Mayer A. Sarfan, 89, passed away on Oct. 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 B.S. and law degrees. After serving in the United States Army, CID, he returned to Newport News and was the founding partner of Sarfan & 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 fundraising 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), Bill Nachman (Rhoda), Leon “Lonny” Sarfan (Terri), Randall Sarfan and Edward Sarfan (Jody); sister, Edythe Lichtenstein; sister-in-law, Jayne Zilber; nine grandchildren, Meredith, Michael (Amber) and their mother, Barbara; Joel; Alexandra (Brad), Stephanie; Ryan, Austin; Sydney and Matthew; two great-grandchildren, Zoey and Zack, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service was held on Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, at noon at the United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula, 401 City Center Boulevard, Newport News. Burial followed at the Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula, 1817 Kecoughtan Road, Hampton.
Contributions may be made to the United Jewish Community Preschool Fund, Rodef Sholom Temple Building Fund, or the Boy Scouts of America.