Philip Zeidner

On Jan. 9, Philip Zeidner of Rockville, a few days after his 91st birthday. Beloved husband of the late Sylvia Zeidner; loving father of Nancy Suslov (Ilya), Bob Zeidner (Susan) and Rita Zeidner; brother of Joe Zeidner and Sabina Jacobson and the late Ruth Cooper and Harry Zeidner and grandfather of Josi Suslov and Simon and Kendall Zeidner. He suffered from congestive heart failure and dementia. Born in Poland and given the name “Max,” he emigrated with his family in 1926 and settled in Bronx, N.Y. After serving as an Army medic during World War II, he relocated to Washington, D.C., to finish college and attend George Washington University Law School. He also officially changed his name to Philip, a twist on his Hebrew name, Fischel. A career civil servant, he particularly enjoyed the decades he spent as a trial lawyer for the U.S. Justice Department, securing public lands for national parks, including Assateague Island. He capped his career as an administrator and was a proud member of the Senior Executive Service. Funeral services were Sunday at Judean Memorial Gardens Chapel in Olney. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association in Washington.