Dr. Samuel J. Chernoff

Dr. S. J. Chernoff April 14, 1914 May 14, 2011 Dr. Samuel J. Chernoff, of Waco, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2011. Funeral services will be at Agudath Jacob Cemetery on Monday, May 16, at 2:00 p.m. with Rabbi Mordecai Podet officiating. The eldest of four sons, Samuel was born April 27, 1914, in Brooklyn, NY, to Morris and Bessie Chernoff. He was educated in New York Schools and a graduate of the University of Virginia and Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. He began his practice of optometry in New York, Virginia and Texas. Sam moved to Beaumont, TX in 1952 to practice optometry, where he met his wife of 58 years, Sylvia Friedman, and they married in May, 1953. The family moved to Waco, where Sam and his brothers, Dr. William Chernoff and Dr. Saul Chernoff were in practice at their offices Texas State Optical and Optical Dispensary. Sam was an accomplished violinist and played in Beaumont, TX and several symphonies. He was a veteran of WWII. Sam was a Mason since 1937, and a member of the Menorah Lodge #903 of New York. An avid fisherman, he enjoyed many excursions to Florida, Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico with wonderful friends. Sam was an enthusiastic, caring friend who always had an interesting story and colorful joke. He was a frequent contributor to "Letter to the Editor" on political issues. He was past president of Agudath Jacob Synagogue. A supporter and member of environmental, wildlife and humane societies and Texas Association of Optometrists. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Bessie Chernoff, two brothers, Dr. William J. Chernoff and Arthur Chernoff. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sylvia Cissy; daughters Michele J. Chernoff and Ellen Suzanne Chernoff Simon, and husband, Dr. Walt Simon; son, Lee Joseph Chernoff; grandchildren Marissa Dinetz, Joshua Salganik, Leah Nicole Salganik, Joseph Salganik, Jesse Simon, Mikey Simon; brother, Dr. Saul B. Chernoff, and many nieces and nephews. A thank you to all the staff at Scott & White and Hillcrest of Waco for all their care and support. In lieu of flowers, contributions and memorials may be made in Sam's name to the Humane Society or the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.