In Memoriam: Dr. Benjamin Schlesinger, Professor Emeritus 

Photo of Dr. Ben Schlesinger, 1973, by Reg Innell/Toronto Star via Getty Images

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Dr. Benjamin Schlesinger, Professor Emeritus at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, passed away on July 10. 

Dr. Schlesinger was a distinguished scholar, educator, and author whose work profoundly shaped the field of social work in Canada and beyond. An obituary and message board for his family is available here. Readers may also appreciate viewing this 1998 interview he did for the Shoah Foundation. 

Dr. Schlesinger earned his Ph.D. from Cornell University and was the first social work professor in Canada to be elected as a member of the Royal Society of Canada.  

Over his illustrious career, he authored or edited 25 books and published more than 250 articles. Among his many publications are Poverty in Canada and the United States, The Multi-Problem Family, The Family Squeeze: Surviving the Sandwich Generation, Abuse of the Elderly, and The Jewish Family. Dr. Schlesinger’s commitment to advancing knowledge and supporting families has left a lasting legacy in the academic and social work communities. 

Dr. Schlesinger’s dedication to Master of Social Work students extended beyond the classroom. In 2006, a gift was made to establish the Benjamin Schlesinger Student Leadership Prize, which is awarded annually to a graduating student who has made a significant contribution to the life of the student body at FIFSW. 

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Schlesinger’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many students and practitioners whose lives he touched.