LEONARD HABER

Dr. LEONARD HABER Former Miami Beach Mayor dies at 82 Renowned Forensic Psychologist and Former Mayor of Miami Beach, Dr. Leonard Haber passed away May 1st, 2015. He was 82 years old. Dr. Haber was born on March 21, 1933 to Sally and Max Haber. The middle child of three, he grew up in the Bronx alongside sister, Sandra, and brother Arnold, (now deceased). After graduating from City College and earning his Ph.D. from Adelphi University, Dr. Haber moved to Miami Beach and established his private practice, Psychological Associates of Miami, in 1965. In addition to his private practice, for thirteen years Dr. Haber hosted the popular radio show "At Your Service" on WKAT, one of the first and longest running talk shows of its kind, where listeners could call in to receive Dr Haber's expert advice. A leader in his field, Dr. Haber was a highly regarded Trial Consultant and Expert Witness for over forty years. He was deeply respected for his no-nonsense and thoughtful approach to managing the criminal, civil, federal and probate cases assigned to him by the Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe County courts. Dr. Haber often served as a radio and TV news commentator offering expert opinion on high-profile criminal cases, including serving as an ongoing guest for NBC during the O.J. Simpson Trial. Over the course of his career, Dr. Haber conducted thousands of psychological evaluations and case file reviews for both defense and prosecution until his retirement in 2004 following quintuple bypass surgery. Dr. Haber was a committed public servant to the beachfront community he loved and called home for almost fifty years. In the 1970's and 1980's, a time of tremendous growth for Miami Beach, he played a significant role in the city's transformation, engaging his practical know-how and deep understanding of the public as a city Commissioner, a Vice-Mayor and as Mayor of Miami Beach. Dr Haber also served as the city psychologist and was a certified hostage negotiator for the Miami Beach Police Department. Dr. Haber returned to public service in 1998 when Governor Lawton Chiles appointed him to the Judicial Qualifications Commission. He was reappointed by Governor Jeb Bush in 2002 and served as a member of the JQC until 2006 when he relocated to Costa Rica, where he had vacationed for over 20 years. He moved back to Miami in 2012 to spend more time with his family. Dr. Haber is survived by his three loving sons, Michael, Daniel and Joseph; his daughter-in-laws, Kim and Maxine; his five grandchildren, Melanie, Jennifer, Matthew, Aiden and Jackie; his sister, Sandra; his brother-in-law, Harry and his beloved wife Marta. Memorial Service will be held at Temple Beth Shalom, 4144 Chase Avenue, Miami Beach on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Services will be held at 1pm at Lakeside Memorial Park 10301 NW 25th Street, Miami. Arrangements by Blasberg-Rubin-Zilbert (305) 538-6371.