Joseph Edmond Lebenzon, M.D.

  Joseph E. Lebenzon, MD       Joseph Edmond Lebenzon, MD passed away in the comfort of his Visalia home, on March 5, 2016. He was 71 years old. Born in Portland Oregon, he lived most of his life in his beloved California. Joseph also spent 15 wonderful years living in New England. The oldest child of Emma and Joseph Lebenzon, he would reminisce about the escapades he shared with each of his adored siblings. Joseph had fond memories of delivering oil with his grandfather in Oregon, walking through the mustard fields in Palo Alto, and watching the night skies with his father wherever they happened to be. Joseph was a graduate of Stanford University and UCLA Medical School. He was also educated at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, and at Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific Grove, CA. Dr. Lebenzon began his career in family medicine and quickly found his passion to be psychiatry. After additional training, he embarked on a 40-year journey practicing child, adolescent and family psychiatry.  He was well respected by his colleagues and proud to be chosen by his peers as a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association for his dedication and his lifelong contributions to his field.  Joseph was an accomplished classical and flamenco guitarist who could cut loose with rock and roll or warm the room with folk music. He loved science fiction, astronomy, and politics. Throughout his life he gravitated to the sea.  Joyful hours were spent surfing, beachcombing, and scuba diving. His dear parents and his brother, Peter, predecease him. Joseph had faith that Peter was his guardian angel and this gave him great comfort in his last days. His wife, Suzette, his cherished partner of over 30 years, survives him. The couple celebrated life’s joys with abandon and gratitude. Together they weathered many difficult trials, always with a sense of humor. Joseph left this earth knowing their bond is unbreakable and their love for each other is eternal. Left behind are his precious children, Maya, Noah, Lili, Beatrix, and Roxanne. He affectionately referred to them as Papaya, Pope, Lilita, Triz, and Banana. He treasured each of them and carried them in his heart every day. He also leaves behind his children’s mates, Jim, Ana, Jerome, and Taylor; his wonderful grandchildren, Arabella, Frederica, Paloma, and Rafael; and his best pal, Ziggy. Joseph is survived by his dear siblings: his brother, Chris, and his wife, Amy; his sister, Monica, and her fiancé Robert; his, “baby sister,” Lisa; and beloved nieces and nephews. His late mother once named the extended family “the Flemish Circus.” He was a proud and willing participant of that troupe. Joseph was a well-loved member of his wife’s family. He leaves behind his mother-in-law, Dorothy, and the siblings of his heart: Nan and Bill; Jan and Bob; Hugh and Sabrina; and Mariette and Doug; as well as all his Macdonald Clan nieces and nephews. Joseph’s life was long and full. He had many adventures and was well traveled. His previous loves and his bountiful collection of colorful friends are an important part of his history, and he kept a place in his heart for each of them. Joseph was courageous managing his journey with Alzheimer’s Disease. He accepted his unexpected diagnosis of cancer and his imminent passing with grace. He looked forward to seeing his family that had gone before him. Joseph was hopeful his horse, Coyote King, and his dogs, Penelope and Ruby, would usher him to their reunion. Services will be private. Joseph’s ashes will be released into Monterey Bay, off Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove, a place he held dear. The family wishes to thank Kaweah Delta Hospice and UCSF Fresno Memory Center for all their care and support. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association would honor him