Leonard H. "Mr. Len" Rosenberg

Leonard H. Rosenberg (affectionately known as "Mr. Len") and prior owner of Toledo Academy of Beauty Culture for over 43 years, passed away at home on Monday, May 16, 2022 from cancer. Born February 13, 1953 to Sam and Jean Rosenberg, Lenny grew up in Old Orchard and attended Old Orchard Grade School, DeVilbiss High School and the University of Toledo.

In his early years, Lenny and his brother Murry, known then as "The Boys", loved to swim. This is where Lenny made his first mark. Although Murry was a very good swimmer also, Lenny knew it was his calling. From the age of 5 to 18, Lenny swam competitively for Glass City Aquatic Club coached by Bob Minardi and Sunningdale County Club coached by Karmen Burrow. He excelled in butterfly and freestyle and set many pool records with over 500 first place wins. He ended his career with Glass City Aquatic club ranking in the top 20 in the United States in the National Y.M.C.A. championship meet held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He also swam for the DeVilbiss High School swim team in 1970 and placed third in the butterfly in the State of Ohio. In 1975, with the encouragement of their parents for The Boys to be entrepreneurs, Murry and Lenny purchased The Toledo Academy of Beauty Culture located on St. Clair Street in Downtown Toledo. This is where The Boys made their next mark. In their first year of business, The Boys worked hard to learn the business. In the second year, they felt one of them should take the Cosmetology Program to actually learn the trade and Lenny said he would do it. Thus the names "Mr. Len" and "Mr. Murry." For the next year, Mr. Len devoted his time to taking the program (1,800 hours) and became a licensed hairdresser and instructor.

During this time, his mother (Miss Jean) kvelled (Jewish for extraordinarily proud) that her son was going to be able to do hair. Anyone who knew his mother, knew how meticulous she was about her hair, make-up and clothing. Although she allowed him to practice on her at school, there were many Sunday mornings when she would ask him "Can you do a quick comb-out and "tease" as your father and I are going out tonight?" She was so proud. During the next 10 years, The Boys worked hard and expanded the business to four locations making it one of the largest beauty school chains in the Midwest. The Boys also became the youngest members of The National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences to go around the Midwest and inspect other beauty schools to assure they were in compliance with the national standards for accreditation. Mr. Len was also elected as the youngest member to the National Teacher's Educational Council which brought teachers from all over the country to continue to improve and develop curriculums to assure students would receive the highest training possible.

In 1993, Mr. Len bought out his brother Murry so he could pursue other interests. Along with Miss Georgia (an extremely loyal and dedicated employee), they continued to operate the schools until the last one was sold to Cortnie Fogo on April 1, 2019, culminating in a 43 year and 41 year career, respectively.

Len was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Jean Rosenberg; and brother, Murry. There are also a lot of people who deserve praise and recognition along the journey. Anyone who knew Len, knew how much his furry friends meant to him: Whippets, Diamond Jim, Penn Dragon and Shayna Punim. "Hey kids, get ready, as your dad has crossed the "Pet Rainbow Bridge" with all your favorite toys and treats. Can't wait to be all together again. And to my beloved cat, Simcha, I'm so sorry to leave you so soon. I loved you dearly. Georgia and Dianne will find you a great home. Also, many thanks to Dianne and Jim Jagielski for their extraordinary care and devotion to my pets. You're the best! To Randy, you know who you are. I can never thank you enough for willing to donate a kidney for me. You are truly a mensch. To "all" the doctors and nurses who took care of me and kept me going in good shape for many years. To Dr. Robert Axonovitz (another mensch), thanks for all you have done for my parents, brother and myself. I couldn't have done it without you (and Amanda and Katie). To all the nurses and techs at U.S. Renal who took such good care of me. Too many to mention, but especially Melanie, Judy, Cindy, Jennifer, Kay, Susan, Corrie, Heidi, Diane, Tiffany and Evan. You're the Best! To Dr. Steve Rubin (another mensch), Chris, Mel and Danielle, you were all awesome. To all of my employees along the way, again too numerous to mention, but especially Miss Chris, Miss Betty, Miss Linda, Miss Bev, Miss Cindy. It was a great ride! To my best friend, Jim Anderson, We had a wonderful relationship since 5th grade. Many, many laughs and good times along the way. You are everything a good friend possesses: kind, caring, thoughtful, respectful, honest and supportive. In Jewish, we call this a "mensch," a person of the highest integrity and honor. Stay well my friend. To my other special friends, Michael Barry, Les Gunzenhaeuser, Mark Friedman, Bob Lichtenstein and Rick Brannan, lots of laughs. To my long-time friend, Scott Dewey, your friendship and help meant a lot to me. I wish you and your family all the best. To my special friends, Harriet and Bernie Heyman, and our special relationship. We were meant to cross paths, such a great story. I love you both so very, very much. To my cousin, Michael Felstein, we were like brothers growing up from taking the bus downtown to the movie theaters, to our fun vacations and to our early morning breakfasts after the bars closed. Be well! To Rabbi Shemtov for his years of friendship, devotion, teachings and overall care and support (especially at the end). Another mensch. To my cousin, Mitzi (Dear), for everything you did for me (and wanted) to do for me! We had such a remarkable relationship. I can't thank you enough for all your love, help, support and schlepping around. It means more than you'll ever know. Enjoy your beautiful life, you have so much to live for and Dewey is terrific. He is perfect for you and another mensch. We were also so much alike; it was hysterical at times. I loved you so, so much. You have a special place in my heart and of course, to your daughters, Dana and Pam. They meant the world to me as well, and such remarkable children. I loved them as if they were my own, and to Miss Georgia: first, for all your loyalty, dedication and devotion to Toledo Academy of Beauty Culture. You are a big reason why the schools were so successful and your name will always be a part of this fantastic school. There are not too many beauty schools that can say they trained over "10,000" students under their leadership, and for your special friendship. Anyone who could put up with my brother and I deserves a lot of credit! But on a serious note, you were meant to be a part of our family. From personal, business, health and pets, we got through it all. Some with tears, but most with good memories. I was hoping for many more years of fun during our retirement, but it wasn't meant to be for me. So enjoy life, be well. I will love and miss you dearly. You also have a special place in my heart. And love to Apollo, Zeus, Junior Jay, Boo Boo and all the cats. I will also miss them very much as they were a part of my life.

Services will be held on Wednesday May 18, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. in the Robert H. Wick/Wisniewski Funeral Home, 2426 North Reynolds Rd., Toledo, Ohio. Interment will follow at Beth Shalom Cemetery, Oregon, Ohio

Donations: Toledo Humane Society, Congregation Etz Chayim, Chabad House of Toledo or to a charity of their choice.

www.wickfh.com

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