Morris Leventhal

LEVENTHAL, DDS, MS, ABO, Morris Sept. 24, 1918-Aug. 16, 2009 of Ventura, passed away at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, at the age of 90. Morris, known to his friends as Morrie or Moe, was born in New York City. Moe received his B.A. at George Washington University in Washington, DC in 1940 and then went on to receive his dentistry degree from Western Reserve University in Cleveland in 1945. He served as a dentist in the U.S. Navy in Panama - commissioned in 1946, Lieutenant, Junior Grade. Upon completing his service, he earned his degree as a Doctor of Orthodontics from the University of Iowa in Des Moines. He left New York in 1956, making California his new home. He established his orthodontics private practice in Reseda, eventually moving his practice to Northridge. In 1989, he sold his successful practice, retired and moved to Ventura. He continued to teach for ten years at the UCLA Orthodontic Graduate Program.
He was a true Renaissance Man. For 20 years, Moe was an integral part of the Ceramics Department of Ventura College as a volunteer and "the Godfather of Glazes." He was a world traveler, master baker and gardener, repairer of antique clocks, historian, advisor. He made a delightful, lasting impression on everyone he met. Moe is survived by his loving wife Judith, daughters Laura Conti and Holly Smith; stepchildren Karen Beckman (James), Jeffrey Harlig, Jon Harlig (Leah), and Scott Harlig (Lori); grandchildren Chris and Michael Harlig, Michael, Leigha, and Hanna Beckman, and Regina and Alexandra Harlig; niece Barbara Leone, and nephews Ira Greenstein (Susan) and Paul Charm. Donations may be sent to the American Diabetes Association or Congregation Am Hayam, 4839 Market St., Unit C, Ventura, CA 93003.