Dr. Leonard A. Katz

August 7, 1935 – February 6, 2025

Loving husband of 66 years to Judith (nee Horowitz) Katz originally from New Haven, CT; father of Jeffrey (Susan) Katz, Linda (Arthur) Kaminsky and Andrew (Stephanie) Katz; son of the late Samuel and Minnie Katz; brother of Merle (late Stanley) Goldstein and the late Norman (late Lori) Katz; brother in law of Daniel (Helen) Horowitz; grandfather of Joshua (Dr. Julia), Micah, Jared (Ayla), Jacob, Alexis, Zoe (Daniel), Mads (Alex) and Sam; great grandfather of Leo, Charlie, Ever, Leira, Adelie, August and Eve; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Dr. Katz was a mentor to so many. He always made his patients feel better during their visit even when the news was difficult. His main focus was his family, the Jewish community and the greater surrounding community. Dr. Katz graduated from Yale in 1957 and Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons in 1961. He did his post-graduate training at Bronx Municipal Hospital where he did a fellowship in gastroenterology from 1964-66. He was also a captain in the U.S. Airforce during that time. From 1968-1980, he was Associate Dean of the Medical School at University of Buffalo where he started the gastroenterology program. He was also an associate of Direct Health Care Plan and Editor-in Chief of HMO Practice. Dr. Katz exhibited many leadership qualities over his lifetime. He was president of his P.S. 74 class, received the Jesse Ketchum award, was president of his class at Bennett High School, founded the Emeritus Medical Faculty Society of Gastroenterology, started the Office of Medical Education, brought the Gold Humanism Honor Society to University of Buffalo, was a founding member and President of Congregation Havurah, was President of the Hebrew Congregation of Chautauqua, started the Holocaust Education Program at Chautauqua, was President of the Jewish Community Center and President of the Bennett High School Alumni Association. Our community has benefited enormously from his leadership, teaching, empathy and finesse. A Funeral Service will be held Monday 11AM at Temple Beth Zion, 805 Delaware Ave., Buffalo 14209. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies of Buffalo. Shiva will be held Monday 7-9PM, Tuesday 2-4PM & 7-9PM at Dr. Leonard & Judith’s residence: 186 Forestview Dr., Williamsville 14221. View live stream at tbz.org. Share condolences & view full obituary at mesnekoff.com