It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Irwin Lebow z”l Emeritus Board Member at the age of 101. Irwin was a devoted husband to his wife, Judy. Lebow is a long-time supporter of Alpert JFS and has been an emeritus member of the agency’s Board of Directors for over 30 years.
Among his many contributions, Project H.O.P.E. (Help Our Poor and Elderly) is a fund Lebow created more than 30 years ago to benefit Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service (Alpert JFS) of West Palm Beach. Since its inception, Project H.O.P.E. has raised nearly $450,000 to help support Alpert JFS programs that combat food insecurity and assist those most in need from Boynton Beach to Vero Beach. Project H.O.P.E. has helped thousands of individuals in their time of need.
Here is a link to the news story describing his efforts in connection with Irwin’s 100th birthday.
Irwin z”l was born in the Bronx. Irwin was a night student at New York University while working on a defense plant when Pearl Harbor was attacked. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps, became a fighter pilot, was assigned to the 27th Fighter Group in Europe, and flew 93 missions in Honor of the French Government. He was the pilot chosen to fly the half-million sortie for the 12th Air Force in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations. His diary is in the Library of Congress and his book, “A Pilot’s Story,” can be purchased on Amazon.
In New York, he served on the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army. Irwin is survived by his wife Judy of 81 years, his son Ronald (Deborah Lebow), and his daughter Nancy Wierzbawski.
Funeral and Shiva information will be forthcoming.
May his memory be a blessing.
