LEON AUERBACH

Andrea, My wife and I and our two young children moved into the 340 Riverside Dr "apartment house" as Leon, your wonderful father, called it in 1984. It wasn't an apartment building it was an apartment house. I quickly met the "mayor of the block." He was organizing the annual Halloween party that was held in the lobby for many years. Leon was the MC. And then there was the caroling during the holidays also being lead by Leon with a black English bowler on his head and a long white scarf around his neck. He took us around the block for an hour and then we retired to Sue and Charlie Ormsby's apartment in the mansion next to the Music mansion. Leon would also leave an invitation now and then to stop by for a glass of wine and some crackers and cheese with five or six other neighbors. And then he broadened his horizons and took on the City's Parks Department and engineered the complete expansion and renovation of Straus Park. It is the jewel of the neighborhood and, as you know, there is a plaque honoring Leon. He brought people together, which there is less of these days. He made living in 340 and on the block a friendlier and richer experience.
So how do I miss Leon? I miss Leon when I'm in the building, I miss Leon when I walking on the block toward Broadway and I really miss Leon when I am in Straus Park which is a living memorial to your dear father. Sincerely, John Fager

In the 1980s, Leon goaded and pushed and persuaded us, his neighbors and friends, that the decrepit and abandoned state of Straus Park, at 106th street between Broadway and West End Avenue was a blight on the community and should be cleaned up and spruced up, He was unwavering in his determination. Eventually, the city Parks Department arrived at the same conclusion and completely upgraded the Park, all thanks to Leon's energy and drive.

Those of us who are longtime residents of this corner of the city have Leon to thank for the fact that the renovated Straus Park is now a jewel of the city and a calm oasis of flowers and trees for anybody to enjoy, upper west siders or passersby. What vision Leon had. He was an exemplary model of a concerned and committed urban volunteer. There is a flowering dogwood tree in the Park planted in his memory and to thank him for his huge contribution to the community. He will long be remembered.

We knew him as a true gentleman and a loving partner (dance and otherwise) to Marjorie. Our sympathies to his family.

Leon's late wife Marjorie was a fellow classmate at the HS of Music and Art. We got to know Leon and always enjoyed our time together. We send our condolences to Andrea and to the entire family. Ruth and Peter Adler.

I am sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one.
May the love and compassion of God, be with the family and friends, during and after these difficult times.