Leonard Perlmutter, a successful businessman, one-time state economic-development chief, longtime ambassador for National Jewish Health and father of rep. Ed Perlmutter, passed away on July 8.
“He was an innovator, business man, educator, civic leader, dog lover, Broncos fan, Democrat from the top of his head to the tips of toes, and a wonderful father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather,” Ed Perlmutter, a six-term Democrat representing Colorado’s 7th congressional district, said in a public statement.
Leonard Perlmutter was an enthusiastic supporter of his son’s political campaigns. In 2012 Ed Perlmutter was running for reelection against Republican challenger Joe Coors, made interesting by the fact that Leonard Perlmutter was next-door neighbors with the Coors’ family in the Applewood neighborhood where the two families had been longtime friends.
According to his obituary, Leonard Michael Perlmutter was born in Denver on Oct. 6, 1925. He and his wife moved to Jefferson County in 1953. In his time in the community Leonard Perlmutter was organizations in the community such as the Westminster Rotary, Foothills Arts Center, Rolling Hills, PTAs with Reed Street Elementary and Wheat Ridge Junior High.
A successful businessman, “Len” Perlmutter helped run Prestressed Concrete of Colorado, later known as Standley Structures. He worked closely with National Jewish Health for more than four decades, serving on the board of directors both as the chairman, but also as the organization president and CEO from 1991 to 1993. In 1993 he was given the National Jewish Health Arthur B. Lorber Award for Distinguished Service, the Institution’s highest award.
Former Governor, Roy Romer appointed Leonard Perlmutter to serve as Colorado’s CEO of Economic Development in 1987-1988, to strengthen the state’s ties to the business community.
He was also a patron of the arts, giving his time to serve on the leadership boards of the Santa Fe Opera Association and was the president of the Denver Symphony Association.
Leonard Perlmutter is survived by his wife Alice Perlmutter; children Ed Perlmutter, Joe Perlmutter and Cassie Levi; grandchildren Alexis Perlmutter, Abby Miller, Zoe, Aaron, Braden Perlmutter; and great-granddaughter Lily.
“His passing will leave a void in the lives of many,” said Ed Perlmutter. “However his guidance, love, and good works will always be remembered.”