Fred Israel

Fred Israel, of Royal Oak MD, passed away on December 22, 2024, at the age of 97. He was blessed with a long life, a loving family, and a peaceful passing. Fred was born in May of 1927, in the Bronx, New York. His parents were Hyman and Mollie Israel, immigrants from a small shtetl in Belarus and owners of a kosher butcher shop. Fred grew up in an observant Jewish household, where he spoke Yiddish and attended Hebrew school. At the age of 18, Fred joined the Navy, and achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He received a degree in electrical engineering from City College of New York. In 1957, Fred founded Fred Israel and Associates, a consultant engineering liaison and technical marketing company. He discovered his passion for law and received his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University. Soon after, he opened his own law firm, and later co-founded Trident Labs and Syscon Corp. Fred married Lesley Lowe in Washington DC, in December of 1960. He passed away just four days after their 64th wedding anniversary. Together, Fred and Lesley built a happy home for their two sons, Herman and Sanford. They were active Democratic political campaigners, philanthropists, and advocates for interfaith dialogue. On the Eastern Shore, Fred was an avid sailor and served numerous community organizations, including the Temple B’nai Israel (president and board member), the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (board of governors), and the Talbot Association of Clergy and Laity (board member). Fred is remembered by his family and friends as generous, loving, and intelligent. He was a passionate debater with a strong interest in law, politics, and religion; one of his favorite sayings was, “if we agree, then one of us is not necessary.” He would debate for hours with his two best friends, Carl Widell and Father Bill George. Fred is survived by his wife, Lesley; his sister, Muriel; his son, Sandy, daughter in law, Donna Israel, and his five grandchildren; Jake, Jesse, Katie, Evan, and Ryan. He was preceded in death by his son, Herman. Papa, we will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile. Services will be held at B’nai Israel Synagogue at 11 am on Sunday, December 29th, and the burial will follow at Oxford Cemetery.

Fred Israel

May 29, 1927 - December 22, 2024