Norman LeBeau Obituary

LeBEAU--Norman, 78, passed peacefully in Mexico, September 22. Born in Brooklyn to Lillian and Murray Leibow, Norman studied at Columbia, NYU, The Art Students League, and in Paris and married opera singer, Ruth Antelis of the Bronx. A self made success in the jewelry trade, Norman custom designed, manufactured and sold his work for forty years on Madison Avenue at LeBeau Jewelers and Boris-LeBeau in Palm Beach, winning numerous diamond and pearl design awards. In retirement Norman focused his creative ability on sculpting at the Palm Beach Armory and in San Miguel, Mexico and supported several art and philanthropic institutions. A true Bohemian, Norman loved life and attacked every day as if it were his last, from bicycling through Europe, skiing the Swiss Alps and hot air ballooning in Africa. Norman's love of people was equal to his fascination for animals, plants and art (www.normanlebeau.com). He is survived by his son Brad Mason, partner Brooke Dale and life long friends Bill Silfin, Lucille Chayt, Nikki Cohen, and Audrey Diamond. Charitable donations in memory of Norman LeBeau may be made to the ASPCA. Special Giving. 520 8th Ave 7th Fl NYC, NY 10018 or 800628-0028. A celebration of Norman's life will be announced shortly. [email protected]

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

Published by New York Times from Oct. 4 to Oct. 5, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Norman LeBeau

11 Entries

Art Weiss

October 29, 2008

I always looked forward to visiting Norman. Many will remember him for his beautiful works; those who ever met Norman in person we will remember him for who he was more so. He always had great stories with such detail you felt as if you experienced what he had. Whenever we'd talk, whatever troubles bothered me before seemed to disappear. He loved when my kids visited with me and they too enjoyed his stories and the company of the dogs. I can only begin to imagine the sorrow everyone else who were so lucky to have known Norman much more than we did must feel, but Brooke most of all. We will all miss Norman, his stories, and his lust for life and happiness.

Cindy Stankus

October 21, 2008

Dear Brooke, I love you very much and have known you for many years and we have been close for a long time. I was fortunate to meet Norman through you and think he was a wonderful man. I was also fortunate enough to have a piece of his sulpture that looks like Mandie Rose that I love dearly. He will be missed but I will be glad to have you home again.
Love Cindy

Audrey Diamond

October 21, 2008

Dearest Brooke,
My heart and sole goes out to you on your loss. You know I have always loved Norman like a brother. I was very fortunate when he became my friend, but I was thrilled when he brought you here because you made him so happy. I am delighted that we have become such good friends. You cherished and cared for Norman for years. He was so proud of you and loved showing you off. Now after his passing, I feel very fortunate that we have each other, thank you for being there. You are like my sister and I cherish our friendship. Thank you again for being my friend.

Arnie and Mary Holtz

October 19, 2008

Dearest Brooke,
Our sympathies for you and Norman's family. Norman enriched our lives as he did so many others. The greatest gift Norman gave to us was you. We met you through Norman many years ago and you are a dear. Again, many prayers to you and to Norman's family. Will miss his flair for life and his humor.

karyl karpinos

October 15, 2008

Dear Brooke, words cannot begin to convey my deepest sympathies to you at this horrendous time. I have nothing but fond thoughts, feelings and memories of Norman and all the nutty,funny times and things we shared. As "old blue eyes" said, "He did it his way" and he was a very fortunate man..as you know, he always had a kind word and joke to go with it. He will be sorely missed by many. He made his mark on so many, not only as a supremely talented artist, but as a friend, buddy and Mensch. Not too many people have his rare attributes What a loss to us, but how lucky we were to be touched by him and share a moment of his life.

Carole Waldman (Art of Life)

October 13, 2008

Brooke,
Just wanted to send my sincere condolences on your loss. May wonderful memories help you through.

Paul Bederson

October 12, 2008

My condolences to Norman's family. Norman was a one of a kind "kind" man who helped mentor me as a sculptor.

His wonderful works told stories that linger long afterward... and so they shall with this writer.

ELAINE POLACK

October 11, 2008

WE HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF OUR CAMPING DAYS AT CAMP CHIWANDA IN ULSTER PARK, NEW YORK.
ELAINE BODENSTEIN POLACK
KENNETH BODENSTEIN

Morgan Doran

October 11, 2008

Norman...I will never forget the sincere kindness and lively conversation we shared so many years ago at your store on Worth Ave. You told stories with such humor & flair while feeling every word-just like your art. YOU were the precious gem, Norman...We miss you!

Patti Roehl

October 10, 2008

Norman's wonderful stories, fabulous art, and he, will be missed. May the memories of Norman carry his son Brad, and his love, Brooke, through this difficult time.

cassie from the armormay art center

October 6, 2008

we love you and miss you norman.... thank you for all that you have taught me, and shown me... you trully are a remarkable man.... I feel so blessed to have known you...

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results