Semion Kizhner

Semion Kizhner, of Reisterstown, Maryland, passed away on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, at the age of 85. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sophia Kizhner; loving children, Helen Kizhner (Ross) Crichton, and Gregory Kizhner; granddaughter, Ray Crichton; and also survived by countless friends both professional and personal.

Semion was a survivor in every sense of the word. Having lived through the horrors of the Holocaust, he went on not only to rebuild his life but to excel as a distinguished rocket engineer and computer scientist, contributing his talents to NASA. Always ready to lift the weight of a difficult moment, his quick wit and unmistakable sense of humor brought light to those around him. He will be profoundly missed by his family and friends. May his memory always be a blessing.

Services at Sol Levinson's Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208, on Monday, November 24th, 2025, at 2:30 pm. Interment Baltimore Hebrew Berrymans Lane Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Contributions in his memory may be sent to the National Park Foundation, 1500 K Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20005, or online at nationalparks.org. Immediately following the burial, the family invites everyone back to the Glyndon Grill, 4844 Butler Rd, Glyndon, MD 21136. The family will then be in mourning at Beth Israel Congregation, 3706 Crondall Ln, Owings Mills, MD 21117 on Monday evening (11/24) at 7pm, Tuesday (11/25) at 6:30pm, and Wednesday (11/26) at 6:30pm.

Beth Israel will open the chapel for callers 1/2 hour before each minyan and it will remain open for about an hour afterwards.