MICHAEL LOEB

LOEB--Michael Andrew. Died peacefully in Bethlehem, CT on August 28, 2021. He was 92 years old. Born on November 25, 1928 in New York City to Milton B. Loeb and Theresa H. Loeb, he was an enthusiastic and devoted New Yorker, who was educated at The Horace Mann School '46, Columbia College '50 where he majored in English, and Harvard Business School '52. In 1956, Michael married Ann Ross Loeb, and they had three children. They resided in New York City and Bethlehem, CT. Michael began his business career joining his father and his brother, John, in running the Brillo Manufacturing Company, makers of the eponymous soap pads. Ten years later he left to enter publishing where he remained for the rest of his career. He started at the newly formed Grossman Publishers, famous for the best seller of 1965, Unsafe at any Speed by Ralph Nader. Viking Press bought Grossman and then was itself acquired by Penguin. His final years were spent at Harry N. Abrams, the renowned publisher of art and illustrated books. Always an avid outdoor enthusiast, starting from the 10 years he spent at Camp Kennebec in Maine, he became deeply involved in the Sierra Club, ultimately serving as Chair of The Sierra Club Foundation, as well as connecting with the Associated YM-YWHA where he became Treasurer of the Berkshire Hills-Eisenberg Camp. Michael's love of the outdoors also led him to help his alma mater, Horace Mann, where he served as a trustee and Chair of the Board, to establish a nature laboratory campus, John Dorr Nature Lab, contiguous to the family farm in Bethlehem, Connecticut, as well as to create a permanent conservation easement for the Bethlehem Land Trust, resulting in the preservation of approximately 125 acres of land as open space in their beloved community. Michael's other passions were Arthur Rackham illustrations, live chamber music concerts at his home or apartment, Broadway musicals, family trips and his 51 blueberry bushes. His kind, quiet, and thoughtful manner endeared him to all who knew him, and he maintained strong friendships throughout his life, continuing to host regular lunch meetings, thanks to Zabar's, with his remaining friends from his high school days. Despite his many hobbies, philanthropic pursuits, and friends, Michael treasured most his family. He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Ann (Ross) Loeb; his three children: Joanne Loeb (Leonard Malter), Daniel Loeb (Deborah Piltch) and Susanna Loeb (Stephen Pokorny); nine grandchildren: Zachary, Emily, Jonah, Rachael (Shahnawaz), Caleb (Grace), Jessica, Rhea, Eliza, and Marina; and one great-grandchild: Tarek. In addition, he is survived by Virginia Loeb (James Sperling) and David Loeb, the children of his late brother John H. Loeb; and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: James and Laura Ross and Lynn and Edward Rosenfeld, as well as their families. If you had asked Michael what he did in his retirement he would reply "read and weed." He also spread his care and attention to all those he loved. A celebration of his life will be held this Fall in New York City when all family and friends can safely gather.