Leon Wasser

Leon Wasser, aged 87, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 17, 2025 at home in Woodstock, New York. Leon was born in the Bronx on March 27, 1937, the only son of the late Philip Wasser and Fannie Schiff Wasser. He graduated James Monroe High School in 1954 and Columbia University College of Pharmacy in 1958. Leon was proud to be the first in his family to attend college. He was also a member of the Army Reserves, stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Leon and his wife Laurel moved upstate to Woodstock in 1994. He practiced retail pharmacy his entire professional career, starting in the Bronx and Manhattan, and ending in Ulster County before retiring at age 65. Leon’s hobbies included collecting and driving cars, eating amazing food, and attending all of the best rock concerts in the 1970’s, including winning tickets in a lottery to see George Harrison perform in The Concert for Bangladesh. He is survived by his wife Laurel Rothaus Wasser, daughters Farah Wasser Polaski and Carolyn Wasser Tabacchini (Michael Smith), grandchildren Victoria Tabacchini (Mike Piccolo), Olivia Tabacchini, Lindsay Tabacchini, Juliet Polaski, and Elijah Smith. He was predeceased by his parents Philip Wasser and Fannie Schiff Wasser, his sister Renee Jacobson – also known as the prettiest girl on West Farms Road, and his favorite nephew Evan Jacobson. Funeral arrangements were under the guidance of George T Davis Funeral Home 16 Shea Place, New Rochelle, New York with a compassionate assist from Jack and Eric Wilsey of Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home of 45 John Street Saugerties, New York. A private graveside ceremony occurred on January 20, 2025.