Leon Hecht

Leon Hecht NORFOLK - Dr. Leon Jacob Hecht, 81, son of the late Irving and Yetta Hecht of Norfolk, died Saturday morning, Oct. 2, 2010 at DePaul Hospital. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Monie Hecht who passed away in 2009. Leon was a devoted husband, who took care of Monie in the last few years of her life with selfless abandon. He is survived by a daughter, Lori Hecht-Thomson and her husband Kevin of Raleigh, N.C.; two sons, Michael S. Hecht and his wife Ronnie of Richmond, Va., and Scott A. Hecht and his wife Susan of Cary, N.C.; and five grandchildren, Sarah, Jaimi, Ellis, Erin and Mitchell Hecht. He is also survived by one brother, Joseph H. Hecht, and was predeceased by his brother, Robert D. Hecht, both of Norfolk. Dr. Hecht was a native of Norfolk and a graduate of the University of Virginia. Additionally, he was a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. He is a retired lieutenant commander in the Dental Corps of the Navy Reserves, having served with the pacific and seventh fleets. He was a life member of the Tidewater Dental Association, the American Dental Association and the Virginal Dental Association. He was also a member of Congregation Beth El and a 50-year member of Masonic Lodge No. 1, AF&AM. Years ago, he was a member of the Beth El board of directors and a teacher in their Sunday school program. Dr. Hecht also was an adjunct clinical faculty member at the Red Cross Dental clinic in Norfolk. There are qualities in a person that one remembers the most, and for his children it would be his tremendous love and loyalty to his family. Whether being president of Little League so that he could be more active in his son's lives, or successfully navigating the unknown of a daughter's emotions and needs, Leon was a testament to the word father. His principles and ethics in the way he conducted his life, will forever be remembered. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 4, at H.D, Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel, by Rabbi Arthur Ruberg and Cantor Gordon Piltch. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family will observe Shiva services at the residence and will receive friends Monday and Tuesday. They ask that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made the American Leukemia Society. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hdoliver.com.