Gompertz, Leo

Leo Gompertz was born in Krefeld on January 15, 1887, the son of Albert Gompertz and Sophie Rubens. He lived in Gelsenkirchen, where he owned a fur store. He was also a philanthropist, Jewish community leader, and director of Haus Berta, a vacation camp and youth training and recreation center sponsored by the Reichsbund jüdischer Frontsoldaten in Schermbeck, Germany. Gompertz emigrated to the United States via the Netherlands in 1939. In New York City he reestablished himself in the fur industry with the firm L.F. Gompertz Manufacturing Furriers. Leo Gompertz died in New York City on February 26, 1968.

From the guide to the Leo Gompertz Collection, 1896-1998, bulk 1963-1967, (Leo Baeck Institute)