Charles Lew Lerman – 50th Reunion Essay

Charles Lew Lerman

Date of Death: 24-Sep-2015

College: Jonathan Edwards

(This memorial is drawn from the January/February 2016 Class Notes and the Guest Book of legacy.com)

Carney Mimms remembers Charlie Lerman: Charlie was a true original and a vivid presence during my time at Yale. I think we all knew from the moment we first met him that Charlie had the makings of a first-class scientist, a promise he certainly fulfilled. He was also a hard-hitting football player and possessed of a fine dry sense of humor. I vividly remember the day I was introduced to him by my freshman roommate Ira Berkower, Charlie’s classmate at the Pingry School in New Jersey. Ira’s gruff, bear-like friend turned out to be surprisingly patient in helping me through Inorganic Chemistry when Ira’s patience flagged. Chemistry was organic to Ira and Charlie but entirely inorganic to me. They were my true and lasting introduction to the life of science.

Mollie Plotkin: I am so very sad to hear of the passing of Charlie Lerman. He was the smiling face I looked forward to seeing at Temple Sholom in Broomall. He always had a kind word and a smile for me and my family. I was shocked to learn of his death and am so sad for your loss as well as those of us at Temple Sholom. He will be very missed.

Kris and Mark Soffa: Charlie was a superb kayaker and a much loved and respected member of the Philadelphia Canoe Club. He was so kind and funny and I remember him urging me to really take on the rapids and master the art of surfing a wave (facing upstream in the rapid). His point was simply: “Why not experience the full range of paddling joy and glory, and reach for the most gusto life has to offer?” He will be missed by the members of this club and by all who had the pleasure of paddling with him. May the love and support of family and friends be a comfort to those who loved him, and may his memory live on in our hearts and be a blessing to all who knew him.

Anonymous: My condolences to the family and friends of Charles Lerman. I knew him as Charlie at Yale. I was his friend and roommate. When Simon and Garfunkel came out with “Bookends” the name stuck to us because of our similar builds and playing football for the Jonathan Edwards-Branford intramural football team. We shared a lot over the years. It is hard to believe he is gone. He will always be in my heart.