Michael Edgar Liebman

Michael Liebman lived a life of courage and passion, deeply impacting everyone he encountered. Family, friends, acquaintances - all have a Michael Liebman story. How can you capture in 500 words a man who truly loved living, never met a meal he didn’t enjoy, had an encyclopedic memory of history, politics and literature, and jumped out of a plane at age 73?

Born on March 16, 1929 to Russian immigrants and childhood sweethearts Lily and Herman Liebman, Mike lived through some of the greatest historical events of the 20th century. Activism and commitment to social justice were instilled in him at an early age as his parents joined a large group of extended family members in settling on a collective family farm in Lebanon, Connecticut. After his mother’s tragic death when Michael was only four, his father, a Julliard-educated violinist, became involved in labor unions, eventually becoming the long-time Director of Cultural Affairs for the Amalgamated Housing Cooperative in Van Cortlandt Park, NY.

At 16, Mike joined his older sister Pearl at the University of Wisconsin and upon graduation enlisted in the army, serving during the Korean War. His career spanned working as a freelance photographer covering some of the major events of the Civil Rights movement to attending graduate school at Teachers College at Columbia University, where he met his devoted wife of 53 years, Joyce. They settled in Yorktown Heights, NY, beginning their careers as guidance counselors, with Mike working at Northern Westchester BOCES for over 20 years. Mike was devoted to mentoring students pursuing vocational and academic careers, and believed deeply in the power of education.

Mike was a devoted father to his daughters Laura and Linda, father-in-law to Glen and Ken, and grandfather to Dahlia, Yoav, and Matan. He loved sharing his many interests and hobbies with his family, and could spend hours talking about current events or history while playing chess or checkers with his grandchildren. As an avid fisherman, it brought him great joy to fish with his family, with his most memorable excursion resulting in catching an owl. Gardening, hiking, traveling around the world - each experience spoke to his spiritual connection with nature and humankind. He was also deeply connected to Israel, including volunteering with the army, as well as his Jewish heritage. Mike never ceased to grow and evolve - intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Even in his final days, he encouraged his family to continue to live life with purpose and joy, and to inspire others to do the same.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. “Sing like no one is listening, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like no one is watching, and live like it’s heaven on earth.” Mark Twain.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 12, 2022, 1:00 pm at Sharon Gardens Cemetery, 273 Lakeview Avenue, Valhalla, NY 10595. Memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s memory to Northwell Health Hospice, Jewish National Fund, or the Audubon Society.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with Hellman Memorial Chapels, 15 State Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977 (845) 356-8600 Jewish Funeral Directors

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hellmanmemorial.com for the Liebman family.