Obituary: Irwin Leibowitz

Irwin Leibowitz, 82, of Longboat Key, died Aug. 16.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., he grew up in a family that was involved in manufacturing handbags. He met his wife, Mina, while he was a student at New York University. The couple raised their three children in Westbury, N.Y., while Mr. Leibowitz managed the family factory in Brooklyn.

Midwest Handbags hired Mr. Leibowitz in 1965 to manage its St. Louis factory. After handbag manufacturing moved overseas, Mr. Leibowitz founded National Courier Systems in St. Louis. He was known for his knack of hiring dedicated employees, some of whom remained his close friends until his death.

Mr. Leibowitz was a founding member of the Air Courier Association and built friendships and business alliances with competitors around the country. By the time he sold his business in 1995, the Leibowitzes had moved to Longboat Key, where they became Temple Beth Israel members.

In retirement, Mr. Leibowitz pursued his passion for sculpture; he taught at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts. After the Arts Center closed its sculpture studio, he and his artist friends formed a cooperative studio.

He enjoyed the offerings of the Sarasota cultural scene, including art, opera, symphony and theater. He also enjoyed bridge and dining at new restaurants.

Mr. Leibowitz was known for his sense of humor, love of telling stories and sayings to fit any occasion, including this one that his family remembers in particular at this time: “When the horn blows … you go.”

Mr. Leibowitz was preceded in death by his sons, Labe and Chaz Leibowitz. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mina; daughter, Shoshana Leibowitz; and three grandchildren.