The Bender JCC of Greater Washington Mourns the Passing of Longtime Jewish Philanthropist Ted Lerner
Rockville, MD – February 14, 2023 – The Bender JCC of Greater Washington is saddened to learn of the passing of Theodore N. Lerner, who died on Sunday, February 12, in Chevy Chase, MD, at the age of 97. He is survived by his wife, Annette Morris Lerner, their three children, Mark D. Lerner (Judy), Debra Lerner Cohen (Edward), and Marla Lerner Tanenbaum (Robert), their nine grandchildren, and their eleven great-grandchildren.
Mr. Lerner was a strong believer in community building. As a real estate developer, he built Washington D.C. from the ground up. But as a D.C. native, he knew that this city was more than just buildings and government institutions. He believed in investing in culture: from baseball to the arts to community centers—including the Bender JCC of Greater Washington and The Edlavitch DCJCC.
In 2007, Mr. Lerner was inducted to the Greater Washington Jewish Sports Hall of Fame for his role as Managing Principal Owner of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club.
As a child of immigrants who escaped persecution in Europe, Mr. Lerner’s Jewish faith—and commitment to strengthening the Jewish community—was central to his view of the world. Mr. Lerner’s belief in the importance of Jewish values and heritage made an enduring mark on the Bender JCC.
Everyone at the Bender JCC will remember Ted for his unwavering support and belief in our community. We hold Ted, and the entire Lerner family, in our thoughts. May his memory be a blessing.
ABOUT TED LERNER
Theodore N. Lerner (October 15, 1925 – February 12, 2023) was the Founder and Principal of LERNER ENTERPRISES (Rockville, MD) and Managing Founding Principal Owner, WASHINGTON NATIONALS BASEBALL CLUB. To read Mr. Lerner’s full biography, please click here.
ABOUT THE BENDER JCC OF GREATER WASHINGTON
The Bender Jewish Community Center in Rockville, Maryland is a premier community center at the heart of Jewish life in Montgomery County, Maryland, operating a full-scale health and fitness center, preschool, day camp and variety of education and arts programs. We create a welcoming and inclusive environment, connecting the people of our Jewish community, Israel, and the broader community. We inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds to enhance their social, physical, intellectual, and spiritual well-being through programs of excellence rooted in Jewish values.
