Obituary: Leon Auerbach, 85

Leon Auerbach. Nov. 3, 1930-March 9, 2016. Beloved companion, father, zayde and uncle.

Leon was the youngest child of Abe and Minnie Auerbach. He built a life in Atlanta that began in retail furniture and moved into real estate, land development, and construction and investments. He was a member of Congregation Beth Jacob most of his life and loved participating in the community there as long as he was able. Generations of children will remember getting candy after Sabbath services from “Uncle Leon” on the porch at Miss Gertrude’s house next door. He was a graduate of Boys High (now Grady High School) and attended Marsh Business College. Leon was a Mason of the Scottish Rite and a past member of Yaarab Shrine Temple, where he delighted in being a member of the Motor Corps.

People who have known Leon will think of his ready smile, his warm laugh and his gentle sense of humor. Even as time and disease robbed him of language and then speech, the twinkle in his eye, his laugh and his outstretched hand made it clear that he was still engaged with his visitors. Leon loved to sing, and he raised his family to the songs of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. And the man could dance! Relationships that began in his childhood he carried throughout life, and he established many more along the way. He valued hospitality and was a constant host to family and friends every week as long as he was able. He loved to travel and always included others in the adventures. Leon embraced an expansive definition of family and welcomed into his fold all sorts of in-laws and out-laws. He was happiest with a grand- or great-grandchild in his arms. He was the Baby Whisperer.

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Leon was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Betty Cohen; his brothers, Sam, Bennie and Hy Auerbach; and his daughter, Paula Cohen. Leon is survived by his devoted companion of 25 years, Jackie Green, and her family, daughter Michelle Leaf (Bruce) and grandchildren Morgan and Brian Leaf and Stacy and Elliot Flamm; his sons, Cary (Tammy) and Steve (Mary Alice); son-in-law Ken Cohen; grandchildren Sara Hightower (Davis), Lindsay Solomon (David), Sarah Parpart, Seth and Hayley Cohen, and Jacob and Griffin Auerbach; and seven great-grandchildren.

Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. Graveside services were held Friday, March 11, at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Ilan Feldman officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association or Congregation Beth Jacob. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.