Leon F. Tirsch

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Leon F. Tirsch, beloved husband, father and grandfather, on December 21st, 2022. Born on August 13th,1939 in Poland, two weeks prior to the German invasion, Leon survived the Holocaust by being hidden in a Nazi labor camp by his parents, Sala and Jack. They escaped in 1942 by using false identities, making their way on foot to Hungary, and later moving to Vienna following the war.

In 1953, Leon and his parents emigrated to the United States, settling in Brooklyn, NY where he attended Erasmus High School and Pratt Institute majoring in textile design. His passion for fashion and design led to a successful career in the men’s neckwear and apparel industries. In 1985, he founded L.T. Designs, a company which produced apparel for some of the world’s most renowned designers. A cherished aspect of his business was traveling to Como, Italy to collaborate with local mills, where he developed life-long friendships. He sold the company in 2002 and continued his work as a retail and fashion consultant, eventually relocating to Florida.

Leon will be remembered as a man of great charm, humor and impeccable style with a generous spirit to those seeking counsel. Above all, and to his core, Leon was a dedicated family man. Nothing gave him more joy than being with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and his extended family --- cooking meals, sharing stories, and debating the off-season moves of the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees.

He is loved and remembered by his wife, Elaine Knapp, daughter Pennie Tirsch Azran (Gilbert), son Noel Tirsch (Jadzia), step-daughter Kelly Leo (Keith Whitman) and grandchildren Julian, Sophie, Halle, Jack, Laurel, Logan and his extended family, Elaine’s children Douglas, Miles and Anna.

A memorial reception is planned for January 2023 in Jupiter Fl to celebrate his life, his achievements, and the immense love and caring that he bestowed on the lives he touched.

Those who wish may make a donation in his memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at www.dana-farber.org/gift