Leonid Listengarten died on February 20, 2024, at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife, Alvina, his daughter, Julia (son-law, Alex), and two grandchildren, Philip and Frank. Born in Baku (former USSR, now Azerbaijan), Leonid graduated from the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University as an engineer-geologist, specializing in 'Hydrogeology', following in the footsteps of his father, Boris Listengarten, whom he greatly respected and admired. From his school days, Leonid was passionate about chess, achieving the title of international chess master. He won the Azerbaijan championship in 1955 and represented the Azerbaijani team in numerous USSR championships, competing against renowned grandmasters including M. Tal, B. Spassky, and G. Kasparov, among others. Faced with the decision to pursue the grandmaster title or dedicate himself to scientific career, Leonid chose the latter, influenced by his father's legacy in science. He earned a Doctorate in Science and became a leading force in the USSR's petroleum industry. The author of many scientific publications and patents, he supervised analysis and development of marine oil fields in the Caspian Sea, and later contributed to the field of petroleum engineering in Vietnam and the United States.
Leonid's personal life was as rich and fulfilling as his professional one. He shared 57 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Alvina, and was a devoted father to Julia and a loving grandfather to Philip and Frank. His love for chess wasn't just a personal passion but a legacy he passed on, particularly influencing his grandsons and the local community in Florida, where he continued to teach and inspire others. He will be missed deeply by his family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at the Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Burton & Barbara Chasnov Pavilion at Congregation Ohev Shalom Cemetery (6034 Old Winter Garden Road, Orlando) with Rabbi Arnold Siegel of Jewish Family Services officiating. May he rest in peace and may his memory always be a blessing.
Service entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 933 Lee Road, Suite 101, Orlando, Florida 407-599-1180.
