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Leon Schoenbaum Obituary

Leon Schoenbaum NORFOLK - Leon Schoenbaum, 89, passed away Friday, Nov. 12, 2010. Born in Petersgurg, Va., to Emil and Goldie Schoenbaum, Leon grew up in Huntington, W.Va. He graduated from Huntington High School, and then attended Ohio State University, where he was a member of the Ohio State football and basketball teams. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in the communication corps which brought him to Norfolk where he met Ruth Ann Silverman. In October of this year they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. In 1955, Leon, brought Shoney's restaurants to Tidewater, making it one of the first and most successful chains in the area. Using his restaurants, he became a proponent of equal rights by allowing everyone the right to be served in his stores. They lived for many years in Newport News and Kingsmill, where Leon enjoyed many hours playing golf. Leon is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann; his two daughters, Lynn and Bunny; his granddaughter, Rachel; his brother-in-law, Louis Silverman and his wife Bobbi Sue; his sisters-in-law, Betty Schoenbaum and Mickey Schoenbaum; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Ray; and brothers, Raymond, Alex and Howard. We are grateful to those at Harbor's Edge, Senior Corp and Odessy. Our special thanks go to Claudia Rider, Tennile Williams, Patricia Corley and Jennifer Novotny. A memorial service will be held Sunday at 1 p.m. at Rodef Sholom Temple, 318 Whealton Road, Hampton, Va. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday at Harbor's Edge, 1 Colley Ave., Norfolk. Donations may be made to the Silverman-Schoenbaum Fund c/o Rodef Sholom Temple. Arrangements are being made by Peninsula Funeral Home.

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

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Nov. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Leon Schoenbaum

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November 18, 2010

To the Schoenbaum family-
I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a wonderful person and will be missed by many. We had some great times growing up and those memories will comfort you in the days ahead. Will be thinking of you all with thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Anne Smola Helms

Ed Stan

November 17, 2010

Ruth Ann

Our deepest sympathy and may you and your extended family know no more sorrow.

Maitzie and Ed Stan

November 17, 2010

Lynn and Bunny,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

Penny Fineman Warner

November 16, 2010

Dear Bunny and Lynn,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Wasn't it just yesterday we were running around your house and Shoney's all Beatles and boy crazy?
Such wonderful memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your mother and all your family during this sorrowful time.
Love, Brac Preston Gutierrez

November 15, 2010

Lynn and Bunny,
I was sorry to hear of your Father's passing. I remember all the good times we had at your house and Shoney's during the Ferguson years. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Batkins Kutchen

D Hornsby

November 15, 2010

Mr. Shoenebaum was a wonderful man. I am so sorry to learn of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

November 15, 2010

Dear Lynn, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I never met him but, of course, he was a legend in NN and at FHS. Many good memories of Shoney's. I know your heart is breaking, but you sure did have a GREAT Dad! Love, Missy Gamache-Correlle

November 15, 2010

Dear Ruth Ann, Lynn, Bunny and Rachel,
I send you my sympathy and prayers for the loss of a great man. Leon and Bill Roos had some wonderful sparing years together. They both loved and played the game of football in their youths. With much affection, respect, and love, I send you many blessings, Joanne K Roos, Yorktown, Virginia

Kathy Firth

November 15, 2010

Dear Lynn and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Growing up my Mom and Dad would often take my sisters and I to Shoney's. I have fond memories of those times. God Bless you and yours and keep you in His care. Love, Kathy Wilkerson Firth

Joan Baird

November 14, 2010

Dear Mrs. Schoenbaum, Bunny and Lynn,

Jenny called me tonight to tell me about Mr. Schoenbaum. I remember seeing "script to Ohio" at your house since he always watched Ohio State games but I did not know he played football and basketball there. I have fond memories of him cooking in the kitchen while we picked crabs by the pool. I always think of the Schoenbaums when I get the rare chance to pick crabs.

Much love and Godspeed,

Joan Coleman Baird

November 14, 2010

So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you all.
Love, Betty and Al Mauzy

Paige Stallard Taylor

November 14, 2010

Bunny and Family,
So sorry to hear of your Father's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

Susan Spirn Zander

November 14, 2010

Ruth Ann, Lynn and Bunny - I was so sorry to hear of Leon's passing. My prayers and thoughts are with each of you

MICHAEL RUGGLES

November 14, 2010

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

November 14, 2010

Dear Lynn & Bunny,
I was very sorry to hear of your loss. You are both in my thoughts.
-Forrest Wall

Darcy Pepe Center

November 14, 2010

Lynn & Bunny,
I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I hope that all the great memories you both have will be of comfort to you in this sad time. I think of you both often and wish you both my sincerest sympathy for your loss.

November 13, 2010

Deepest sympathy to Mrs. Shoenbaum, Lynn and Bunny: You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Shoenbaum was such a nice man and a great father to all his children and their friends Debbie Redding Hill

Hilda Garrett

November 13, 2010

On behalf of my sister (Ellen Garrett) I would like to offer my condolences to the family. I know if Ellen were still with us she would be among the first to offer her Prayers and Synpanthy .

Bill and Marcy Oberndorfer

November 13, 2010

Lynn, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our love and prayers are with you.

Hal Sacks

November 13, 2010

Heartfelt condolences to Ruth Ann, Lynn, and Bunny.
Hal and Annabel Sacks

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