Written for the New York Times
by Fern L. Nesson
It is with unfathomable sorrow that we record the passing of Seymour J. Leicher, on July 18, 2010, at the age of 87. The first son of Abraham and Sara Leicher, Seymour was born on March 26, 1923. A graduate of Stuyvesant High School and New York University, Seymour served in World War II and returned to New York City in 1945. On December 22, 1946, he married the love of his life, Bernice Lindenberg. Together, in remarkable partnership, they raised four children, shared a beautiful home, created gardens and art, made many friends, traveled the world and contributed greatly to their community in Rockville Centre, New York.
Seymour’s lifelong passion was photography. An award-winning photographer, he taught photography for many years in local schools and colleges and published two books of his exquisite work: Reflections: A Lifetime of Photographs (2002) and Envoi (2010).
Seymour was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Sheldon and his sister, Arlene. His surviving family adored him. They include his wife of 62 years, his sister Joan Bender, his brothers-in-law Hyman Bender and Murray Borson, his children, Fern, Carol, Bruce and Amy, their spouses Charles Nesson, David Hatch, Ellen Leicher and Jody Price, his grandchildren Rebecca, Leila, Jonathan, Sara, Rachel, Wayne and Sebastian, his great-grandchildren Nico, Charlie, Max and Sasha, and many nieces and nephews.
Seymour always said that his photographs were all about light. He was the light of our lives.
Photo by Seymour J. Leicher