Henry M. Liss

Honorable Henry M. Liss, 95, of Abington, retired District Judge, died Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. Henry was born September 13, 1929, in South Philadelphia., to Joseph and Mary (nee Freedman) Liss. Early in life he lived with his grandparents who immigrated from Kiev; he could speak and understand Yiddish. 

Judge Liss was born and raised in South Philadelphia. He served as a Military Policeman in the United States Army, including a deployment to Japan, post WWII. After marrying the love of his life, Barbara, they moved to Dresher in 1961 with their young family. He worked as a hairdresser and opened his own salon in Abington. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a retail clothing boutique and athletic footwear stores. He became politically active in the Abington community. He served as a Constable, and as an election official.

In 1981, he was elected as a District Judge in Abington with bipartisan support. He served on the bench for 18 years. Judge Liss prided himself on his ability to serve as a “referee, a fact-finder, [and] a psychologist,” he told the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1988.

"Most of the people that come before me are ordinary people. A district justice must be able to deal with them without talking down to them," he said in 1985. "I don't have a formal courtroom. Everyone, including the defendant, the victim and the prosecutor, is given a fair opportunity to be heard.” 

He also served on the statewide Unified Judicial System Committees, including the Crimes Code Committee and the Motor Vehicle Committee. Judge Liss spearheaded a Commonwealth program to increase vehicle safety by educating drivers and law enforcement about the use of seat beats and child safety seats. He was also very active in the D.A.R.E. program.

“Henry was much more than a District Justice to our officers and those who appeared in front of him.” said Abington Police Deputy Chief Chris Porter after being informed of his passing. “He truly wanted the best outcome for everyone and would do whatever he could within the law to ensure that happened.”

Henry was an active member of the congregation at Temple Beth Sholom, where he attended morning minyan services daily. He was also President of Abington B’nai Brith, as well as the Korean American Friendship Society.

Henry and Barbara were snowbirds in Delray, Florida where they enjoyed an active social life. He loved playing golf, tennis, dancing and fishing. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Beloved husband of Barbara, of 70 years. Loving father of Ricky (Renee) Liss, and Lori (Howard) Siegal. Devoted grandfather of Caitlyn (David) Landskroner, Justin (Sara) Siegal, Ryan (Natasha) Siegal, Madison (Michael) McGarrah, and Marly (Jake) Upperco. He is also survived by his adoring great-grandchildren, Addison, Olivia, Mason, Isabella, Liliana, Lenin, Theodore and Gabriella.

Family and friends are invited to Funeral Services Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 1:30pm, Goldsteins’ Rosenberg’s Funeral Directors Suburban North, 310 Second Street Pike, Southampton, PA. Interment Shalom Memorial Park.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Lori and Howard Siegal, 665 Hidden Pond Lane, Huntingdon Valley, PA. on Tuesday from 4:00pm - 9:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Anti Defamation League or charity of the donor’s choice.