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FUNERAL HOME

Sinai Memorial Chapel Chevra Kadisha

1501 Divisadero Street

San Francisco, California

Benjamin Leffler Obituary

Maj. Benjamin Leffler, USMC (Ret.) Resident of Oakland Born August 24, 1918 in New York City and died peacefully on September 3, 2009, in Oakland CA. A decorated war hero who received the Bronze Star for his service during the invasion of Iwo Jima, Ben was a proud career Marine Corps officer who would sing the Marine Corps Hymn on every possible appropriate (and inappropriate) occasion. He continued his service to others as a high school teacher at Fremont High School in Oakland and as the backbone of the St. Andrews Road neighborhood association. Beloved by family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and former students, he was surrounded by dozens of his loved ones for his recent 91st birthday celebration at Sunrise Assisted Living. Benjamin is survived by his adored wife of 63 years, Marjorie, daughters Ann (Dair Gillespie) and Deborah (Stuart Oppenheim), grandchildren Rachel, (Christian Woods), Emma, and Nora Oppenheim, and Clayton Gillespie. Donations in memory of Ben may be made to the San Francisco City Library, the United Negro College Fund or to the charity of your choice. A memorial service is being planned by the family and will be open to all who enjoyed knowing Ben during the many years of his wonderful life. Sinai Memorial Chapel (415) 921-3636

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

Published by Inside Bay Area on Sep. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Leffler

3 Entries

September 11, 2009

Mr Leffler, may you rest in peace and thank you for all you taught
me at Fremont High. I really enjoyed the Dodger-Giants debates we
had! You were a hero in every facet of life. God bless.

Your student,

Francisco Orosco, 77

Michael Buford

September 10, 2009

I was a student of Mr. Leffler in 1977 and 1978 at Fremont High. He was a fun teacher that always kept the class on it's toes. He would share many stories and would go toe to toe with any student who challenged him. He is one of the few teachers that I remember from high school. I always wondered whatever happened to Mr. Leffler. I have lived in Los Angeles since 1978, but was in Oakland last week and visited the school. May Mr. Leffler rest in peace and my prayers are with you the family

Philip Rosenstein

September 7, 2009

My father nick-named him lightning. They shared a very special bond, and it continued for a life-time. He called when my father died, to express his condolences. He was quite a guy and my DaD, and our family thought the world of him. I am so sorry. Phil Rosenstein and Family.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Sinai Memorial Chapel Chevra Kadisha

1501 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

How to support Benjamin's loved ones

Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.