Alan Howard Leiman

Alan H. Leiman, 88, of South Pasadena, FL, previously of Trumbull, CT and Brooklyn, NY, passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at The Springs Rehabilitation Center in South Pasadena, FL. Alan was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1934. He was raised by his mother, Celia, a schoolteacher and loving mother, and his father, Sol, a Dentist and devoted father, along with his two older brothers, Jack and Myron (Mike). Alan was a gifted child who skipped two grades in school and graduated from Brooklyn College with honors, attaining a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and later a Master's Degree and a PhD from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society and published several papers in peer reviewed professional publications. He was a radio operator in the Army, after enlisting to do service for his country between his undergraduate and graduate degrees. Alan met the love of his life, Florence Matracht (Fagel) when he was 16 years old. She was 13 and lived next door and by the time she was 17 and he was 20, they married with permission of their parents. Alan was a hard worker and caring professional, working as a clinical child psychologist and consultant in three Fairfield County, CT school systems. He was Chief Psychologist at the Child Guidance Center in Bridgeport, CT and worked as a consultant for the Milford Child Guidance Center as well. He also lectured interns at the local hospital on how to put patients at ease in a caring way. He was well known as a champion of children in his community and eventually went into private practice in Fairfield, CT. The family moved to a home in Trumbull, CT with their three children; Julie, Debra and Mark. Alan was exceedingly caring and honest and always did the right and good thing. He was therefore well respected in his community and had a tight circle of friends that he liked to socialize and play bridge with. People trusted him and for good reason. Alan was an active member at B'nai Torah Synagogue in Trumbull, CT and a hands-on parent, seriously loved by his wife and children. He always put his family first and was also a loyal friend. He enjoyed shows and show tunes, the Brooklyn Dodger's baseball team and appreciated music, particularly Simon and Garfunkel, Louie Armstrong and Kate Smith. After many years as a Florida snowbird, Alan moved, with his wife, Fagel, to a condominium by the bay in South Pasadena, FL. He was within a half hour of his two daughters, Julie and Debra (Debbie) and kept in close contact with his son, Mark in Connecticut, speaking with him often. He was Best Man at Mark's wedding and they even presented a professional paper together. He was blessed with a grandchild, Cailey, who adored him and he, her. He was an active member of Temple Beth El in South Pasadena after his move to Florida and a regular at services for many years. He enjoyed travel with his wife and friends and often included his children as well. He became Director of his building and later Vice President of his condo association and was active for many years. In his golden years, he enjoyed playing with his grandchild, visiting with his children and doing word jumbles.

Alan is survived by his wife of 67 years, Florence Leiman (Fagel) of South Pasadena, FL, his children Julie Leiman Weaver and husband Joseph, Debbie Leiman, and Mark Leiman and wife Kim, and his grandchild Cailey Weaver. All love him dearly and will miss his presence daily. His humor and kindness to people and animals was legendary and he lit up the room with his smile.

The graveside memorial service was held on Sunday, September 25 at Chapel Hill Memorial Park in Largo, FL and Shiva followed at their home. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.