Dr. Michael Lozman, 86, passed away on October 11, 2024, in Albany, New York. Born November 22, 1937, Michael grew up with his two brothers, Harvey and Jeffrey, in Brownsville and East New York, both in Brooklyn. He was raised by his parents, Laura and Teddy, who had emigrated from Eastern Europe. They lived in a small apartment, adjacent to elevated train tracks, above the family’s candy store.

Michael attended Brooklyn Technical High School and Wilkes College where he met the sweetheart of this life, Sharon. After college, Michael attended Fairleigh Dickinson University Dental School and completed his specialty training at the New York University Graduate Department of Orthodontics. 

Dr. Lozman practiced Orthodontics in Latham, NY since 1971 and continued practicing until his passing. Michael loved working and loved his patients, and his patients loved him. He was truly honored to be able to share his love of Orthodontics with his daughter, Robin, who joined the practice in 1997.

Michael was duty-bound to his morals and ethical ideals. These ideals were realized through his high-quality patient care, community service and dedication to the preservation of the Jewish faith. 

Michael provided wisdom and dedication to his profession through his service as the President of the New York State Society of Orthodontists, President of the Third District Dental Society, The Board of Governors for the Dental Society of the State of New York, a member of the New York State Board of Dentistry, and as an adjunct member of the New York State Board of Regents, Regent Review Committee. Michael was also a Clinical Associate Professor at New York University’s Graduate Department of Orthodontics. 

Michael often reflected that he was an ordinary person who had the opportunity to do extraordinary things. He was an adventurer at heart and enjoyed ice climbing, dog sledding in Alaska, kayaking in Greenland and Galapagos, as well as piloting gliders, paragliding, and hot air ballooning. He was also an avid mountain climber who ascended Kilimanjaro, Mount McKinley, Mount Renier, Cotopaxi, Mount Everest basecamp and The Matterhorn. Michael and Sharon were enthusiastic travelers, often traveling together to the most remote and exotic corners of the world. 

In 2000, Michael traveled to his father’s village in Sapotskin, Belarus, where he was dismayed that the local Jewish cemeteries had been neglected or destroyed. Always a man of action, Michael created the Restoration of Eastern European Jewish Cemeteries Project, which restored ten cemeteries in Belarus and five in Lithuania. A perpetual educator, Michael developed and led multiple student exchange trips for college students to visit Auschwitz and Schindler’s Factory, meet with local leaders, and restore local cemeteries so they would be protected for future generations. Students from Union, Xavier, Dartmouth, Siena, Binghamton, and Duke benefitted enormously from these educational experiences. 

In 2018, Michael was the visionary and founder of the Capital District Jewish Holocaust Memorial. During this time, Michael was fortunate to forge a special friendship with Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, who graciously donated two acres of land for the development of a memorial in the Capital District. Michael expressed that “we have the Roman Catholic Church and the Jewish community working together on a project of such value. And that is an extraordinary moment.” Bishop Scharfenberger asserted that they were “doing God’s work.” Michael’s legacy and vision for this project will continue to live on.

In 2023, Michael was honored to be appointed to the United States Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad by President Biden. Their mission is to preserve and protect cemeteries, monuments, and historic buildings in Eastern and Central Europe that are associated with the heritage of United States Citizens. 

Above all else was his love for his family. He demonstrated his love by building a cradle for Robin and Tobie, building a treehouse, a zipline, custom pieces of furniture for each grandchild, a balance beam, a castle, a puppet stage and so many other pieces specific to each child’s personality and passion. He was always available and participated in every science project for his children and grandchildren, attended games, proofread papers, and was the family tutor and study partner. One phone call to Dad or Papa, everything stopped, and he was there. Most recently, Michael’s favorite place to spend his time was at the family log home where he loved working the land and creating memories with his family. 

Michael is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sharon E. Lozman (Parnett), his daughter Dr. Robin N. Lozman and her husband Willard A. Anderson II, his daughter Tobie L. Schlosstein and her husband Mark F. Schlosstein, his brother Jeffrey Lozman, MD and his wife Nancy A. Lozman, four grandchildren, Willard T. Anderson II, Schuyler M. Anderson, J. Andrew Schlosstein and Peyton E. Schlosstein. He is also survived by his nieces, Emma and Rebecca, and nephew Joshua. Michael was predeceased by his twin brother Harvey Lozman, MD and his parents Teddy Lozman and Laura Lozman (Jabush). Michael is also survived by the members of the Jabush Family Circle, established by his ancestors in 1941, to encourage family unity and to preserve the family’s heritage.

A private service for family and relatives will take place at the family cemetery plot. Shiva Services/Calling Hours will be Sunday October 20, 2024, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Congregation Ohav Shalom, 113 New Krumkill Road, Albany, NY 12208.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like a way to recognize Michael’s life and legacy, please donate to the Capital District Jewish Holocaust Memorial, 184 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12203 or at www.cdjhm.org