We'll miss you Lefty

Herman 'Lefty' Lefkowitz

Herman "Lefty" Lefkowitz, a longtime Monte Sereno resident, died on July 10 in Los Angeles. He was 85. Mr. Lefkowitz was born in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and he graduated from Columbia University with a master's degree in education.

Affectionately known as Lefty, he moved to the Santa Clara Valley in the early 1950s with his wife, Anna. He took a teaching position at Los Gatos High School, where he was a popular teacher for 38years, touching the lives of thousands of students. He taught Driver Ed., Safety Ed. and was the State and Local Dept. Head. Mr. Lefkowitz was dedicated to serving his community and family. He was president of his teachers association for the state of California and a member of the Monte Sereno Town Council.

For recreation, Lefty could be found planting in his orchard or playing handball with friends at the Los Gatos Athletic Club. He was a pioneer in the San Jose Jewish community. He was one of the founding members of Congregation Sinaiin Willow Glen, the San Jose Chevra Kadisha, and later an active member of Congregations Ahavas Torah and Am Echad in San Jose.

Mr. Lefkowitz is survived by his wife Anna of Los Angeles; his son Seth Lefkowitz of San Jose; his daughter Gail Eisenberg of Queens, N.Y.; his daughter Devorah Brown of Los Angeles; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.