A memorial service is planned June 23 in Ben Lomond for Joseph Leibovitz, a longtime San Lorenzo Valley resident who died of lymphoma May 11 at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz with his wife by his side. He was 85.
Mr. Leibovitz was born in Chicago. The family later moved to Iowa, where he graduated from Davenport High School in 1945.
After moving to San Francisco, Mr. Leibovitz served in the U.S. Army Air Force for two years beginning in 1946 and then in the Army from 1951 to 1953, stationed in Alaska.
In civilian life, he became interested in electronics and worked in that field until he retired to his Boulder Creek home.
After a few years of retirement, Mr. Leibovitz began working for Meals on Wheels through Community Bridges. He worked full time for many years and then worked part time as a substitute and continued as a volunteer until his death. He enjoyed welcoming newcomers to the lunch program. He had a droll sense of humor that was appreciated by both young and old.
Mr. Leibovitz loved to bowl, to fish at Loch Lomond, to tinker and repair gadgets and to play cribbage.
In 1999, he married Penny and became part of her family. When the bowling alley left Felton, he attended water polo games and planted a garden. Mr. Leibovitz was proud of his homemade fig jam and donated jars each month for the birthday raffle at the San Lorenzo Valley’s Highlands Park Senior Center. He also prepared coffee and took tickets at the monthly pancake breakfast at the center.
Mr. Leibovitz is survived by his wife, Penny Leibovitz of Ben Lomond; his son’s mother, Rita Leibovitz; and many relatives, including nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Leibovitz; parents, Jacob and Caroline Leibovitz; brother, Leon Leibovitz; and sisters, Dolores Leibovitz and Ruth Gordon.
A celebration of his life will be from 3 to 5 p.m. June 23 at Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, in Ben Lomond.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Leibovitz’s name may be sent to a favorite charity; to Community Bridges, 121 Sycamore St., No. 100, Santa Cruz, CA 95060; or to Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005. Messages for the family can be posted online at www.pacificgardenschapel.com.
