LEONARD X. FARBMAN

FARBMAN--Leonard X. With profound sorrow, we mourn the passing of Leonard X. Farbman on January 26, 2013 at the age of 102. Leonard's wife, Ruth, of 72 years, predeceased him in 2005. He was, also, predeceased by his brother, Saul Farbman and his sister, Edythe Nagin. He is survived by his son, David and his daughter-in-law Marie, as well as his grandchildren, Jesse and Leah. A great-granddaughter, Kaylee was born in 2007 and Leonard was an adoring “GG�. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Born and raised in New York City, he graduated from Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1932 with a degree in engineering. He began his career in 1933 joining M. Farbman & Sons, a mechanical contracting firm, started by his father, Morris Farbman. In addition to his work with the family business, Leonard's true passion was serving New York's plumbing industry for many decades. He was president of the Association of Contracting Plumbers of the City of New York, Inc. from 1962-1964 and continued to serve for several years in many other capacities. Recognizing his many years of service, in 2007, the Plumbing Industry Promotion Fund Scholarship Program was renamed the “Leonard X. Farbman� Scholarship in his honor. Since its establishment, the Scholarship Program has awarded $1,170,000 in scholarships to 445 students. Leonard gave back to the city of New York by immersing himself in city affairs. He was a member of the Manhattan Boro district 7 Community Planning Board in 1961; member of the board of directors of the West Side Chamber of Commerce since 1953; member of the Mayor Wagner's Citizens Committee of 100 for Better Housing in 1956; director of Citizens Watch Dog Committee on Lincoln Square in 1958; president of Riverside Neighborhood Assembly, 1954-1956; chairman of N. 3rd Assembly district, Liberal Party, Manhattan, 1946-1954; member N.Y. State committee, 1954; candidate for N. Y. State Assembly, 1948; county committeeman, Democratic Party Club and Mid- West Democratic president, 1960. During the time that he was performing his civic duties, he was sought after by many for his sage and pragmatic counsel. The man we honor has been the husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to many who have come to admire and love him over his long, illustrious life. He was a great example to us, all. His attitude was always positive and his sharp wit was evident to the end. His secret to a long and healthy life was simple; exercise every day, eat an apple a day, and of course, have a vodka martini before dinner. The family would like to thank MJHS, especially his hospice nurse, Nina, for helping this remarkable man leave this earth with grace and dignity. We also would like to thank Ann, his home health aide, for taking such good care of Leonard in his last months.