Some obituaries are hard to write. This is one of them.
Dr. Lenny Haber, a forensic psychologist who handled cases in the REGJB for decades was more than just a professional acquaintance, he was a friend.
As a young an inexperienced lawyer decades ago, Dr. Haber was a steadying influence. He was wise, and caring, and he had a twinkle in his eye. Did you know that Dr. Haber was often hired as an expert to assist the prosecution or defense in litigation? We hired him in a very difficult case many years ago and his knowledge of law, courtroom tactics, and people was the difference in winning the case.
Lenny Haber was a Miami Beach councilman starting in 1971. In 1977 he was elected Mayor of Miami Beach. Dr. Haber had a popular radio show in Miami where he dispensed psychological and life advice and as the Herald Obit here states, he was a frequent commentator on NBC during the OJ Simpson trial.
Dr. Lenny Haber was many things to many people. A loving father and grandfather. A superb expert witness, psychologist and legal advisor. He was a mayor, and a concerned citizen who had Miami and Miami Beach's best interests at heart. And to us, he was a mentor and a friend. He will be missed. But his kindness and wisdom and the impact he had on our community and the many lives he touched will live on.
Memorial services will be held at 11 AM Sunday at Temple Beth Shalom, 4144 Chase Ave., Miami Beach, and services will follow at Lakeside Memorial Park, 10301 NW 25th St., Miami.
ReplyDeleteRumpole, thank you for posting this on the Blog. Growing up in Miami Beach in the 70s like I did, we all knew who Lenny Haber was. But it wasn't until I joined the PD's office that I actually got to see Dr. Haber in action.
When I went into private practice, I used Dr. Haber on a few of my cases and, it goes without saying, he was amazing in what he did and how he did it.
After he semi-retired a few years ago, he did what we all wish we could do, he lived life to its fullest. He picked up and moved to Costa Rica and had one heck of a time living la vida loca down there.
Many did not know that he came back to South Florida regularly as he was serving as a member of the JQC having been appointed by the Governor.
As I stated in my email to the FACDL ListServ, Lenny always had a smile on his face and always had a great story to tell.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his son, fellow criminal defense lawyer Michael Haber, and to the entire Haber family.
Rick Freedman
Another legend leaves us. His warmth and good nature is what I will remember the most over the 30+ years we knew each other. My deepest sympathies to Michael, Aiden and the whole family.
ReplyDeleteJB.
A loss for all who knew him.
ReplyDeleteHe was a real Mensch.
I knew and worked with him while I was at the State Attorneys Office and as a Judge in the Criminal Division.
He was always the consummate professional and just a great guy.
He will be missed by the legal community and the community at large.
Condolences to the Haber family.
Lenny Glick
Thank you Rumpole (and Rick and everyone else).
ReplyDeleteI know how many of you felt about my dad and I hope that you know how he felt about many of you.
REG-MJB was his home away from home. He loved that aesbestos and rat filled sh*thole and all who dwelled therein (from the deputy clerks to the Judges to the Bailiffs to the corrections personnel to the JA's and the PDs and the ASAs... all of you) , deeply and truly.
When he was living (as Riock put it "la vida loca") in Costa Rica and I would call or visit he always asked about his extended REG-MJB family.
Well before my professional career began I was regaled with stories of cases won, of top-tier lawyers and Judges, and then I benefited from his wisdom, with free case theme, trial strategy and jury selection advise in each and every case that I have handled in my near quarter century among our ranks.
Anyhow, I'm not here to deliver a eulogy... You'll have to come to Beth Shalom on Sunday for that... But, after reading these kind words I though that I'd share.
Thanks again.
Alav Hashalom Pops!
Michael your Dad was an amazing man, but I don't have to tell you that. My sympathies for your loss.
ReplyDeleteLenny was one of the good guys -He will be missed - My condolences to the Haber family
ReplyDeleteLenny treated me like I was his son. His warm smile and kind words were always welcome.
ReplyDeleteMichael is lucky to have such a dad.
Mike Catalano
Mike Catalano said exactly what I was thinking. Lenny treated me and made me feel like I was a member of his family. I always felt Michael was so lucky to have him as a dad. He was a wonderful man and I have missed him these years he was living in Costa Rica but I was happy for him.
ReplyDeleteHe was equal parts professional and affable. To work with Lenny was also to develop a friendship. He was a justice building "hall of famer"'
ReplyDeleteOnly 9 comments for Dr. Lenny? Are you kidding me? Lenny was the BEST! I loved him like a dad too. There are no Lenny's in the "building" anymore. Really no more legends at all!
ReplyDeleteWho will carry the torch for Sharpie, Lenny, Sy?
It is a bygone era. Sorry to say.
Rest in Peace my friend. You made a difference in this world and made those you came into contact with happier. God bless....
Lenny was the first Haber I met when starting out my court reporting career in the parking lot of the Metro Justice Building. He really impressed me. He was hip, interesting, and lots of fun. Soon after I met Michael at a State Attorney's annual holiday (if my memory serves me correctly) party in his swimming pool in the wee hours, and if my memory serves me correctly, the same night I met former mayor Alex Daoud when he had to leave, as his baby was on the way! Shortly after that, Merry Haber was one of the expert witnesses in the Two Live Crew obscenity trial, which I attended on crutches following a boat accident. Outstanding family, Lenny was an absolute doll and extremely young for his age. Very, very sad and quite a loss for his family, colleagues, and the community. Michael, I fell your pain and want you to take comfort and know you were so blessed to have had him in your life as long as you did, even though he was taken far too soon. Kim Kelter
ReplyDeletegreat guy epitomized the word Mensch. always pleasant and not full of shit like so many courthouse shrinks
ReplyDeleteGreat shrink and great teacher. He explained things simply. He was the real deal
ReplyDeleteHe was a mentor and teacher to me for the short time I knew him. He was a great man and will be missed.
ReplyDelete-Blake McGrane
Lenny Haber was a shining light. Always professional. Always able to make us smile and laugh at his stories. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of simply spending time with him. I hope the Haber family takes some comfort from the knowledge that so many thought so much of him.
ReplyDeleteJeff Weinkle
On behalf of one of my Greatest Friends of this lifetime, Joseph Donald Baron; I send my condolences to the Haber family...
ReplyDelete"Pops" as I called Donald, & Lenny go way back over decades...
May they both enjoy roaming the universe in joy now...
Sincerely,
DANNiE D