Abraham Joseph Leventhal

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Abraham Joseph Leventhal, age 90, who passed away peacefully, at home, in Halifax, on Monday, March 21, 2016.

Born in Halifax, on May 12, 1925, he was the son of the late Ethel (Phillipson) and Frank Leventhal. He grew up on Brunswick Street, and he attended Bloomfield High School. He received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University, in 1944. During the Second World War, he served as a medic in the Royal Canadian Navy Medical Corps. At Dalhousie, he was an active member of the fraternity, Tau Epsilon Phi.

Abe was a life-long member of Beth Israel Synagogue. He served on a variety of committees and was especially committed to the preservation of the Baron de Hirsch Cemetery.

At an early age, Abe felt a connection to a community that was close and where concern for others was a top priority. In his mid-twenties, he held the position of President in Halifax Scouts, which stemmed from his early days, as an Eagle Scout. He became the first Jewish Cub Master, at age 30.

A prominent and generous businessman, Abe worked with Dominion Metal (owned by his now deceased brother-in-law, Joseph Jacobson) in the mid-40’s and began to dabble in real estate, in the city.

He met his beloved wife, Elaine Devara (Zive), in 1946, and they married on February 19, 1952. They were married for almost 50 years, until Elaine’s passing on April 13, 2001. In later life, he met his long time companion, Sigrun Zibara, with whom he shared many good times and adventures.

Keeping an eye on real estate, Abe purchased several rental properties throughout Halifax, and along with his wife, Elaine, they were favorite landlords, to many Halifax tenants. Later, he bought The Sterling Hotel on Barrington Street, with his brother-in-law Joseph. With an avid interest in art and antiques, Abe and Elaine were responsible for its restoration, and it soon became known as Halifax’s Waverley Inn. Their keen and distinguished taste and ingenuity was instrumental in purchasing many of the beautiful antiques and décor in the family-owned Waverley Inn, where they spent a great deal of time. The Waverley Inn became a landmark, during the holiday season, and it was known for its remarkable light display and decorations, every year. Abe would visit the inn regularly, up until a few months before his passing.

His nieces and nephew will always remember weekly Sunday dinners, with Uncle Abe, his strong opinions, on all topics, rendezvousing for the World Skating Championships, his visits to California, his love of antiques, walking and sitting along the Halifax Waterfront enjoying ice cream, his joy in decorating the Waverley Inn and his home, and his overall genuine love.

A silent philanthropist, seeking neither attention, nor accolades, Abe Leventhal preferred to give quietly, from his heart. He was a loyal supporter to the arts, to education, to the Jewish community, and to medical research, at various hospitals and universities, locally. Abe will always be remembered for his compassionate generosity, his love of people, and his kindness to the staff, at the Halifax Waverley Inn, and to all who knew him.

Besides his wife, his sister, Jeannette Jacobson, and his brother-in-law, Joseph, predeceased him.

He is survived by his nieces Arlene Glube (Ken), Upland, California; Shelley Berezin (Gary), Ottawa; nephew Fred Jacobson (Bev), Altadena, California; great niece, Robin Storfer, and great nephew, Jamie Berezin. He also immensely enjoyed the company, of his little dog, Taz.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jalal Hosein, Dr. Victoria Mitchell, and Dr. Ken Rockwood, along with the private nursing staff and all his other caretakers, who enabled him to remain, in his home, until his final days. In addition, the family extends its deepest and heartfelt gratitude to the Waverley Inn Staff, with special mention, to Calvin Blades.

Interment will take place Thursday, March 24, at 2:30 p.m. at Baron de Hirsch Cemetery, Connaught Avenue and Windsor Street. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation, to a charity of your choice.

Abe Leventhal will be dearly missed.