Leslie Joseph Guttman

Born in Cleveland, Les attended Cleveland Heights High School (class of ’67), and graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1971 with a degree in Political Science.

Les became manager of the Stouffers Somerset Inn at a young age, after having worked there during the summers of his college years. He relocated to Reno, Nevada for another position in the hospitality industry, and ultimately moved to Los Angeles in 1977. There, he had a successful career in marketing including serving as Vice-President of Marketing for Public Storage for 18 years.

After retiring from full-time work, Les took on various consulting projects including marketing and promotions for state parks. He also became involved with Pathways LA, a non- profit organization that strengthens low-income and vulnerable working families, and promotes high quality early care and education services for children of all abilities. He was Board President at the time of his death. He was also Senior Account Director of the Taproot Foundation, known for providing world-class services, volunteers and community partners. He received the Taproot platinum excellence award.

Les continued to follow the Browns, the Indians, the Cavs and Ohio State.

Les became the patriarch of his family when his parents, Bert and Judith (Silberger) Guttman of Cleveland, passed away. He led many Passover Seders at home, as well as holiday dinners and parties for any happy occasion. His passions were travel, hiking, intellectual pursuits, gardening, entertaining, volunteering and anything that involved family or friends. He was known as the life of the party, and a natural-born leader. Family and friends alike came to him for advice and encouragement.

Les was beloved by many for his positive outlook on life, his interests and knowledge in so many areas, his kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity.

Les will be deeply missed by his sister, Corinne Guttman and brother-in-law George Annarella, who resides in Washington D.C., as well as many beloved cousins and dear friends.

Graveside funeral services will be held at Bet Olam Cemetery, 25796 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood on Tuesday, April 2 at 12 noon. Memorial services in Los Angeles will be held at a future date.

The family will receive friends Tuesday FOLLOWING SERVICES UNTIL 5 PM AND 7-9 p.m. at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Feuer, 14 Pepperwood Lane, Pepper Pike, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers donations in Les's memory may be made to Pathways LA, Les Guttman Memorial Fund (www.PathwaysLA.org/LesGuttman), the Jewish Federations of North America, (www.jewishfederations.org) or The Foundation for AIDS Research (www.amfar.org).

Arrangements under the direction of BERKOWITZ-KUMIN-BOOKATZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL (800) 448-2210