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David M. Leventhal

David M. Leventhal

1939 - 2024

David

was born on January 30th, 1939
and passed away on February 2nd, 2024 at the age of 85
Photo of David M. Leventhal
Photo of David M. Leventhal
Photo of David M. Leventhal
Photo of David M. Leventhal
Photo of David M. Leventhal
Photo of David M. Leventhal

David M. Leventhal (1/30/39-2/2/24) Long-time owner of Cecil's Deli David Leventhal dies at 85. Proceeded in death by his parents Harry & Ruth Leventhal, sister Susan Yellin and brother Seymour Leventhal. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Sheila, his sister Leona Kasen; children Becca (Jonathan) Kvasnik, Brad (Patti), Amy, Aaron (Patty Rivard) -Grandpa Dave to his grandchildren Sasha, Evana, Madeline, Max, Sophie, Annie and Stella and many nieces and nephews. Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1939. David attended Minneapolis' North High School class of 1957 and was a proud Polar. He went on to receive a B.A. in Japanese History from the University of Minnesota. He served in the Air National Guard as a member of the 133rd Airlift Wing. At 22, David met Sheila Glickman, they then married and moved to St. Paul, where he raised his family and resided for the last 63 years. David was a member of the Jewish War Veterans and served as Commander. For over 50 years, David regularly played poker with dozens of friends. He was responsible for calling, planning, and even feeding them every week. Dave also formed an investment club which met weekly and strategized how to invest their groups' earnings and coordinate stock trades. He was again planning everything. As the group aged, David went so far as driving to his friends' houses and picking them up so they could be included. David was the glue that kept this group and many others together for decades. David was a 5th-degree black belt in Judo, one of the highest ranking in the United States, an achievement he was very proud of. He was essential in the foundation of a club on Robert Street, The Midway Judo. There he volunteered 3 times a week for over half a century, additionally achieving an international referee title. David was instrumental in transforming lackluster teens into elite athletes, some went on to compete in the Olympics. David dedicated his life to the discipline of Judo. In 1980, David took over his father-in-law's deli and carefully captained the ship for over forty years. He was a shrewd businessman who paid his bills on time and negotiated prices with his vendors. And yet, Dave took the time to remember you by your maiden name, knew your parents, and asked about your children. This was just his brain and his style, he knew and loved his community. Many customers will remember him schmoozing behind the counter and cracking jokes. David's legacy will be felt for many years at Cecil's. David and Sheila took great joy in the lives of their 4 children. He was amazed by his 7 grandchildren and worked hard to develop a bond with each one of them. As his family grew, Dave developed into an avid photographer, amassing thousands of photos documenting their lives. As a couple, David and Sheila loved to travel, taking many road trips across the country hoping to see all 50 states. They also loved cruising globally and cherished their time on tropical islands together. Through his close connections, David was able to visit Japan a myriad of times for free, a fact that he was especially proud of, photographing the landscape while immersing himself into the culture. David passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones. Throughout his life he continued to show his passions through acts of tremendous strength, commitment, and trust within his many cherished relationships. In lieu of flowers, based on David's values, please consider donating to the Temple of Aaron, David M. Leventhal Security Fund https://templeofaaron.org/ Graveside services 2 pm SUNDAY February 4th TEMPLE OF AARON CEMETERY, at 1690 Dale St. N, Roseville, 55113. Funeral service is available on zoom: www.hodroffs.com/DavidLeventhal (http://www.hodroffs.com/DavidLeventhal) Shiva services Sunday 2/4 at 6:30 pm and Monday 2/5 at 7 pm at Temple of Aaron Synagogue, 616 Mississippi River Blvd, St Paul, 55116.

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David M. Leventhal

Jan. 30, 1939 ~ Feb. 02, 2024

David M. Leventhal (1/30/39-2/2/24) Long-time owner of Cecil's Deli David Leventhal dies at 85. Proceeded in death by his parents Harry & Ruth Leventhal, sister Susan Yellin and brother Seymour Leventhal. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Sheila, his sister Leona Kasen; children Becca (Jonathan) Kvasnik, Brad (Patti), Amy, Aaron (Patty Rivard) -Grandpa Dave to his grandchildren Sasha, Evana, Madeline, Max, Sophie, Annie and Stella and many nieces and nephews. Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1939. David attended Minneapolis' North High School class of 1957 and was a proud Polar. He went on to receive a B.A. in Japanese History from the University of Minnesota. He served in the Air National Guard as a member of the 133rd Airlift Wing. At 22, David met Sheila Glickman, they then married and moved to St. Paul, where he raised his family and resided for the last 63 years. David was a member of the Jewish War Veterans and served as Commander. For over 50 years, David regularly played poker with dozens of friends. He was responsible for calling, planning, and even feeding them every week. Dave also formed an investment club which met weekly and strategized how to invest their groups' earnings and coordinate stock trades. He was again planning everything. As the group aged, David went so far as driving to his friends' houses and picking them up so they could be included. David was the glue that kept this group and many others together for decades. David was a 5th-degree black belt in Judo, one of the highest ranking in the United States, an achievement he was very proud of. He was essential in the foundation of a club on Robert Street, The Midway Judo. There he volunteered 3 times a week for over half a century, additionally achieving an international referee title. David was instrumental in transforming lackluster teens into elite athletes, some went on to compete in the Olympics. David dedicated his life to the discipline of Judo. In 1980, David took over his father-in-law's deli and carefully captained the ship for over forty years. He was a shrewd businessman who paid his bills on time and negotiated prices with his vendors. And yet, Dave took the time to remember you by your maiden name, knew your parents, and asked about your children. This was just his brain and his style, he knew and loved his community. Many customers will remember him schmoozing behind the counter and cracking jokes. David's legacy will be felt for many years at Cecil's. David and Sheila took great joy in the lives of their 4 children. He was amazed by his 7 grandchildren and worked hard to develop a bond with each one of them. As his family grew, Dave developed into an avid photographer, amassing thousands of photos documenting their lives. As a couple, David and Sheila loved to travel, taking many road trips across the country hoping to see all 50 states. They also loved cruising globally and cherished their time on tropical islands together. Through his close connections, David was able to visit Japan a myriad of times for free, a fact that he was especially proud of, photographing the landscape while immersing himself into the culture. David passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones. Throughout his life he continued to show his passions through acts of tremendous strength, commitment, and trust within his many cherished relationships. In lieu of flowers, based on David's values, please consider donating to the Temple of Aaron, David M. Leventhal Security Fund https://templeofaaron.org/ Graveside services 2 pm SUNDAY February 4th TEMPLE OF AARON CEMETERY, at 1690 Dale St. N, Roseville, 55113. Funeral service is available on zoom: www.hodroffs.com/DavidLeventhal (http://www.hodroffs.com/DavidLeventhal) Shiva services Sunday 2/4 at 6:30 pm and Monday 2/5 at 7 pm at Temple of Aaron Synagogue, 616 Mississippi River Blvd, St Paul, 55116.

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48 Memories preserved

I never knew David but I did know Cecil's. He built a quality business based on good food and friendly service at a great price. Not many places like that anymore. I'm sure he was proud of that and I'm sure he was a good man that loved his family. Rest in peace. - Dave Welborn

Sincere condolences for the loss of your father. - Karin Kirchner

To the entire Leventhal family ..I am so sorry for your tremendous loss.May his memory be forever a blessing David exemplified the phrase ' a life well lived! - shelley peilen

Sheila and your wonderful family. I've known David for over 65 years. When I lived in Minnesota, I always loved going to Cecil's for your wonderful deli. When David was there, I looked forward to his big hugs and jokes. Not only will he be missed by me, but he will be dearly missed by all who knew him and your family. May God give you, all, the peace that passes all understanding with your great loss. Judy Rosenblum Hisle - Judy Hisle

Sheila I am so sorry to hear of David's passing. I have fond memories of David's sense of humor and warm personality. My thoughts are with you and your family.Love, Jani Abramson - Jani Abramson

David would come to the MN Transfer Post Office to do business for Cecil's. He never failed to make me smile by trying to negotiate a "better price" for stamps! He was a fun person. I'm sorry for your loss. - sue boxrud

To the Leventhal Family, I knew David from Judo many years ago, and learned many a life lesson from him! Over the years, I would stop and visit him at Cecil's and he always found time for a quick chat. He will be missed by many. Deeply sorry for your loss - Jim Sullivan

Deborah Jopp lit a candle in memory of David Leventhal - Deborah Jopp

I'm so sorry to hear of David's passing. He was a real light in our lives. My favorite memory of him is when he made a night deposit at the original Highland Bank and someone tried to take the bag. David sure did not let that happen! Rest in piece, David. Your memory is a blessing to us all. - Marsha Schwartz

Dear Leventhal family, I am very sorry to hear about David's passing. I have fond memories of David from my time working at Cecils - his sense of humor in particular brought a great deal of joy to my time there, and he had a wonderful way of seeing and understanding the people around him. He'll be sorely missed. I'm so sorry for your loss. - Luke Peilen

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David's care under the direction of Hodroff-Epstein Memorial Chapel - Minneapolis

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