Norfolk—After a courageous battle with cancer, Arnold Leon passed away on December 2, 2022, surrounded by his family.
He was born on May 28, 1933 in Norfolk to the late Max Leon and Ida Sinberg Leon and was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Telsa Learman Leon, and his sister, Charlotte.
An accomplished trial attorney, Arnold was a 1955 graduate of the University of Virginia where he earned his law degree in 1957. He served as president of the Portsmouth Bar Association and was a founding member of Cooper, Spong, Davis, Kilgore, Parker, Leon & Fennell, Ltd. which later changed its name to Cooper, Spong & Davis. He kept an office there until his recent passing. He co-founded American Medical Centers with his good friend, Ronald Dozoretz, and served as president of the company, which was headquartered in Nashville.
Arnold was passionate about service to his community and cherished leadership positions with the United Way, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, as well as a founder and Life-Trustee of Tidewater Jewish Foundation. He was committed to the strength and integrity of the State of Israel and made dozens of trips there. Arnold served on the Board of Visitors of Old Dominion University as well as the University of Virginia Board of Visitors for seven years. He was proud to have endowed the chair of the Dean of the UVA Law School.
Arnold also served in the Army ROTC and in the Army Reserves as a Lieutenant until he was honorably discharged. He attended Taylor Elementary, Blair Middle School, and graduated from Maury High School. At 12, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
Survivors include his sons Miles, Stephen, and David; daughters-in-law Sandra and Caren; grandchildren Erin Leon Olson and her husband Charlie, Ben, Mason, Matthew, Isabella, and Emily; as well as a great granddaughter, Telsa. Arnold leaves behind many close friends and relatives including Ella Roth from Tel Aviv, Israel and a favorite nephew, Marc Davidoff.
Funeral services were held at Congregation Beth El in Norfolk followed by burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Please do something nice for a friend or stranger. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hdoliver.com.