Leon Feldman

Leon Feldman, 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Fort Collins, Colo., on Aug. 13th, 2023. He was a father of three and grandfather of two. Leon held postgraduate degrees in English and librarianship, and completed PhD studies in creative writing. Leon shared his lifelong love of learning and history as a college teacher, small business owner, and volunteer appraisal expert to many local cultural institutions.

Born in 1937 in the Bronx, N.Y., to a Jewish-Hungarian immigrant family, Leon's formative experiences were shaped by World War II. He joined the Civil Air Patrol as a young teen, then bravely enlisted in the Army at 17 years old. After an honorable discharge, while studying at Northeastern University under the GI Bill, he met his future wife, Rosalie Cosgrove, and was married in Boston in 1964. The adventurous couple traveled often, following cross-country teaching opportunities until settling down in Loveland, Colo., to raise their family.

Leon found his calling as a colorful downtown merchant at the Loveland Gold and Silver Exchange for nearly two decades. His store served as a hub for antiques and collectibles as well as meaningful conversations about history, art, and philosophy. Clientele often left smiling after a humorous and enlightening chat with Leon—and with a newfound appreciation of their artifacts. As Leon said in a Reporter Herald article about his store, "I enjoy giving value to people, whether it is for money or not."

In retirement, Leon volunteered his brand of engaging education at appraisal events along Colorado's Front Range. He enjoyed spending his free time "cooling his heels" with family and writing poetry. In 2011, he authored Word-Set, a book of poetry that crystallized 50 years of life experience.

Leon was predeceased by his father Emery, mother Adele, and sister Linda. He is survived by former wife Rosalie Feldman; daughter Joan Feldman; sons Daniel (Erika Weber) and Steven (Karen) Feldman; and grandsons Aaron Hutchinson and Sol Feldman.