Judge Deutsch retired in 1990 after serving as a Judge in New York State Family Court, Kings County since 1975. He continued serving the people of New York as a Judicial Hearing Officer, Kings County, from 1990 to 2009. From 1950 to 1975, he held various positions in the New York State Supreme Court, Kings County, and engaged in the private practice of law. He was active in the Jewish War Veterans for many years, including serving as the Kings County commander in 1965. He also volunteered with many charitable and community organizations throughout his life.
After service in the U.S. Army during World War II, Leon graduated Brooklyn College in 1946 and received his law degree from St. John’s University in 1947 (having attended both simultaneously). He was born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in 1923 and moved with his family to Brooklyn in 1934, where he resided until retiring to New Jersey in 2010. He was a lover of natural beauty and history, and cherished his travels all over the world with his wife, Sylvia. He was a lover of books and of words, and was known for his elegant prose in his decisions and eloquent homilies at Seders and family events. He enjoyed classical music, Broadway, ballet, opera, and art. He was an active synagogue member his entire life, and continued to study Torah through his mid-90’s.
Judge Deutsch is survived by his wife of 73 years, Sylvia; his sons Jack, of Staten Island, New York (Michelle Deutsch); Nathaniel, of Washington, D.C.; and Jeremy, of Bayside, New York (Wendy Goldman); and his beloved grandchildren, Steven, Lauren, Alexander (Madeline), Jason, and Russell. May his memory be a blessing.
