Neal Howard Osherow died peacefully and unexpectedly on Monday, November 12, 2018 in Los Angeles. He is survived by his grief-stricken parents, Ilene Vesper Osherow and Aaron (Frala) Osherow; beloved siblings of Ruthellen, Billy and Vicki Osherow; beloved stepsisters Lorri (George) Ominsky, Cathy (Bob) Goldsticker, and Holly Balk; honored uncle of Carly, Alex, Zoe, and Drew; cherished cat, Lily and adored nephew, cousin and friend to many.  We will all miss his sharp (often irreverent) wit and candor.

Neal loved academia and respected intelligent, smart writing whether in literature or Doonesbury. He graduated from Wesleyan University and did graduate work at UC Santa Cruz, and law school at UC Berkeley.  As a lawyer in the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, he was devoted to social justice and advocating for the underdog.  Neal loved giving annual guest lectures at UCLA.  He was a foodie before that word was invented and was a bona fide Deadhead having been to 50+ Grateful Dead concerts all over the country. He also was a passionate St. Louis Cardinals fan.  Neal was kind to the core and loved his family unconditionally.  He was 63. 

There will be a Celebration of Life service for Neal at Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis, 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22.