Leonard Kresch

Dr. Leonard Kresch, December 7, 1933-July 23, 2025. Beloved husband, cherished father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother and friend. He is survived by his sister, Carol Lerner, daughters Kathy Ingber and Jody Silverman, daughter-in-law, Cindy Kresch, sons-in-law, Kenneth Ingber and Ross Silverman, grandchildren, Jake, Sam, Rachel, Robbie, Danny, Becca and Haley and great grandchildren Emmy and Aiden. His wife of 61 years, Marylou Kresch, of blessed memory, passed away on September 2, 2016, and his son, Kenneth Andrew Kresch, of blessed memory, passed away on August 25, 2008.

Leonard was the embodiment of love, kindness and quiet strength. Nobody has loved us like he did, and we couldn’t have loved him more. As Philip Larkin wrote, “what will survive of us is love,” and his love will live in us always. We were the lucky ones. May his memory be for a blessing.

Leonard’s funeral was held at Temple Judea of Manhasset on Friday, July 25, 2025, followed by burial at Mount Nebo Cemetery in Totowa, New Jersey. To read Kathy and Jody’s eulogy, please see below. If wish to make a donation in Leonard’s memory, he was passionate about supporting American Friends of Magen David Adom. The website is https://afmda.org.

Eulogy:

KATHY: The poet Philip Larkin wrote “What will survive us is love.” Nobody has loved us like our Dad and our Dad couldn’t have loved us more. Dad was the best husband, father, father in-law. brother, friend and doctor that anyone could ask for. Even at the age of 91, he remained the smartest, kindest, and funniest person we’ve ever known. We were the lucky ones.

Dad devoted his life to caring for others. What made Dad special wasn’t just his medical knowledge, it was how he approached his parents, his family and his friends, with warmth, humor and patience. It was never too early or too late for Dad to answer a phone call, make a house call or

call in a prescription. In recent months, Dad commented “never miss an opportunity to be kind to others.” He lived every day of his life that way.

JODY: Dad worked tirelessly to build his medical practice, but his priority was his family. Growing up, our lives felt charmed. Our days were punctuated by breakfast and dinner as a family. Breakfast was Dad’s specialty. Sometimes we were met with a perfectly prepared half grapefruit with the sections already cut out. On weekends we feasted on his famous challah French toast –made with butter, vanilla and a pinch

of salt. Together, we would eat, talk and laugh. It was never fancy, but it was everything.

Dad was a patent teacher beloved by residents at the hospital, but most especially at home. A talented athlete, he trained Ken to pitch and

coached his Little League team – intent on living up to Ken’s assertion that his Dad could hit a baseball over the roof of the house next door.

Dad was our science tutor before tutors became a way of life. We learned mass and volume with laughing cow cheese cubes – and ate the spoils.

Who could foresee that fifty years later he would teach the same concepts to his grandchildren by telephone.

KATHY: Weekends with Dad meant fun. Tennis was a regular thing – Dad had solid skills, even if Ken was the family champ. Weekend trips with

Dad to Shea Stadium to watch the Amazing Mets when Mom was writing her thesis also were a favorite, with the three of us slathered in suntan

loton, sun glasses and baseball caps with ice cream cones in hand. Teaching us to score the games, Dad instilled in us a love of baseball. To

this day, we can sill sing the theme song Meet Mets - and their 1969 World Series win remains a childhood highlight.

Dad was our protector – caring for us like no other. He was the doctor who cured our sore throats and fevers, and the Dad who drove the early morning and late night car pools, ensuring that we would arrive home safely. When we were teenagers, and even adults, Dad never slept until

we were tucked in bed. It was adorable (well, maybe not at a sixteen year old) to pull into the driveway of our house and look up to find Dad

standing at the bedroom window peeking out the curtains waiting for us to arrive – no mater the time of night.

JODY: No memories of our past with Dad are complete with out Mom. Later dubbed “the Fun Couple” by their grandchildren, Dad and Mom

loved the arts and travel. They filled our childhoods with experiences that will remain with us forever. Living in NY, we enjoyed Broadway

shows, the Nutcracker, the Rockettes, museums and stops at Serendipitys for frozen hot chocolate. Family vacations out West, skiing in Vermont and schlepping through every museum known to mankind in Paris and London were how we rolled.

Closer to home, in his later years, Dad was happy to shop with Mom and do errand with us, always finding a nearby seat, which he would refer to as “the schmuck bench” where he would sit and read until he was asked for an opinion. Near or far, Dad and Mom taught us to appreciate every moment and every place – big or small. It did not mater where we went, but the indelible memories of the times we had together was the glue that bonded our family ties.

As adults we were blessed to have Dad and Mom so present in our lives. Whether it was Rosh Hashanah in New York, Thanksgiving in New Jersey, Passover in Chicago, Mothers Day in Washington, gatherings in Rehoboth Beach or family vacations to Jamaica or Mexico, we always

found time to be together. We talked with them every morning promptly at 9:00 am and loved visiting Dad and Mom in New York. Dad was always waiting for us at LaGuardia – right before baggage claim, waving both arms excitedly, followed by a quick stop at Vincents Pizza

before heading home. Even as his Congestive Heart Failure worsened, Dad remained excited to travel to us as well. Not more than six weeks

ago, he spent the day at the DMV applying for a non-drivers “real ID” so that he could fly to chicago to meet his new great grandchild who is due in September. Always present and involved, we felt as though Dad was just around the corner, no matter where we were living.

KATHY: Dad had a 65-year love affair with Mom that most people only wish for. They met young – introduced by Aunt Carol; Mom was 15 Dad was 18 and they just knew. Married four years later, they built a life together filled with the love of their three children and their spouses, seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren with another on the way. Together, Dad and Mom survived the most unthinkable tragedy, the loss of our brother Ken. Through it all, Dad stayed strong, not just for himself but for all of us. When Mom became ill, Dad was by her side, caring for her every hour of every day, knowing, loving, patient and confident. We cannot imagine a more true love.

After we lost Mom, Dad had the great fortune of having a beautiful six year romance with Norma. Norma brightened up every day. Together, they golfed, socialized with friends, went to movies and shows, shared meals and even rode bicycles – dad had a big red tricycle that he loved

and rode around Hunters Run with pride. Norma kept Dad young, active and happy. We are so grateful for the short time they had together, and

the relationships we now have with Laura, Hal and Steve and her extended family.

As a grandfather—Papa was the best. Dad didn’t just hang out with his grandkids; he connected with them. They roasted him on his 80th birthday and regaled him with Jimmy Fallon type “thank you notes” on his 90th. Whether it was taking them to museums, Gettysburg, Mount Vernon, arcades, or accidentally to see inappropriate movies – generally Mom’s head was in her hands while the kids were rolling in their seats

hysterically laughing - he just wanted to be part of their world and they loved him for it. Dad had a different bond with each grandchild—always

finding a way to meet them where they were in time or place.

JODY: It is in his grandchildren that Dad’s legacy lives on—Jake’s has his love of golf—but not his mishaps, having never driven a cart into a lake. Sam shares his interest in finance, but fortunately has an iron clad stomach.

Rachel has his empathy—his ability to listen without judgment and love unconditionally.

Robby’s has his brilliant mind and intellectual curiosity.

Becca, following in his footsteps to become a doctor, shares Dad’s gentle demeanor and dedication to helping and healing others.

Danny has Dad’s quiet strength—steady, kind, and always showing up when it counts.

And Haley has his light heart and sense of humor—the ability to make people feel at ease with just a smile or a well-timed joke, though Dad’s were often a bit off color.

Dad taught us about love and family, what it means to be there for one another, no matter what, or when. His last wishes were to be beside

Mom for eternity, for his children and grandchildren to be happy and healthy, and his daughters to remain close and hold the family together.

KATHY: Dad, our days are unimaginable without you. You made us who we are and filled our lives with your love and laughter. You will live on in

every one of us. May your memory be a blessing. Rest in peace, we love you