The Life of Joshua Lieberman
On January 5, 1933, Joshua Lieberman was born, the youngest (by 10 minutes) of five children in Brooklyn, New York. His parents, Benjamin Lieberman and Celia Richman, immigrated from Austria and Poland, respectively, his father needing to make two trips to America because he was discovered the first time as a stowaway on a cattle ship and sent back. It can be said that determination is in Josh’s genes. Josh has a twin sister, Phyllis, who lives in Brooklyn, and he also had two brothers, Isadore and Hymie (Hank), and one sister Shirley, who have all passed away. Their children, Josh’s nieces and nephews, Jamie, Ilene, Leslie, Robin, and Jeffrey, have all remained close. Sadly, Wayne, Phyllis’s son passed away at the age of 43.
Josh's father owned a grocery store in Brighton Beach called the White Mountain Grocery where the families of Neil Sedaka and Neil Diamond were customers. He also told us that Al Capone's nephew once gave him some trouble in the neighborhood, but Josh was well protected by Hank, his next oldest brother until Hank left to become a Merchant Marine seaman at the age of 17 delivering bombs to India in World War II. Josh’s oldest brother Izzy worked in the grocery until he opened his own store in Bay Ridge. Josh delighted in telling us about his childhood, one which was rich with the 1930’s immigrant stories of New York City. Although quiet and mild mannered, he was also a little daredevil, jumping across the rooftops of tenement buildings, and fighting childhood neighborhood wars using Masonite pieces for ammo in improvised zip guns. In spite of the poverty, a wonderful freedom and sense of security pervaded his growing up years in Brownsville and then Brighton Beach.
At the age of 9, Josh began singing for money in church choirs and synagogues. He, of course, could not tell his Mother that he had been singing in a church, but he was very proud handing over his 50 cents to help the family. Josh's father enjoyed opera on the radio, and this must be where Josh himself first heard the sounds that became his passion. His second passion was baseball, which he pursued through high school and American Legion Ball until he was recruited to the farm team for the Boston Braves. He was an excellent line drive hitter and had a strong arm which put him in center field. At this point, Josh had to choose between the two career paths and opera won. Josh studied and performed with the well-known Amato Opera Company in Greenwich Village, New York. These were his halcyon days for sure. He also did summer stock, in Kennebunkport, Maine and cities throughout New England. He was Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, the lead role of Ben Rumson in Paint Your Wagon, and the Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress. His favorite operas were by Puccini, and his favorite opera was Soire Angelica. Eventually Josh went on to make his debut with Placido Domingo at the New York City Opera Company, where he continued as part of the Company through most of the 1960’s.
In 1960. Josh married Ruth Kravet, and together they gave birth to Karin and Michael Lieberman and moved to Spring Valley, New York, where they lived for five and a half years. Josh commuted to Manhattan to work as a court reporter in the NYC courts, and continued his singing career. In 1969, Josh took a job with the Philadelphia Court System, commuting from Spring Valley for a year until the family joined him in Cherry Hill, NJ in 1970. He was invited to join the Philadelphia Opera Company upon arriving in Philadelphia, and sang with this company and several smaller groups throughout the area, giving his last formal performance at the Palumbo dinner theater singing in concert from the music of Rigoletto.
In 1985, Josh married Wendy Fortunato, a psychologist and musician, and together they gave birth to two sons, Benjamin and Blake. Ben and Blake work for the same law firm in New York City, while pursuing musical and culinary careers. Josh and Wendy have lived in the same home in Wynnewood for 31 years, which serves as the home base for family gatherings to this day. Karin, Josh’s eldest child, is pursuing a career in aromatherapy in New York City, and has raised a son, Trevor Lieberman, who currently resides in Washington D.C. Michael, Josh’s oldest son, works as a pre-school teacher and has had two children, Kaiden and Isabella, with Jennifer Intong. Along with Jennifer’s two children from a previous marriage, Amber and Brandon Beckley, the family lives in Atco, New Jersey. Michael’s household is also a family gathering place for many parties with a decidedly theatrical bent that clearly descends from Michael’s father Josh and Jennifer’s father, Noli Intong.
Josh died peacefully at home on January 16, 2016.
Anyone wishing to make a donation in Josh’s name should direct their intentions to the Daniel Gerstein
Commemorative Fund @ http://bit.do/DanielGersteinFund. Daniel was a close friend of Josh, Wendy, Ben, and Blake, and Josh loved him. The Fund works to promote healing and personal advocacy through the arts, therapy, and education. The fund has given gifts to the Schuylkill River Trail for the development of recreational programs for the community, to Philadelphia University to further advance training in trauma treatment, and to the Arlen Specter Center at Philadelphia University whose purpose is to promote public service and civic education in a cross-disciplinary and non-partisan setting.
Josh's father owned a grocery store in Brighton Beach called the White Mountain Grocery where the families of Neil Sedaka and Neil Diamond were customers. He also told us that Al Capone's nephew once gave him some trouble in the neighborhood, but Josh was well protected by Hank, his next oldest brother until Hank left to become a Merchant Marine seaman at the age of 17 delivering bombs to India in World War II. Josh’s oldest brother Izzy worked in the grocery until he opened his own store in Bay Ridge. Josh delighted in telling us about his childhood, one which was rich with the 1930’s immigrant stories of New York City. Although quiet and mild mannered, he was also a little daredevil, jumping across the rooftops of tenement buildings, and fighting childhood neighborhood wars using Masonite pieces for ammo in improvised zip guns. In spite of the poverty, a wonderful freedom and sense of security pervaded his growing up years in Brownsville and then Brighton Beach.
At the age of 9, Josh began singing for money in church choirs and synagogues. He, of course, could not tell his Mother that he had been singing in a church, but he was very proud handing over his 50 cents to help the family. Josh's father enjoyed opera on the radio, and this must be where Josh himself first heard the sounds that became his passion. His second passion was baseball, which he pursued through high school and American Legion Ball until he was recruited to the farm team for the Boston Braves. He was an excellent line drive hitter and had a strong arm which put him in center field. At this point, Josh had to choose between the two career paths and opera won. Josh studied and performed with the well-known Amato Opera Company in Greenwich Village, New York. These were his halcyon days for sure. He also did summer stock, in Kennebunkport, Maine and cities throughout New England. He was Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, the lead role of Ben Rumson in Paint Your Wagon, and the Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress. His favorite operas were by Puccini, and his favorite opera was Soire Angelica. Eventually Josh went on to make his debut with Placido Domingo at the New York City Opera Company, where he continued as part of the Company through most of the 1960’s.
In 1960. Josh married Ruth Kravet, and together they gave birth to Karin and Michael Lieberman and moved to Spring Valley, New York, where they lived for five and a half years. Josh commuted to Manhattan to work as a court reporter in the NYC courts, and continued his singing career. In 1969, Josh took a job with the Philadelphia Court System, commuting from Spring Valley for a year until the family joined him in Cherry Hill, NJ in 1970. He was invited to join the Philadelphia Opera Company upon arriving in Philadelphia, and sang with this company and several smaller groups throughout the area, giving his last formal performance at the Palumbo dinner theater singing in concert from the music of Rigoletto.
In 1985, Josh married Wendy Fortunato, a psychologist and musician, and together they gave birth to two sons, Benjamin and Blake. Ben and Blake work for the same law firm in New York City, while pursuing musical and culinary careers. Josh and Wendy have lived in the same home in Wynnewood for 31 years, which serves as the home base for family gatherings to this day. Karin, Josh’s eldest child, is pursuing a career in aromatherapy in New York City, and has raised a son, Trevor Lieberman, who currently resides in Washington D.C. Michael, Josh’s oldest son, works as a pre-school teacher and has had two children, Kaiden and Isabella, with Jennifer Intong. Along with Jennifer’s two children from a previous marriage, Amber and Brandon Beckley, the family lives in Atco, New Jersey. Michael’s household is also a family gathering place for many parties with a decidedly theatrical bent that clearly descends from Michael’s father Josh and Jennifer’s father, Noli Intong.
Josh died peacefully at home on January 16, 2016.
Anyone wishing to make a donation in Josh’s name should direct their intentions to the Daniel Gerstein
Commemorative Fund @ http://bit.do/DanielGersteinFund. Daniel was a close friend of Josh, Wendy, Ben, and Blake, and Josh loved him. The Fund works to promote healing and personal advocacy through the arts, therapy, and education. The fund has given gifts to the Schuylkill River Trail for the development of recreational programs for the community, to Philadelphia University to further advance training in trauma treatment, and to the Arlen Specter Center at Philadelphia University whose purpose is to promote public service and civic education in a cross-disciplinary and non-partisan setting.
Filter Joshua Lieberman's Timeline by the following Memory Categories
2016.01.23
There was a term my Grandmother used for people she loved and respected. It was guta neshuma, Yiddish for a good soul. That was Josh Lieberman. If you live 100 years and have only one friend like Josh you will be rich beyond comparison to any standard. The word that I associate most with my thoughts of Josh is laughter. When we fished together, played softball, had breakfast or just hung around it seemed we were always laughing. He was a joy to be with. Josh lifted your spirits and lit up your world. His laughter will echo in my mind for the rest of my days and I will miss him.
Posted by Ashley S
2016.01.24
I first met Josh in 1970 when our boys were in preschool at the Singer Learning Center in Cherry Hill,N.J.
Ours boys hit it off and so did our families. Being fathers of boys we joined Indian Guides, went camping with them and truly enjoyed each others company.Our friendship grew to where we became tennis partners and opponents in many very competitive matches.When tennis got too intense we played ping pong. He was a great sport and fair opponent.Josh would have been a wonderful brother but I am proud to call him a loving friend. I loved it when he would break out in opera arias at restaurants in South Philly. Josh was always ready to entertain and do the unexpected which made the time with him precious. He will be missed.
Posted by robert c
2016.01.24
My fondest memories of Josh would be when he would
burst into operatic song, which would be quite often-
lucky for us!!
Posted by Barbara S
2016.01.24
Josh Lieberman sang his passions to the world and shared the joy he took in his music with his wife, Wendy, and the sons he fathered (for a man of his generation) rather late in life. Josh loved his family deeply and without bounds. He possessed a delightful sense of humor and play. His values were core to his being and he was unafraid to argue for them. He was a cherished friend of many. The world is made smaller by the loss of this brilliant, creative and loving man. Our condolences to Wendy, Ben and Blake. Lynne Twining and Alan Mass
Posted by Lynne T
2016.01.24
i have known mr. Lieberman for many many years but primarily crossed paths with him at mike and jen's gatherings. He was always genuinely interested in what you had to say, what was going in your life or your family's life - even when I first met him, when I was 16years old , he talked to me as an adult , as an equal . I will never forget that - I'm talking the 80s when friends parents didn't always do that ! RIP . Will miss you at the next shin dig
Posted by Rosemary M
2016.01.26
What a wonderful picture of our friend.... and Josh embodied that word...
I have a perfect word that tells you of this man, Mensch!!!
Gail and Louis and family
Posted by Gail H
2016.01.28
I was one of Joshua's physicians. I also considered myself a friend and colleague. Josh was like a cat with nine lives from a medical standpoint. However, even when he was sick and hospitalized, he was always the most pleasant soul one could ever meet. He never blamed others for his medical misfortune. It was always the bright side of the situation or that the glass was half full when talking to Josh Lieberman. Every time I take a walk around the neighborhood, I pass the Lieberman household and a smile comes to my face. He will be missed by all those who cared for him in my medical practice and at Lankenau Hospital. My best to his family.
Posted by Mark I
2016.01.28
JLiebs had a big, warm personality and much charm. I'm so grateful to have known him for so many years through my friendships with Ben and Blake. I will miss his booming operatic bursts and wisecracks (he always used to ask me for rent when I'd hang out at your house!). Everyone in the Lieberman family is in my thoughts these days.
Posted by Alex D
2016.01.29
I remember the day in Ocean City that Josh Lieberman sold me that first sweet, quenching slice of Watermelon, on one of those summer days where the sea air in south Jersey was fresh and its salt stain let your tongue click off the roof of your mouth. He wasn't an aggressive salesmen but had a shrewd way of making it every deal enticing. Look I can get you this slice of watermelon--but it's gonna cost you--it's gonna cost you thirty-eight cents. He had a brilliant way of making every item he pedaled a bargain. I guess you know I like you're face ok, so, tell you what. I guess I can knock off a nickel. But it's still gonna cost you thirty three cents for this watermelon. His insatiable appetite for this kind of humor was not just endearing, but really showed the inherent good nature that was visceral to his being. That was more than fifteen years ago, in 1998 or 99 probably, and I was only 10 or 11, but to this day I still think of Josh's warm salesmanship almost every time I have a slice of watermelon. I am so glad the friendship that my brother Nishan and Ben started over a bowl of gnocchi in Italian club at BC became a friendship between our two families, and have many great memories spending time with Blake, Ben, Wendy and Josh. Josh was the kind of person who really took genuine care and interest in what you had to say and what was going on in your life. Beneath the sales jokes and belting librettos was a man who was as nice as they come. Will miss him greatly.
Posted by Tavid B
2016.01.30
The other day Nishan, Tavid, Dana and I were having dinner together and one of my sons brought up about what it means that a shark may be able to detect a ...of blood in the water, even 6 miles away. How can it do that? This was just the kind of discussion I would like to have withJosh, today, or someday ahead, because he was such a wonderful conversationalist. Visiting with Josh and Wendy, in Cape May, here, in Ocean City or in Lower Merion, or up in Vermont, Dana, Wendy, Josh, and I had wonderful times together, and I think in every conversation Josh brought his humor, his curiosity, his kindness. And sometimes a little song in the middle.
About 20 years ago, Nishan came home from an after school play date and told us about his new friend Ben, and his brother Blake; “and you would really like their parents.” Oh boy was that boy right. Much later, after we were friends for some years, Josh’s singing helped me to get to the idea that maybe I could try singing, really singing out, the way he did, and he gave me pointers, how to get “in voice” as he would say. One thing he encouraged me to do was to find my right range, to know what pitches were right for me. What a wonderful journey to bring to fa friend, to find their range.
One thing that made Josh always fun to be around, of course, was his sense of humor. i like to think of the way Josh would quip in this conversation about the shark, and the ...of blood in the water. “Why is someone swimming in the water if they’re bleeding?” he would say. “Can they actually not know that they are bleeding? Those people should be taxed, they’re a burden to society. And I’ll collect the fine, 25 cents, put it right there.” Even if his jokes, his puns maybe, weren’t always that funny, it didn’t matter—what mattered was his consistent, wonderful, will to be playful.
And the other thing, was his curiosity. There was an open-ness, about Josh. I hear Josh’s curiosity about the shark, and the blood in the water—he was curious about nature, and about people, what made them tick. “Whose blood was it? I know they say that hunters rely on their sense of smell, but how does that even work under water?” His curiosity, in a way, was a part of his kindness—he was curious about you, your life. It’s been said that the definition of charm is the capacity to show a genuine interest in other people, and Josh had that kind of charm big time. He always was ready to learn, and in that way, he was always growing, showing us how to grow.
And, in every conversation, there was his kindness. His kindness was towards me, or towards anyone who was near, maybe even 6 miles away. “They’re swimming, and there’s sharks? They’re going to need some help! Maybe the good Democrats can get together and start a social program so this kind of thing doesn’t happen, treat the water or something.” He was a liberal democrat, after all, not just because he was a Jewish guy from New York, but because he had a kind, kind heart.
On the Saturday before he died, I had an impulse to call Josh. This was unusual, because although I count him as a close friend, who taught me to say “I love you guys” whenever we parted, I was never in the habit of calling Josh, just to talk. I didn’t end up calling him, though I wish now of course that I had. But i did kind of sense him, over there, where he was, through the air between Vermont and Philadelphia, and it was a comfort to me, to know there is the person Josh, here on the planet, being kind, being curious, being funny.
Josh was a blessing. i recently learned that the word blessing is related to the word for blood, or a wound that bleeds, like “blessure” in French. Wendy, Ben, Blake, Karen, Michael, you always supported Josh’s humor, curiosity, kindness, you loved him, and you helped realize the blessing that he was. i’m thankful to know you. I love you guys.
-Peter
Posted by Peter B
2016.03.03
In the summer of 2001 I worked at a pizza place washing dishes at the Jersey shore. I was 14 or so and it was the first time away from home. At the end of August, Josh picked me up and gave me a ride to the airport in Philly to fly home to VT. During that ride I remember feeling like he understood everything that had happened without me having to tell him. It was so nice to sense his warm understanding. Kind of like the wonder years, but with a better narrator, or like a Springsteen song if Springsteen was an opera singer. Will cherish his memory.
Posted by Nishan B
