Leonard N. Schoenberg

Len was born to Rose and Mack Schoenberg and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania where he was surrounded and supported by his younger siblings Bob and Susan as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was a true nurturing environment and a wonderful community for him and his siblings. Len graduated as valedictorian from Academy High School (Class of 1958) in Erie and then earned a BS in Chemistry from the University of Rochester followed by a Masters and PhD in chemistry from the University of Michigan.

After finishing his PhD program, he relocated to northern New Jersey to begin his career at Bell Laboratories. He had a very successful career at Bell Labs and subsequent companies and has several patents in his name. He was truly a brilliant person. His children never understood any of what he worked on!

After moving to New Jersey, he met his future wife Roberta on a blind date. They were set up by his friend Mark and Mark’s wife Irene who were friends with Roberta from college. They went on their first date in April 1967 and were married in December 1967. Roberta and Len moved to Livingston in 1970 and lived there for 42 years. In 2012, Roberta and Len moved to Fairfield.

Len had so many interests. He was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and like many reveled in the miracle of their 2004 championship after 86 years of mostly futility. He was a collector. He loved music and had an extensive (legendary!) collection of records, and then CDs. He also was a voracious reader and collected books on a variety of topics. He played bridge for many years, including becoming a Life Master, and had a collection of bridge magazines. He had baseball cards, photos and postcards of Erie, coins, stamps and so on. Everything was organized and well cultivated.

He enjoyed New York City and its assorted activities kept him and Roberta busy. They frequently attended the Philharmonic, Broadway shows, ballet, museums and restaurants.

He also had a travel itch and acted on it. They traveled to Europe several times from early in their marriage to just a few years ago. In between, they explored the United States, both places large and small, and he visited each of the 50 states along the way. They also took many cruises together.

Through his work, community, and other interests, Len had so many friends. He stayed in touch with people from college, graduate school, Bell Labs, Livingston, and beyond. All of these people meant so much to him and vice versa.

Len and Roberta understood the importance of helping others and supporting issues that mattered to them. Len had a strong sense of values from which he did not falter.

Len is survived by his wife of 58 years, Roberta, and his children Josh (Traci) Schoenberg and Amy (Paul) Barger, his grandchildren, Justin, Finley, Dylan and Tessa, his sister Susan (Jeffrey) Forman and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother.

May his memory be a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Sholom of West Essex in Cedar Grove or a charity of choice.

The family will be receiving guests at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Rd, Livingston, New Jersey 07039, on May 6, 2026, from 12:15 pm to 12:45 pm. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 pm, with a live stream available at https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/122015.

Burial will follow at Cedar Park and Beth El Cemeteries, 735 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652.