Obituary of Leonard Feinberg

Leonard (Len) Feinberg died at home in Boone, NC, surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, September 10, after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 87 years old. Born in Brooklyn, NY, on December 17, 1927, Len grew up in a family of six that struggled to make ends meet during the Great Depression. Len served in the Navy as a young man and was stationed in Guam during World War II. After the war, Len returned to New York City and graduated from New York University and Brooklyn Law School, eventually founding his own successful firm. A strong believer in equality and the worth of all people, he was a lifelong Democrat and member of the ACLU and NAACP. Len had great intellectual curiosity and loved nothing more than a lively conversation about politics, sports or current events. He was a passionate tennis player and could be found playing at Deer Valley Racquet Club almost every day. Len was also a devoted fan of classical music; Italian food; and birdwatching, a hobby he was introduced to as a Boy Scout. He was a generous and kindhearted mentor and close friend to many. Though a quintessential New Yorker, he grew to love his adopted home of Boone, and lived his last few weeks as he always lived his life -- to its fullest. He is survived by his wife, Jean Fiedler; his brother, Irwin; six children: Joseph, Melanie, Matt, Dawne, Evan, and Neal; nephews, Larry and Chet and nieces, Michelle and Jan; three stepchildren: Sara, Amy, and Dan; three grandchildren, Darin, Jenna and Lindsey; and six step grandchildren: Mataya, Katherine, Julian, Alexander, Gratia, and James. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Kate; his brother, Mike; and his sisters, Hermia and Jeanette. He will also be dearly missed by his closest friends from childhood; Al, Marty and Stan. A memorial service will be held in New York City, where his ashes will be interred. Condolences can be directed to Austin & Barnes Funeral Home (www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com).