ALBANY - Marvin Lessen, 91, formerly of Culver City, CA, died on April 3, 2025 at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Albany.

Marvin, the son of Anne and Aaron Lessen, was born in Baltimore on February 17, 1934 and later moved with his family to Hazleton, PA and then Albany. He graduated from Albany High and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. Marvin spent his career in the aerospace/defense industry, working in various locations - both nationally in Boston, Alaska, and Los Angeles and internationally in England.

Marvin was an avid collector of coins, stamps, arms, and British armour. His move to England in the early 1960s magnified his passionate interest in researching and collecting British coins and he was regarded as an expert on that subject by the British Numismatic Society, of which he was a member. He was skilled in black and white photography, loved listening to classical music, and was an avid walker, often spending weekend mornings walking miles along the beaches in the LA area.  

Marvin was very devoted to his parents, his sister Elaine and her late husband Ephraim, his nephews Steven and Alan, and his aunts and uncles. He is survived by his sister Elaine Ainspan of Albany, nephews Steven Ainspan (Cheryl) of Slingerlands and Alan Ainspan of Marlton, NJ, great niece Rachel Ainspan of Rensselaer, great nephews Daniel Ainspan of Nashville and David Ainspan of Knox, and cousins Mark Lessen (Margie) of Albuquerque, NM and Karin Solig-Gerber (Jeff) of Woodland Hills, CA.

We (Elaine, Steven, and Alan) thank the staffs of the Centinela Skilled Nursing Center West in Inglewood, CA and the Daughters of Sarah in Albany, especially the Memory Enhancement Unit, for their excellent care of and devotion to Marvin and us.

To honor Marvin’s wishes, he was cremated. A private family graveside service and burial next to his parents were held at the Congregation Beth Emeth Cemetery in Loudonville, NY.  

Memorial contributions in Marvin’s memory may be made to the Daughters of Sarah (180 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY 12203), the American Heart Association, or a charity of choice. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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