Sidney C. Stahl

Civic leader Sidney (Sid) Stahl, a former Dallas City Council member and prominent lawyer, passed away on March 14, 2024. He was born on August 28, 1933 in Dallas, Texas to I.L. (Louis) and Sarah Stahl, who emigrated to the United States from Poland and Lithuania respectively. He was a devoted brother to Don Stahl, Helen Rosenberg and Harvey Stahl (of blessed memory). Sid lived in Dallas throughout his life. He received a business degree and, in 1956, a law degree, each from SMU. He served in the US Air Force, based in San Antonio, for two years after law school. There he met his future wife, Judy Sugerman (of blessed memory). They had two daughters, Lori Stahl and Cathy Golden (Gary), and three grandchildren, Sara, Stahl, Will Golden and Charlie Golden. Sid had a long and rewarding legal career that included his co-founding the law firm of Geary, Stahl & Spencer. He was valued by many as a counselor and trusted advisor. His passion for bringing people together led him to ultimately establish a solo practice devoted exclusively to mediation & arbitration. He was a trailblazer in this regard, resolving over 2,000 cases and training 2,000 other attorneys to be mediators. Sid received several notable awards from the legal community, including the SMU Law School Distinguished Alumni Award and the State Bar of Texas Outstanding 50 Year Lawyer award. Sid was also widely regarded as a leader in the Jewish community and the broader civic community. He was actively involved in the Jewish Federation and the Anti-Defamation League and received the Torch of Conscience award from the American Jewish Congress. Sid also served on boards of various hospitals, arts, and charitable organizations. Sid was appointed President of the Dallas Park & Recreation Board and was elected to serve as an at-large member of the Dallas City Council. He was also appointed to serve as a board member of various agencies and select committees of the State of Texas. His decades of service were marked by integrity, humility, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Through community service activities, Sid met and later married Susan Herring (of blessed memory) of Ballinger, Texas, who also attended SMU. They enjoyed art and civic activities, travel, and time with Sid’s grandchildren. In all capacities, Sid embodied the virtues of kindness, humility, and empathy. He was an inspiration. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Temple Emanu-El (Dallas), Congregation Shearith Israel (Dallas), the Anti-Defamation League or the charity of your choice.

Sidney C. Stahl

August 28, 1933 - March 14, 2024