded in death by his wife, Sally (2003), daughter, Donna (1991), and companion Rhea Seldin (2020). He is survived by his five daughters: Cynthia Marks (Steven), Carol Neiger (Carmi), Sharon Lezberg (Brian Yandell), Ann Lezberg (David Bushey), and Suzy Jackson (Brian Dziubinski); his eight granddaughters: Eve Neiger, Arielle Drescher (Ben), Elisa Marks (Alex Lafontaine), Julia Marks, Hannah Jackson (Ryan Schmittou), Emma Jackson, Zoey Yandell, Sarah Yandell; his great grandson, Rafael Drescher; and siblings Arnold Lezberg and Barbara Galis.

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 4, at Muehlig Funeral Home, 403 S. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan, at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Erwin’s memory to the Environmental Defense Fund or Jewish Family Services of Ann Arbor.

To view the live stream of Erwin's Service please click the following link at the time of the service. https://youtube.com/live/3Teh7oAuEEA?feature=share