Leo DOZORETZ

DOZORETZ, Leo 89, father, husband, grandfather, volunteer, corporate leader and philanthropist, peacefully passed away October 13, 2010, following smiles and visits from many special people in his life. He waited just weeks before joining his beloved Elaine, his wife of 68 years, who passed last month. Born in Buffalo and moving with his family to Los Angeles as a teenager, he served in the Army during World War II. After leaving the service, he started a career that combined business with public service. Corporate affiliations included Willamette Industries and other companies, but the pride in his life came from the public service his successful career enabled him to pursue. At various times, he served on Board of Directors and Executive committees of Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles and Valley Alliance of Federation. His projects ranged from helping to conceive projects for future senior citizen housing (now in full operation in Tarzana), to translating non-profit-private financial housing models. He wanted to make the Jewish Home for the Aging a center for the many who could benefit, and was involved for years. Among his other public service causes were educational programs and cultural developments with emphasis on Israel, Russian immigrants (worked extensively on Project Exodus to facilitate emigration of hundreds of Russian Jews to Israel), centers for abused, Native American tribal communities; Morris Dees coalition; and was actively locally for decades in his congregation, Adat Ari El. He served as President, chaired and headed various projects (including the building committee) which resulted in the current, nationally recognized sanctuary at Adat Ari El in Studio City. Leo is survived by his son Jerry (Annie) of Denver, daughter Diane (Jim) of Fullerton, and sister Ethel Fishman, formerly of Woodland Hills, California. Younger son, Mark, passed before his father. He leaves behind grandchildren Paul, Amy, Jessica, Ari, Jonathan, Samantha, Leah, Wayne, Joelle and Evan, great-grandchildren Cody, Jackson, Dax, Bella and Eddie, caregiver and dear friend Althea Hewitt and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, admirers, and others who will forever recall Leo's wisdom. Services will be held Sunday, October 17, at 10 a.m., at Mount Sinai at Forest Lawn in Glendale. The United Jewish Fund (UJF) has established a fund in Leo's name for anyone wishing to donate.