Howard Selden of Bethlehem, PA passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at the age of 92. His three children and spouses were with him in his final days as his struggle with declining health peacefully came to an end. Howard was born in the Bronx, NY, October 11, 1929 to parents Albert Selden and Marcia Liebster. His mother was a teacher and school principal, his father a grocery store proprietor in Harlem. He grew up with a loving extended family, became an Eagle Scout, and learned to love the great outdoors which fed his lifelong passion for hiking, biking, skiing, and boating.
Howard met his wife, Tamara Kleinfeld, at a dance in New York City, where he persisted in getting her to agree to dance after first declining. According to Tamara, Howard was a good dancer. He received a B.A. from New York University in 1951, a DDS from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1955, and an Endodontic Specialty Certificate from Temple School of Dentistry in 1962.
Howard served as a Captain in the US Army Dental Corps at Fort Riley, Kansas from 1955-57. He was in private dental practice from 1962 to 1994, primarily in Bethlehem. He served as a clinical assistant professor at Temple University School of Dentistry, published over 30 scientific papers in peer-reviewed dental journals, and after retiring, published six books of fiction and a non-fiction memoir, A Dental Odyssey (Unlikely Musings of a Dentist).
He was a member of Temple Covenant of Peace (now Bnai Shalom) in Easton, PA for over 40 years and a former Temple president.
Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Tamara, and his grandson, Sam Selden. He is survived by his children, Nathan Selden (Leigh), David Selden (Julie Wallick), and Rachel Scotti (Michael); grandchildren Robert Selden (Becky), Elizabeth Karabas (Nikkos), Jack Scotti, and Benjamin Scotti (Mariana); and 6 great grandchildren.
Services and burial in Easton Cemetery were held privately. People wishing to honor Howard, can donate to the Sam Selden Memorial Endowment at Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, 1441 Wiehle Ave, Reston, VA 20190. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Miriam Devey
August 18, 2022 at 8:59 pm
Howard Seldon was a very kind and unique individual. I lived on the other end of the fourth floor at Moravian Village, we met on the elevator often and enjoyed talking to each other. I often stopped at the table where he sat at dinner and said hello and asked the men if they had solved the “problems of the world” at dinner. They were a group of intelligent men, who enjoyed each other’s company. I will truly
miss him at The Village. I am happy he is Resting in Peace..Blessings on his family.
Miriam
Fred L Giordano
August 19, 2022 at 5:24 pm
My deepest sympathy to Howards family. He was a remarkable guy, I had the honor of meeting him at the Bethlehem Y many years ago. I would walk with him through the North Side and he would even run a little when I first met him. Many days during the week we would also walk the track at the Y. He invited me to their home when Tamara was in failing health and both had remarkable personal warm in spite of their difficulties. May they rest in peace.
Tahlia Knipe
August 20, 2022 at 9:33 pm
Dr. Selden was one of the very first residents who took the time to get to know me and get to know my name which included the pronunciation of it. He would always ask me how managing was, how is my health, and would offer such wise words. He will be missed dearly
Sherry Barrek
September 14, 2022 at 12:03 am
I have wonderful memories of Howard. I admired him mostly for taking care of his wife and doing everything possible for her. They were a very handsome couple. I also had the pleasure of meeting his sons Nathan and David, and his daughter Rachel and Nathan’s wife Leigh. They are very nice and caring people. I’m glad that I had to opportunity of meeting his family. I will miss Howard’s smile and laughter.