Service Information
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service
Shalom Memorial Funeral Home
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights
Shiva Information
Shiva Information
Max & Benny’s Restaurant
461 Waukegan Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
Following interment until 8:30 PM
Contributions
Temple Beth Sholom
http://www.templebethsholomfl.org
Congregation Beth Shalom
http://www.bethshalomnb.org
Empath Tidewell Hospice
http://www.tidewellfoundation.org/donate/
Obituary
Born in the Bronx and raised in New York City, Lew graduated from Columbia University with a degree in pharmacy and later earned his PhD from the University of Buffalo. He dedicated much of his distinguished career to Pennwalt Pharmaceuticals in Rochester, NY, where he and Irma raised their two children. His work spanned product development, technical operations, and the scale-up and optimization of new drug processes. After relocating to Glenview, IL, Lew continued his career with Searle Pharmaceuticals and ultimately retired from Pfizer Inc.
Lew embraced life with enthusiasm. He loved golf (most days), was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed boating on the Chain of Lakes—always with Irma by his side, even though she could not swim. He was a passionate reader and found great joy in playing canasta with friends and enjoying happy hours and gin and tonics. A lover of the opera, symphony, and travel, Lew especially treasured a recent 10-day cruise through Canada with his beloved Irma. Deeply committed to his faith, he was an active member of synagogues in both Illinois and Florida, where he read Torah weekly and taught Hebrew school. Above all, he was endlessly proud of his three beautiful grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237, Congregation Beth Shalom, 3433 Walters Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062, or Empath Tidewell Hospice, 5957 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL.
Chapel service will be held on Friday, February 13 at 12:15 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, with interment to follow at Shalom Memorial Park. For a link to view the service, shiva information, and to leave condolences, please visit www.shalommemorial.org or call 847-255-3520
Guest Book & Memories
Share your memories and photographs below.
February 13th, 2026
Linda and I enjoyed being neighbors and friends with Lew and Irma. Lew was a great person and lived a memorable and productive life.
May his memory be a blessing. Love Linda and Norm Newman
~Norm Newman
~Neighbor/ Friend, Lincolnshire
February 13th, 2026
Many pleasant memories sharing dinner with you snd Lew. Lew was always so proud of his family and loved his experiences with all of you May his memory be a blessing Sincere condolences from Corinne and Larry Baskin.
~Corinne and Larry Baskin
~Friend, Deerfield Illinoid
February 13th, 2026
We met you and
We met you and Lew down in Sarasota. We have spent many fun times together over the years. So deeply saddened for your loss. May the wonderful memories that you and your family cherish and live3 within your hearts. May his memory be a blessing,
Love
Paula and David
Let
~Paula and David Kaufman
~Friends, Sarasota Florida
February 13th, 2026
I met Lou when he joined GEL, a retired men’s group. Lou was warm and outgoing and always eager to help the organization. We spent many hours together on the golf course sharing bad shots and missed holes. While not a great golfer, he was above all a Mensch.
~Armand Bendersky
~Friend, Highland Park
February 12th, 2026
Lew Amsel was a good man who served G-D, and enjoyed his family, his friends, his life. We shared many good times with Lew & Irma, including a cruise last Fall. We will always remember Lew and his advice, “If you want the kids to visit, BUY THE TICKETS!”
~Eileen Adams & Phil Eras
~Friend, Sarasota, FL
February 11th, 2026
We met Irma and Lew later in life in Sarasota and cherished our friendship together. Lew exemplified kindness and sincerity and was truly a man of faith. We will miss our times with one another. With love, Terri and David
~Terri and David Goldbloom
~Friend, Sarasota, Florida
February 11th, 2026
Deepest condolences to the Amsel family on Lew’s passing. Linda and I celebrated several anniversaries with Lew and Irma and we enjoyed their company. Lew’s with golf gods now and I hope he’s taking a putting lesson. Rest in peace. Linda and Rich Tennenbaum
~Linda and Richard Tennenbaum
~Friend, Sarasota, FL
February 11th, 2026
A full, wonderful life ended way too soon. Our heartfelt condolences to the family. May Lew’s memory be a blessing to you all.
Most sincerely, Jo Ellen & Stephen Grossman
~Jo Ellen Grossman
~Friend, University Park, FL 34201
February 11th, 2026
Bruce and Bobbi have wonderful memories of our dear dear friend.
May he rest in peace and may we all have memories in our hearts. ♥️
~Bobbi Ezell
~Friend, Mundelein
Guest Book and Memories
Memorial Yahrzeit Request
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