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LEON MADOWITZ Obituary

MADOWITZ--Dr. Leon,

a Holocaust survivor, of Forest Hills, NY and Bal Harbour, FL, passed away after a brief illness in Miami, FL on July 4, 2017 at the age of 97. Leon was born September 19, 1919 in Wielun, Poland to Regina (nee Warzawski) and Elchanan Jacob Madowicz. His paternal grandparents were Czarna (nee Gliksman) and Josef Chaim Madowicz; his paternal great-grandparents were Jochevet (nee Kamionev) and Shmuel Zaavel. The Madowicz family had deep roots in Wielun and in its Jewish community with many rabbis in the family. Leon often said that from his father he learned analytical thinking, good business sense, and to trust his intuition. Leon was fluent in Polish, German, Yiddish, Hebrew, Latin, and English. Leon attended the local gymnasium, the equivalent of high school and college, where he was one of four Jewish students. Leon's academic brightness and quick mind allowed him to earn his tuition by tutoring five hours a day. In 1938 he received his matura or diploma. From an early age Leon had longed to be a doctor, but anti-Semitism was rampant and even with exemplary grades, he was initially denied admission to medical school. He began to pursue a career in accounting. On September 1, 1939 his hometown of Wielun, a city without military or industrial targets, was bombed by the Nazi Luftwaffe, igniting World War II. With uncles he traveled to Lodz, but escaped April 30, 1940, a day before Jews were detained in a ghetto. He returned to Wielun where Jews were being assigned to clear rubble and were gradually being shipped out to labor camps. He escaped Wielun in May 1942 with his cousin Jehoshua Eibeshitz, both disguised as farmers with pitchfork in hand. Leon's fluency in German alerted him to dangers from soldiers who had overrun Poland. They arrived in Czestochowa, Poland where they were eventually arrested with several thousand Jews and transferred to a labor camp to work in a munitions factory. Leon's father was arrested at the border of Poland and Czechoslovakia and never seen again. His mother and brother Moshe, age 11, were arrested in Wielun and sent to Treblinka concentration camp. He never saw them again. To the end of his life, Leon was able to describe vividly the liberation of his camp in 1945: waking up to the deep silence of his camp deserted overnight by German soldiers and the relief of seeing Russian soldiers enter. Leon and his cousin returned to Wielun where Leon retrieved his matura, that he had the foresight to slip into a bottle, hermetically sealed with wax, and bury in the basement of his family home, now taken over by strangers. This would be his ticket to medical school. During this time he married the love of his life, Dorothy ("Doris," "Dorka") Rotenberg, whom he had met in the Czestochowa ghetto, and whom he always declared was the prettiest girl he'd ever seen. They married on July 11, 1945. Subsequently he enrolled in the University of Lodz Medical School but had to endure rampant anti-Semitism. As post-war Germany began reparations to Jews, Leon was offered and accepted enrollment at the University of Munich Medical School from which he graduated and immigrated to the U.S. in 1950. Within three years he had completed his internship and residency programs in Brooklyn. Although he knew no English upon arriving in the United States, he was able to pass his initial certification exams that allowed him to continue his medical studies by concentrating on learning medical English. He passed the exam on his first try. Leon's integrity, dignity, devotion to patients, and clinical skills impressed the Catholic nuns with whom he worked, and they encouraged him to begin his medical practice near their convent in Brentwood, NY. Leon opened his family medicine office in 1954 at which time he Anglicized his surname to "witz". He passed his Board Certification Exam for the newly established specialty of family practice while in his 60's and practiced until he retired at age 77. Leon was very philanthropic. He was the driving force behind the establishment and construction of the Brentwood Jewish Center, donating the funds for the Ark and East Wall of the temple. He also donated a part of the extended Cardiac Care Unit at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, NY. All these donations were made in memory of his and Doris's parents Jacob and Regina Madowicz and Isaac and Helen Rotenberg. Leon lived with a deep sense of gratitude for the stability that he was able to provide for Doris and their two sons, Jack and Richard. There were things he never took for granted: family, religious freedom, food security, and public education. Eventually a life that had been full of hardship and displacement opened up to a life of travel, books, recreation, and a passion for bridge. As the sole, postwar survivor of the Madowitz family, he loved spending time with his sons and five grandchildren, including his wife's family who immigrated to the U.S. Leon is survived by his wife of 72 years, Doris; son Jack Madowitz, M.D. of San Diego (Patricia Santana); son Richard Madowitz of Amherst, Massachusetts (Karen Helfer); his five grandchildren Michael Madowitz (Larissa Horn); Jennifer Madowitz Douglas (Justin Douglas); Courtney Madowitz (Jake Kring); Rachel Madowitz; Noah Madowitz, and two great-grandchildren, Lilith Gidget and Veronica Daisy Horn. Graveside services were held at New Montefiore Cemetery on Long Island on July 9, 2017. Leon's experiences as a Holocaust survivor are archived as a two-hour videotaped interview in the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, MA. Donations may be made to the United Jewish Appeal/Federation of New York.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Jul. 23, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for LEON MADOWITZ

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WILLIAM O'KEEFE

March 8, 2025

Dr. Madowitz was our family physician from 1958 until his retirement. He was the most caring and dedicated physician anyone could have. He was there whenever you needed him with a wonderful heart. He was more than a physician, he was a trusted and loved family friend.

Phil Boyle

October 4, 2024

Dr. Madowitz was our family physician and played an important role in our health care as I was growing up. He was a great doctor and I still remember the day my late mother, a registered nurse, told me of his background as a Holocaust survivor. I think about Dr. Madowitz almost every day as my commute to work brings me past his former medical office in Brentwood. May his memory be a blessing. Phil Boyle (former NYS Senator and current CEO of Suffolk OTB.

Single Memorial Tree

Rita M King

Planted Trees

Single Memorial Tree

Rita M. King

Planted Trees

Jen Douglas

May 28, 2024

One of the greatest privileges of my life was having Leon Madowitz ("Papa") as my grandfather. He was a constant force of unconditional love and guidance, and I called him for personal and professional advice until the end of his life. His example of living in service of others - of caring for his family above all else - resilience despite adversity - was the ultimate education for myself and our generation. My daughter´s middle name honors his memory, and his memory will always be alive in our family and beyond.

Rita King

May 25, 2024

Dr. Madowitz was my family doctor and the best that God could give us. He was a man with a wonderful heart and true heart for his fellow man. Rita King

Maryann Leombruno

June 14, 2021

Belated condolences - So sorry for your family’s great loss. Dr. Madowitz was my childhood doctor. For some reason today I was remembering sitting in his waiting room as a child. He had a small table and chair with children’s books. I wondered what ever happened to him, so googled his name and came upon his amazing legacy page. I admired his kindness and humbleness, but even more so now. My mom was in a motorcycle accident back in 1968 that left her in a full body cast for a very long time and a widow with 8 young children (that Dr. Madowitz delivered). Dr. Madowitz would come to our house during this difficult time. His visits was a great comfort. Knowing the hardships he himself endured makes these memories even more precious. My mom absolutely adored Dr. Madowitz. I pray he is with our LORD and the LORD said Dr. Madowitz well done good and faithful servant.

Kathleen Faulkner Bevis

January 15, 2019

My condolences on learning of Dr. Madowitz's passing. I remember him telling me I was his first baby he delivered in 1955. He was always so sweet and kind. I remember him coming to our home to treat my brother for his asthma attacks. We all saw Dr. Madowitz so often that he was part of the family although I was surprised to read of the turmoil he went through. He truly has a special place in heaven. How blessed you are to have such graced man for your father.

Elaine Hayes/Poloskey

January 24, 2018

Sorry to hear that our Dr. Madowitz of Brentwood had passed away. He was our family Dr. from 1960 till he retired. My parents had 5 children and we all went to him. I did listen to his interview from a few years ago and it really shocked me I had no idea of his life before he came to the U.S. and what he had over come. I wish I had known. I'm glad he lived a long life and was able to enjoy his grandchildren.

Ela Zawadzka

January 13, 2018

I would like to express my sincere condolences on the death of. Ela

Karen Love

December 13, 2017

I will.mis s dr Madowitz he was great i remm when my.kids was very we went though his garage will.never be a dr like him.lov e uou so sorry

Paul Hansalik

November 20, 2017

My sincerest condolences to the Madowicz family on his passing. Dr. Madowicz delivered me in 1963 and was my pediatrician and GP until his retirement from his Brentwood practice. Few people have made such an impact on me in my life and few days go by without a thought of his professionalism, kindness and grace. Your family was truly blessed.

Nancy Martin Guadagno

November 19, 2017

Condolences to the Madowitz family. We were patients of Dr Madowitz for many years - my parents living in Brentwood from1960 till 1990. Bring one of five children we were in his office on a regular basis. I remember he came to the house as I was running a 105 fever. He said to my mother- Dr Martin- what do you think? , and her treatment was exactly what he suggested. My father did speak to him late 2016- and told him what a positive influence he had on our family- we speak of him often.
Our love to all the Madowitz family- Nancy Martin Guadagno: daughter of Peter and Marilyn Martin

Henry Stebel

November 5, 2017

I'm very sorry to hear about the passing of your father Leon, Richard and Jackie. My deepest condolences. In case your wondering I'm your cousin Henry. Evidently I was no informed of his passing. We used to enjoy our visits to your home in Brentwood LI when we were young. Always had a fondness for your mother and how gracious she was to my family when we visited. My best to her and give her my deepest condolences for this loss. They came to my mothers house when my father died and attended my father's funeral.

Abraham KONIARSKY

September 13, 2017

My sincerest condolences to Doris for the passing of Leon. My parents, Joel and Ryfka Koniarsky, and I have been frequent guest of yours in Brentwood. My parents knew you and Leon in Wielun. We enjoyed visiting with both of you. I am sorry to hear of your loss and am convinced Leon and my parents are sharing lots of old memories from their youth in Gan Eden.

Joe Ehrlich

August 31, 2017

Uncle Leon was one of my very favorite uncles.
An amazing individual, he always made me feel special.
I will miss him!

Raymond Geraghty

August 11, 2017

I was a patient of Dr Madowitz from around 1958 until 1973 when I join the Air Force. He was always a gentleman and a very good doctor. I can remember he was always professional, well dressed and spoke on a level that we call all understand. A very friendly man. I was surprised to recently find out about his past experiences of his live and being a Holocaust survivor. He will be missed.

William Kaplan

August 2, 2017

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Leon Madowitz, my 32nd floor Kennedy House neighbor for 13 years. We shared a 50 yard long hallway from 32B to 32K. We both used it as an indoor walking track when the outdoors was not welcoming. He was the sweetest most gentle person and his life was well-lived. I am a long time supporter of UJA-FEDERATION and my upcoming annual gift will be in his memory. My deepest condolences to his family.

Patty Santana

July 24, 2017

Leon was brilliant, charming, witty, and full of corazón. He was a second father to me. I will cherish our times together as we sat at the kitchen table and I listened to his life stories. Even now I see him beating the eggs for his specialty dish of matzo brei which he insisted on making for me in the morning. What an honor to be in his light! Leon was an exquisite human being in so many ways.

July 24, 2017

we are very sorry. my husband worked with dr. madowitz at southside and my mother (mrs. dennis} was the head of the emergency room. dr. and mrs ray haag.

July 24, 2017

To the Madowitz Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

Leonard Hoenig

July 23, 2017

I am a cousin to the Madowitz family and recall visiting them as a child with my parents. We celebrated together on various happy occasions. Dr.Leon Madowitz gave me helpful advice when I began my practice of medicine many years ago. I spoke to him before the Passover holiday and he seemed to be in good spirits, despite health issues and concern about his wife. He was one of my last links to my family's past, as most of my family perished in the Holocaust and so I never knew them. Leon helped fill in some details of their lives. My condolences to Doris his wife, to sons Jackie and Richard and the whole family. May the Almighty comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem

Henry Krous

July 23, 2017

I greatly regret that We did not know Leon personally. That said, we feel as if we did as a result of many conversations with his son, Jack. Leon's obituary lovingly captures him as a person, parent, physician, and humanitariun. His survivors have every reason to be grateful and proud of his long life and accomplishments. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends
Henry and Karen

Jack Madowitz

July 23, 2017

In loving memory of a wonderful father, who lived a truly amazing life. You will live in our hearts and minds forever.

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