Obituary of Norman M. Spindelman, Esq.

A lawyer who once used the safecracking skills taught to him by his locksmith father to provide material for bringing down Senator Joseph McCarthy, died on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2016 in Rochester, NY. He was 88 years old. A righteous man with a deep belief in the judicial system as an agent for good, Spindelman used his skills as a lawyer to serve as a litigator, negotiator and advocate to that end. As a 28-year-old lawyer who graduated from the University of Michigan Law School with honors in 1952 and new to litigating, he argued before the Supreme Court of the United States. Later he received a note from Justice Felix Frankfurter saying how much he’d enjoyed their exchange, marking a highlight in his early career. As a board member of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, he negotiated with the musicians union in forging labor contracts. Many aspects of his work included bringing two or more parties to agreement, but not all of that took place in the courtroom or at the negotiating table. He had a versatile practice where he brought the same diligence to individual clients in need of an advocate concerning everyday issues as he did for the complex cases of major clients. It was during his stint in the U.S. Army in 1952-1954 that Spindelman was instrumental in providing incriminating material contributing to the downfall of McCarthy via the Army/McCarthy hearings of 1954. The lifelong Rochesterian, a 60-year partner in the firm Fix, Spindelman, Brovitz & Goldman was a board member and attorney for the Rochester Broadway Theater League, and on the boards of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Nazareth College, and others, and in his youth, a Camp Seneca Lake counselor. Husband, father, grandfather, a Benjamin Franklin High School and college baseball pitcher, a trumpet player in Michigan’s marching band, an ace bowler and devoted baseball fan, Spindelman lived life fully and was an ardent storyteller, according to his family, to whom he was a constant source of wisdom and humor. His enthusiasm for the law led young people to the profession, his intellectual engagement elevated those around him, and he was a figure of strength and compassion for his family and beyond. A member and past president of Temple Beth El, Spindelman credited his Jewish upbringing for giving him a profound love of the law and devotion to justice. The Spindelman family expresses deep gratitude to the staff of 3SW at the Jewish Home of Rochester who rewarded his charm with their devoted care.They are also immensely grateful to Marcy, who worked as his thoughtful companion with grace and understanding. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Glenna Spindelman, his four children: Claudia Blumenstock, Margot Spindelman (Mark), Erica Spindelman (Michael), Evan Spindelman (Monique) and seven grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 26, 2016 at 9:45 AM in the Sanctuary of Temple Beth El (139 Winton Road S.). Interment, Mt. Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday from 3-7 PM & Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Summit at Brighton. Donations may be made to Temple Beth El, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra or Jewish Senior Life Foundation in his memory.