News Summary
Leon S. Graubard, Esq., a distinguished professor and U.S. Army veteran, passed away peacefully at the age of 94. His academic contributions and dedication to law and education touched many lives, and he is remembered fondly by family and colleagues. Leon’s legacy includes his service during the Korean War, his achievement in law at a later age, and his impact on various educational institutions. He is survived by his family and friends who cherish his memory.
Providence, Rhode Island – Leon S. Graubard, Esq., a respected professor and U.S. Army veteran, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, at the age of 94, surrounded by his loved ones. His contributions to education and law were recognized throughout his life, reflecting his commitment to knowledge and service.
Born in New York City in 1931, Leon was the son of Nathan Graubard and Ruth (Zusman) Grossman. He grew up in Astoria, Queens, and graduated from William Cullen Bryant High School in Long Island City in 1948. He went on to earn a degree in Economics from CUNY Queens College and later served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from late 1952 to early 1954, where he received the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars.
Following his military service, Leon pursued graduate studies at notable institutions including Columbia University, the London School of Economics, and Brown University, completing his doctoral work in Economics. He built a distinguished academic career as a professor at several universities, including Boston University, Brown University, Northeastern University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).
In a remarkable turn of events, Leon returned to school at the age of 70 to enroll in law school at Northeastern University. He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 2005 and successfully passed the Massachusetts Bar, later volunteering his legal services for the Boston Bar Association’s Lawyers Project. His dedication to education and legal advocacy left a lasting impact on many individuals and communities.
Leon’s personal life was equally enriched by his marriage to Pamela D. Sherer, PhD, which began during his tenure at WPI. They traveled extensively together, including a significant six-month period in Dalian, China, in 1981, where they were instrumental in establishing a modern industrial management academy through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the People’s Republic of China. Leon was an avid traveler and explored numerous countries around the world with his late wife.
He is survived by his son, Lincoln S. Graubard, and his wife, Sandra, as well as two grandchildren, Chanelle Nicole and Gabriella Hope, who reside in Cleveland, Ohio. Leon’s family extends to a sister-in-law, Gael Butcher, and her husband Dave, along with a nephew, Michael Butcher, and cousins Dorothy Hertling, Arlene Zelesnick, and her husband, Jay. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela D. Sherer.
Leon’s services will be private, and in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be directed to Greater Boston Legal Services or the Boston Volunteer Lawyer’s Project. Those wishing to express their condolences can do so at monahandrabblesherman.com, honoring a life dedicated to service and education.
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Additional Resources
- Chicago Tribune: Pamela Sherer Obituary
- Wikipedia: Legal Advocacy
- Telegram: Leon S. Graubard Obituary
- Google Search: Leon S. Graubard
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Seymour Graubard Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economics
- Legacy.com: John Graubard Obituary
- Google News: Education in the U.S.
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
