Marvin Leader

Marvin Leader, 91, of Fountain Hills passed away unexpectedly Jan. 2, 2018, at HonorHealth Shea Hospital from pneumonia.

He was born Feb. 6, 1926, in Detroit, Mich., to the late Jack and Hannah Leader, Russian immigrant parents who migrated to the U.S.

Marvin graduated Roosevelt Military Academy in 1944, deferred from World War II service because his twin brother, David, was serving.

He joined his father’s business, Leader Carpet Cleaning Company in Detroit. He worked in the family business, then the famous 1967 race riot burned the city block building he owned. He was given advance warning, so he removed his fleet of trucks and company books.

Marvin sold the business and opened a retail carpet/tile store. After some time, he joined New York Carpet World of Detroit as “New York Leader Carpet Industries.” After 25 years, Marvin retired in 1997.

He became a snowbird, dividing time between Brighton, Mich., and Fountain Hills.

Marvin was an avid daily swimmer at L.A. Fitness Club and was the oldest Mayo Hospital volunteer, honorary membership in Rotary Club of Fountain Hills and a member of The Men’s Club in Fountain Hills. He also was an avid card player.

He is survived by his wife, Darline, son Erik (Alyson) Samarpan, daughter Elissa (Ofer) Barpal, grandson Jordan, granddaughter Noga, stepson Griffton (Rhonda) Hughes, granddaughter Jessica (Ryan) Gall, great step grandson Logan and great granddaughter Alyssa, nephew Nathan (Francie) Leader, niece Lorrie (Sam) Kuper, niece Donna (Michael) Hellman, niece Lynn Goldsmith and niece Ellen Nieves.

He is preceded in death by twin brother David, sisters Shirley Hellman and Edith Rubin and stepson Howell Hughes

A celebration of Marvin’s life will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at Eagle Mountain Golf Club. RSVP, 480-816-0330. Leave name and number of guests attending by April 1.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rotary Club Foundation of Fountain Hills, P.O. Box 18188, Fountain Hills 85269, or to Mayo Hospital of Scottsdale.