I always remember Professor Gabinet with a warm smile at every one of the lectures he gave. His voice was always a kind reassuring baritone. Though our paths really didn’t cross after I graduated law school in 1977,  I remembered him on numerous occasions as the professor I liked and respected the most in my three years at CWRU law school. God Bless him always.
Dennis Patton, CWRU Law ‘77

Hi Sarah and family.  Arnie and I are so sorry for your loss.  We knew your dad very well, as he was a part of the Shaker Heights Indoor Theater for many years.  And he referred me to you many years ago for your help with some family legal matters.  We enjoyed watching Leon act, and acting with him, and he will definitely be missed by many.

Lori Berenson and Arnie Pearl

Dear Sarah John and family 
Our condolences on the passing of your father Leon
Read CJN - beautiful tribute -What an amazing man and role model 
Enjoyed my interactions with him on community endeavors 
May you be comforted by family friends and community 
Harriet Rosenberg Mann and Gary Mann 

Leon was my professor for Federal Income Tax in Fall, 1973.  Tax can be a dry subject, but Leon managed to teach it with humor.  To drive home the principle that capital gains are not taxed until an asset is sold, Leon told students "... and if you're lucky enough to die before you sell the asset, you escape the tax altogether."  I've forgotten much of what I learned in law school, but that comment has stayed with me for almost 50 years.  

Thanks to all who took part in this fine sendoff for a special man.

Stan Dub
CWRU Law '75

What a wonderful professor, what a wonderful man. I was his student when I attended CWRU Law School in the mid ‘70’s. I will forever remember the almost constant smile and the always calming  voice. It was a privilege to know  such a wonderful man. God Bless him and his entire family.
Dennis Patton CWRU Law 1977

You all described him accurately and beautifully.  I loved hearing the stories and remembrances of a life very well lived, treasured by him and treasured by everyone he touched.    I trust that all these good memories will bring some comfort to you all.  He will be missed.  Fondly, Seth

what a beautiful service for a really beautiful man 
my deepest regards to you all

A wonderful gentleman.  I was a student of his at CWRU Law School.  My fondest memories of him however were not in the classroom but when he joined my classmates for a series of pick-up hockey games.  He was a better player than most and a joy to have on the ice.  I'll never forget when Geoff Haslam tried to check him.  Professor Gabinet remained rock-steady, unfazed, as Geoff collapsed on the ice.  It was a privilege to know him.
My condolences.
Pat Morris

I feel heartbroken at the loss of Leon and send his family my warmest condolences.  The Levine family loved Leon - he was always so loving and wonderful to our mother, and their relationship of 12 years was deep and sustaining.  Mom would be devastated if she were able to understand his loss (due to her Alzheimers), although, just a few months ago she was able to talk about Leon and describe how she loved him.  Leon was always fun, funny, warm, inclusive and kind to our family and I truly loved him.  Please know how grateful I feel to have know him and had him in our lives, and how I will miss him.

Professor Gabinet was a wonderful and memorable tax professor.  I especially enjoyed hearing him recount his experiences in the Navy during class. Tax law became interesting and understandable with his excellent teaching method and style. He will be missed!

An outstanding professor of tax law and a very nice person.  It was a pleasure to have him as a professor at Case Western Reserve Law School 40 years ago.  RIP.

Professor Gabinet was my favorite law school professor and I have very fond memories of him. We shared being Habs fans and he was always friendly, approachable, and so, so smart! Hope that the good memories help during these more difficult days.

I am feeling heartbroken  and missing a dear and longtime friend, even though I have known this day would come too soon. I'm so grateful for the memories of him I will carry.  My sincere sympathies and condolences to family, Louise, and all his friends who loved him.

I first met Leon as a congregant at the old Beth-El synagogue in Shaker Heights. I remember how, when he gave a drasha, he  would start out quite calmly and amiably but then the fire in him would kick in and he would speak with such passion and clarity, I could not imagine anyone coming up with a counter argument.  I loved him.  I will never forget him.

To the family of Mr. Gabinet,
My deepest sympathy to you.  I was Leon’s secretary at CWRU Law School back in the 70’s.   Always a gentle and happy man.  I will never forget him and his beautiful smile.

My sincerest sympathies to the family.    I met Leon after learning from a mutual friend, Bob Scigliano, who met Leon at the University of Chicago, that the family had moved to Cleveland.   I was then teaching at CWRU and invited him to join a group of Jewish faculty.    We often talked about the University of Chicago and about  a variety of Jewish topics.    He was very learned and thoughtful and I also enjoyed talking with him.    Sadly, we  lost regular contact when I joined the staff of The American Jewish Committee and had very little time to socialize outside of work.
Students of mine who attended CWRU Law School did praise Leon as a teacher.
May his soul Rest In Peace



Leon was an admired colleague and friend.  He shared his wisdom modestly and easily.  I learned a great deal from him, more than I'm sure he realized.  I wish we could have had more time together.   Don

The first time we met Leon was in 2008 when Leon presented a paper for The Novel Club, and he started it with some sentences in Polish.  He was a brilliant gentleman and we will miss his astute comments. Our condolences to his family and friends.  Fondly, Toby and Jay Siegel.

To Leon's family. -
Leon was such a popular resident at The Diplomat Condominiums with all of us who live here, even with the 4 legged residents.  His warm smile and friendly nature were always welcome.   Dick and I send our condolences to you all.  May he long live on in the memory of all those who knew and who loved him.
Judy Cohen

OBITUARY

Leon Gabinet

June 1, 1927 – December 6, 2021

Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel

Show your support

Send a Gift

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Leon Gabinet Funeral Service

Interment