Jerry Leshansky, 84

Owned Max’s Appetizing & Kosher Deli

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A World War II veteran, who was proud of his religious heritage and would help any one at any time, was the way that Bob Leshansky described his father, Jerry, who died on June 26. He was 84.
Born in Brooklyn on Nov. 18, 1929, Jerry grew up in Far Rockaway and served four years in the military; splitting the time evenly between active and reserved duty in the 101st Airborne between 1945 and ’49. “He had a great deal of respect for being Jewish-American, proud of his country and being able to serve his country, Bob said.
Before they got married, Jerry and Daisy opened Max’s Appetizing & Kosher Deli in Woodmere in 1947. Jerry liked traditional home cooked food, according to Bob and that was his impetus behind opening the eatery. Years later, Bob took over. He moved it further up Broadway to Hewlett nearly two years ago.
On Aug. 3, 1949, Jerry married Daisy, who was born in Berlin. Her family came to the U.S. in 1937. They lived in North Woodmere for 35 years and were married for 62. They retired to Boca Raton, Fla. She died in 2011.
In 1972, Jerry was shot in what Bob, called a “vicious attack,” and received an outpouring of support from friends and patrons to help keep Max’s open. “He valued the community and appreciated them as friends as well as customers,” Bob said.

In addition to his son and his wife, Meryl, Jerry is survived by his grandchildren Adam, Jamie and Emma Schlesinger and Corey, Michael and Jeffrey Leshansky.
A graveside service was held at New Montifiore Cemetery in West Babylon on June 29.
“Dad had a creative imagination, he was a delight,” Bob said. “He had the roar of a tiger and the heart of a pussycat. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for people he knew or liked. He really touched people.”