LEO LIEBOWITZ

LIEBOWITZ--Leo. Leo Liebowitz, born on September 28, 1927, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2021, at the age of 94. He was born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, to parents Ray and Hyman, who emigrated to America from Poland and Romania. Leo's career began as a mechanic for the City of New York. With the desire to achieve the American dream he leased a gas station from the Sunoco Corporation. By 1955 he had a second leased location and a desire to establish a property portfolio through Queens and Brooklyn. In 1968, Leo was presented with the opportunity to expand via a single acquisition of the sizable Power Test Petroleum Corp. In 1985 he purchased the prestigious Getty trademark and its sweeping marketing assets from Texaco. This deal transformed the new Getty Petroleum Corp into the largest independent marketer of gasoline on the East Coast. Leo, a creator and innovator, developed a national real estate investment trust that today has over 1,000 properties in 36 states. Leo served as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Getty Petroleum Corp and Realty for more than 50 years. Amongst his many achievements he used his knowledge and time to serve on many boards, including his stewardship as President of The Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers Association (SIGMA), a trustee of Brookdale Hospital, and on the advisory board of Chemical bank (Now JPMorgan Chase). In 1988, SIGMA recognized Leo with the Distinguished Marketer Award and the Oil Trades Association presented Leo with the Man of The Year Award. On September 22, 1994, the President of the borough of Queens honored Leo with the proclamation of Leo Liebowitz Day, for his outstanding leadership, integrity, commitment to family, education, and the spirit of taking advantage of the opportunity. Later in life, Leo would receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his unique talents and his economic contributions to the United States. Leo's competence, kindness, humility, and drive were recognized far and wide. Leo was loved and respected by all for his caring nature and was the same person whether speaking with the driver of a Getty tanker truck, a server at the local diner or the President of The United States. Leo also had a strong sense of obligation to his country as shown by volunteering to serve in the armed forces during World War II. Leo would tell you his greatest accomplishment was his family. His most prized possession was his family tree which is still growing. Leo is survived by his devoted wife and love of his life for more than 70 years Rose, his brother Irv, his 6 children and their spouses Eileen and Michael, Karen and Henry, Linda and Alex, Pamela and Glenn, Richard, Erica and Rob and Donna. He was the beloved grandfather to Ali, Ryan, Jaimee, Alycia, Joshua, Matthew, Jacob, Samuel, Rachel, David, Jenna, Austin, Olivia, Griffin, Seth, Astra, Adam and Eliza. Additionally, he was the proud and adored great-grandfather to 15 great-grandchildren. Family was his life, and he was always held in the highest of regards amongst his friends, colleagues and community. Leo was known as an avid boatsman and his love of being on the water developed into a lifelong vocation, with many boats, destinations, and memories that the family and his beloved dogs were able to share together. Leo will be remembered as an energetic force, a source of optimism and a man of unimpeachable integrity. May everyone try to emulate him in their lives and may his memory always be a blessing. In lieu of flowers, donations in Leo's name may be made to: Trustees of Columbia University, Memo line: For Dr. J. Tenenbaum Research Fund in Memory of Leo Liebowitz. Please send to: Joseph Tenenbaum, MD, 173 Fort Washington Ave., New York, NY 10032.