Mr. Melvin Liebmann

Melvin “Mel” Liebmann, 93, of Chestnut Ridge passed away on May 25, 2015, at Good Samaritan Hospital due to complications of cardiac and pulmonary disease. He was married for 67 years to his late wife Ruth, a long time artist in Rockland County. Mel was the founder of Mel's Army & Navy Center in Pearl River, New York, which he operated for 57 years. He is survived by his son Larry and his wife Cheryl of Phoenix, AZ, his daughter Beth and her husband Peter of Fairfax, VA, his grandchildren Erica, Janna, Rebecca, and Adam, as well as his brother Seymour Liebmann and his wife Hinda of Atlanta, GA. Mel attended Yeshiva University and was past president of the Jewish Community Center in Spring Valley. As a long time member of the Pearl River Rotary and avid supporter of numerous community groups such as the Pearl River Little League, he received numerous awards and commendations for his involvement. Mel served in the United States Army during WWII and coincidentally passed away on Memorial Day this year. He travelled extensively in later years. His warmth, love for his family, and generous nature will be greatly missed and always be remembered.

A mere listing of Mel’s activities and affiliations does not come close to defining who he was. Besides living an unusually long and productive life, who Mel was is more accurately described by his exceptional determination, drive, and tenacity which he consistently applied to all activities in life, especially his business. Countless customers can attest to the extraordinary efforts to which he went to ensure customer satisfaction. He cultivated relationships with such skill and dedication that he was perceived as an icon in his community, of which he was extremely proud. Words cannot express the extent to which Mel will be missed and the exceptional void he leaves in the lives of his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015, at 11a.m. at Hellman Memorial Chapel, 15 State Street, Spring Valley, NY. Interment will follow at the Jewish Community Center Cemetery on Brick Church Road, New Hempstead. The family will observe a period of Shiva Saturday evening at Melvin “Mel” Liebmann’s residence. Memorial Contribution may be made in Mr. Liebmann’s name to the Jewish War Veterans.