Obituary of Leon Jaffe

            Leon G. Jaffe of Denver died peacefully at his home on February 13^th. He was born in 1936 to Rose and Hyman Jaffe in Fitchburg, Massachusetts where he spent most of his early life. After graduating from Fitchburg High Leon headed west to the University of Colorado, where he met Betty Kark at registration. They were married a little over one year later in December of 1955.  After Leon’s first year in college, he decided to take a break from school and entered the Army where he started in Ft. Carson, spent time in Indiana, and was posted abroad for roughly three years in Germany. He was very proud of his military service in the 8^th Infantry Division. After his time in the Army, Leon attended University of Colorado where he earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Education.

During his years in the service, Leon and Betty had their first two children. After his time in the army, the family first resided in Pueblo, Betty’s hometown, and had two more children. In 1963 the family moved to Denver where Leon took a teaching position with Denver Public Schools. Here, he not only taught his students, but was a sought-after guidance counselor by the students. This was a passion of Leon’s.

Leon was a lover of music and old movies. He enjoyed cooking, the theater, and travel. He was a history buff and a die-hard fan of the Boston Celtics basketball team.

Leon lost Betty, the love of his life, after almost 69 years together, in March of 2023. He is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Joe Ortiz) Yabrove, his son, David (Tracy) Jaffe, as well as his grandchildren, Hannah (Brian Rosner) Yabrove, Zoe Yabrove, Jessie (Ryan Flageolle) Jaffe, Zach Jaffe, and great-grandchildren, Eddie and Dylan Rosner.  Leon is also survived by his daughter, Jody Jaffe (Gary Knoller) and his son, Allen Jaffe and their children, Abra Lipsitz, Sarah (Ben) Flicker, Max Lipsitz, Aubrey DeClercq, Ward Jaffe, Dustyn Jaffe and great-grandchildren, Naomi, Summer, Logan and Taya.

Graveside, Sunday, Feb. 25, 11:00 at Emanuel Cemetery. Livestream available on Feldman Mortuary's YouTube Channel.

Contributions suggested to Jewish Family Service of Colorado Food Bank or National Council of Jewish Women Traveling Theater.