Saul William Seidman, MD, FAANS, FACS (“Bill”), son of Beatrice Greenberg and Harry Seidman, was born in Philadelphia on May 5, 1936. 

He died at 81 on March 29, 2018. 

A distinguished neurosurgeon, Dr. Bill developed the pain-relieving technique known as Interlaminar Decompression without Disc Excision for neck and back disorders.

Seidman received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, his M.D. from Hahnemann Medical College, and Yale University with a special rotation at Hartford, which was very meaningful to him. He worked at Kaiser Hospital, then started his private neurosurgical practice at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, California.

He dedicated his professional career to saving lives and easing pain for patients and their families for over a quarter of a century.

Always intent upon learning, Bill prowled the entire world with delight and avidity. He profoundly enjoyed fishing, cooking, poker, fine wine and, of course, his family.

In 2012, Dr. Bill and his wife, Grace Ensign Seidman, moved from California to Wellford, South Carolina, on Lake Cooley. Grace shared Bill’s enthusiasms and tirelessly helped him through protracted health issues.

Bill was close to his family, especially daughters Karen and Jennifer, and his grandson, Michael William. Bill and Michael William shared a love of fast cars, humor and baking.

His siblings, Robert, Dede and Michael, are bereft by his death. His siblings’ children, Anna, Peter, Nick, Max and Rachel, loved his energy and generosity. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Michael Christie, Eugenia Warren, Maria McGarry, John Guagliardo; and grandchildren, Andrew, Taylor, Samantha, Ivy, Elly, Aiwa and Johnny.

Service will be held on 11 a.m., May 5, 2018, in The McMillan Garden, located at the Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon, North Carolina. Please join us in celebrating his life.

Donations should be sent to: Spartanburg Regional Foundation, ATTN: Heart Board, 101 E. Wood St., Spartanburg, SC 29303.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.