Igor Kiselev

IGOR KISELEV

Igor Kiselev passed away in Havertown, PA, on the 24th of April, 2023, at the age of 75. He was born on the 23rd of August, 1947, in Dresden, Germany, to the Russian Comendent of Dresden after World War II. The family settled in Ukraine shortly after where he stayed until he moved to Moscow to attend university. Historical architectural preservation became the primary passion of his life and the path which led him to Vera Averbakh. Their shared enthusiasm for historic architecture became the basis on which they built their love for one another and began their family together.

As a preeminent researcher, theorist, and advocate of Russia’s architectural heritage, Igor saved and collected records and artifacts from the numerous buildings that were being demolished throughout Moscow. He donated most of his collection to various museums across Russia, and continued publishing his influential ongoing series of books after moving his family to America in 1992. Expanding his focus to include American architectural history, he meticulously recreated hundreds of wallpaper fragments he salvaged from Russian and American historical sites. These fragments and recreations are still displayed in the museum “Wallpaper In the Cultural Context” that he established in his family home in the Philadelphia region. Igor would eventually split his time between the two countries, working as an architectural preservationist in the USA while sharing his knowledge and expertise as a teacher, lecturer, and mentor in Russia. Much of his published work has become established architectural academic literature and at the time of his passing he had been working on his 30th book.

Igor will be remembered both for the sacrifices he made for his family’s welfare as immigrants to America and for his innumerable personal and professional accomplishments. He was additionally a prolific artist, from photography to music to the beautiful chalk pastel drawings many know him for, and had recently even begun to craft bespoke jewelry. A proud and diligent man who spoke only with purpose or with humor, many of us will remember him as often being the smartest person in the room. He has had a profound impact on all of our lives and we will all miss him dearly.

Predeceased by his parents, Tamara (née Zubritskaya) and Andrey Kiselev.

Survived by his wife Vera (née Averbakh) Kiselev; his sons Daniil Kiselev, Andrey Kiselev (Katherine Knight), and Kirill Kiselev; and his grandson Alexander “Sasha” Kiselev.

Relatives & friends are invited to his Viewing Saturday, April 29th 8:30 AM – 9:45 AM at the D’Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008, followed by his Funeral Service 11:00 AM at St. Herman of Alaska Church 1855 Middletown Rd, Glen Mills, PA 19342. Interment Cumberland Cemetery.

Live stream via https://twitter.com/danjolell2811?s=09. Please copy and paste the link into your web browser to view the stream.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Igor Kiselev can be made to the Stafford Township Historical Society, P.O. Box 1097, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. Please write “Preservation of Cavalry Cottage, Igor Kiselev memory” on the memo line of the check.
Live stream via https://twitter.com/danjolell2811?s=09. Please copy and paste the link into your web browser to view stream

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