Horace Stern; active in Jewish affairs

Horace Stern, 85, of Elkins Park, a lawyer and a leader in the Jewish community, died of complications from a blood disorder Saturday at Albert Einstein Medical Center.

Mr. Stern was a lifelong member of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park, where he served as president, taught in the religious school, and was a lay service leader. Every Shabbat, unless he was out of town, he was in his seat in front of the sanctuary, said his daughter, Carol McMichael. He was active with the Union for Reform Judaism and served as president of its Pennsylvania Council, Philadelphia region.

In 1949, Mr. Stern was a founder of the William Portner Quaker City Lodge of B'nai Brith. He was past president of the lodge and senior vice president of B'nai Brith International. He helped support two summer camps for Jewish youths in the Poconos.

Mr. Stern served on the boards of the Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

"He believed we are put on the earth to give back," his daughter said, "and he was dedicated to Jewish organizations because he knew they couldn't exist without volunteers."

In 1994 he was thrilled to be invited to the signing of the Jordan-Israel Treaty of Peace, she said.

Mr. Stern grew up in Logan and graduated from Central High School for Boys in Philadelphia. He was president of Central's alumni association in the 1980s when the school became coed. He earned a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. During World War II he served in the Army in the States.

In 1949 he married Joan Winelander, whom he had met on a blind date at a bar association dinner. The couple raised two children in Elkins Park. For 40 years, until 1997, he umpired games for the Old York Road Little League.

Mr. Stern was a bankruptcy lawyer for several firms in Center City, including Wexler, Weisman, Maurer & Forman for more than 30 years. He later had his own practice. He was vice president of Southeastern Pennsylvania Legal Services for the Deaf.

He loved travel, his daughter said, and he collected U.S. election memorabilia, including items from the early 19th century.

In addition to his daughter, he is survived by a son, Bob; a brother; two grandchildren; and his companion, Phyllis Silver. His wife died in 1999.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Rd., Elkins Park.