Norfolk —Mayer A. Sarfan, 89, passed away on October 21, 2017.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Newport News. He started working as a teenager at Newport News Shipbuilding, while attending Newport News High School, until leaving for the University of Virginia where he obtained both his BS and law degrees. After serving in the United States Army, CID, he returned to Newport News and was the founding partner of Sarfan and Nachman, Attorneys-at-Law and a land developer for more than 50 years.
His love for children was reflected in his being instrumental in establishing the Preschool for the United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula (UJCVP). He also led fund raising for the Resettlement of Soviet Jewry and was a lifetime member and supporter of Rodef Sholom Temple. Mayer was a generous supporter of numerous museums and charities on the Peninsula and was on the Foundation Board for Christopher Newport College.
Mayer was the first president of Mercury 64 Kiwanis Club; was a 33rd degree Mason and a member of Bremond Masonic Lodge 241 AF&AM. Mayer was an Eagle Scout and Scout Master of Troops 5 and 43.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Rose Sarfan; his sisters, Rita Bloch Spirn, Frances Garfinkel, Helen Soefer and brother, Benson Sarfan. Mayer is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorene Z. Sarfan; five sons, Gary Nachman (Janet), William Nachman (Rhoda), Leon “Lonny” Sarfan (Terri), Randall Sarfan and Edward Sarfan (Jody). He is also survived by his sister, Edythe Lichtenstein and his sister-in-law, Jayne Zilber. Mayer has nine grandchildren, Meredith, Michael (Amber) and their mother, Barbara; Joel; Alexandra (Brad), Stephanie; Ryan, Austin; Sydney and Matthew and two great-grandchildren, Zoey and Zack; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service was held at the United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula. Burial followed at the Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula.
Contributions to the United Jewish Community Preschool Fund; Rodef Sholom Temple Building Fund; or the Boy Scouts of America. Peninsula Funeral Home.