Dr. Jack Lebeau

Beloved father, husband, and physician, Dr. Jack Lebeau passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 after a courageous and relentless battle with cancer.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1941 to Yetta and Morris Lebeau, Jack and his sister Roberta were raised to be caring, loyal, and sincere. He and his wife, Sheri met when she was just 14 and he was a student at Buchtel High School in Akron. He was on a date with a family friend of Sheri’s and came by her home to kibbitz with her parents. Jack and Sheri’s relationship began as a friendship and a few years later became a love story that lasted more than 60 years, and just short of 58 years of marriage. His faith was an important element of his life and he and Sheri raised their children to live and celebrate their Jewish heritage and values.

Jack received his bachelor’s degree at University of Akron and his medical degree at Case Western Reserve University Medical School. Following his studies in Ohio, Jack and Sheri moved to Philadelphia where Jack did his internship and residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He became a Fellow in Cardiology at both The University of Pennsylvania Hospital and Temple University Hospital and went on to improve the health and wellness of his patients and save countless lives.

From 1970-1972 he served as Major, Chief of Clinics in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland where he directed the organization of the first coronary care unit at U.S. Kimbrough Army Hospital.

His commitment to the practice of medicine and to his continuing education was only surpassed by his love for his family and friends. Jack had a true passion for life and for everything the world around him had to offer. He loved to travel, try new foods, read books, visit museums, and had a magnetic personality that drew many lifelong friends. He enjoyed gardening and managed to acquire an encyclopedic knowledge of horticulture; he was looking forward to cultivating an “urban garden” on the balcony of his and Sheri’s new apartment.

As a teacher in the classroom, in his medical practice, and even in everyday conversations, Jack could make any topic extraordinary as he could perfectly explain a situation, a feeling, an event, or even a diagnosis in the simplest yet most fitting words.

In addition to his career in cardiology, Jack was an active member of the medical community where he authored several publications, volunteered his time for numerous causes, and received several awards a few of which included the AMA Physician's Recognition Award, the President’s Volunteer Service Award bestowed by President George Bush in 2004, the Residents Bedside Teaching Award in 1974 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and the U.S. Army Award for Meritorious Performance, “Loyal Order of Moles.”

After suffering a traumatic brain injury in 1994 he faced a long and arduous recovery. At times his family feared he would never regain his physical and mental strength, but thanks Sheri's love, support, and tireless effort, after meeting with many different doctors, trying different treatments and receiving multiple diagnoses, he finally received the right care. Sheri fought fiercely every day knowing her "Jack" was there;  she never gave up and Jack was able to recover and return to living and loving his life, to practicing medicine, enjoying many more years of love and travel with Sheri, and celebrating the weddings of his three children and the births of his five grandchildren.

Known for his kindness, humor and devotion to his family, Jack will be remembered with love by those who had the privilege of knowing him. Over the last 7 months he fought every day with more strength than seemed possible. After a few particularly difficult days where his family feared for his death, he woke one morning in stable condition. When the nurse entered the room and asked how he was doing he told her, “Any day that’s a new day is a good day.” His family will forever try to honor his memory by appreciating every new day and living their lives as fully as possible.

Adoring and adored husband of Sharon (nee Meltz), loving father of Marc (Susan) Lebeau, Paul (Julie) Lebeau, and Alysa (Michael) Reich.  Doting grandfather of Justin, Harlan, Ben, Katie, and Libbie;  Dear brother of the late Roberta Monosoff and survived by his brother-in-law Murray Monosoff, his nieces Melissa and Lauren (Emmanuel) and nephew Micah (Beth), and his beloved brother and sister-in-law Steve and Marci Meltz and nephew Ross (Alyson) and niece Rebecca (Remi), along with numerous cousins and his two "fur babies,” Ari and Gwenie. Jack will be missed beyond measure.

Family and friends are invited to his Graveside Service Thursday, June 30, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. precisely at Montefiore Cemetery (Sarah Mausoleum) 600 Church Rd. in Jenkintown, PA 19046. Shiva will be held immediately following the service at the home of Jack’s son, Marc.

There will be Shiva on Friday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Social Room of the Tower at Oak Hill, 1600 Hagys Ford Road North, Penn Valley, PA 19072.

For those unable to attend in person a recording has been uploaded to YouTube here: https://youtu.be/DcOEyyyfOb0

Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Association for Cancer Research www.aacr.org