Obituary of Bernard A. Fleishman

Troy, New York Bernard A. Fleishman, 87, died on April 6, 2013, at Samaritan Hospital in Troy after a brief illness. He is survived by his children, Daniel Fleishman (Barbara Shapiro), Nina Fleishman (Barry Leibson), and Leo Fleishman (Tracy Prebish); six grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. He was married for 61 years to Ruth Fleishman, who died last year. Born in New York City in 1925, Bernie was the son of Saul and Anna Fleishman. He graduated from City College of NY and earned an M.S. in physics and a Ph.D. in mathematics at New York University. After a short stint as a researcher at Johns Hopkins University, he began a long and distinguished career teaching mathematics at RPI, where he remained until retiring in 1990. A dedicated educator, he led workshops for high school math teachers, volunteered at the Robert C. Parker School, and continued to teach at RPI even after his retirement. Bernie was a community leader throughout most of his life, serving on the boards of various organizations, including Temple Beth El, the Capital District Transportation Authority, and Joseph's House and Shelter. He was president of the Brittonkill School Board for several years and served as president of the Interfaith Alliance of New York State until very recently. Bernie was also active in politics. He ran (unsuccessfully) for the New York State Senate and later the Brunswick Town Board. He headed the local delegation supporting George McGovern at the 1972 Democratic convention; he had met McGovern earlier and was one of a chorus of people urging him to run for president. Bernie was strongly opposed to the war in Vietnam and spoke frequently at anti-war rallies. A real Renaissance man, Bernie played the piano, enjoyed international travel, and spoke several languages; in fact, he majored in Greek and Latin in college. In WWII, in addition to serving in the Pacific, he spent some time teaching Arabic to soldiers on their way to North Africa. He didn't know the language; he just stayed a couple of chapters ahead in the book. Bernie was passionate about his family, his work, and the various causes and activities he supported. He had an amazing degree of empathy, believing in family and personal responsibility, but also in the obligation to help others who were in need. The family suggests that contributions in Bernie's memory be sent to Temple Beth El, 411 Hoosick Street, Troy, NY 12180; The Interfaith Alliance of New York State, 1 Lear Jet Lane, Suite 1A, Latham, NY 12210; or Joseph's House and Shelter, 74 Ferry Street, Troy, NY 12180. Services will be held at Temple Beth El, 411 Hoosick Street, Troy on Monday April 8 2013 at 11:00am Interment will follow in the Beth El Cemetery, Troy, NY.