Co-Producer Society Emeritus Co-Producer
36 | FLORIDA GRAND OPERA
season
If you were
fortunate
Mar vin LeibowitMar vin Leibowitz
enough to know
him, you knew
an extraordinary
man. He lived for
his family, adored
his wife Isa, and
spent time with
his son, daughters,
six grandchildren,
nieces and
nephews, showing
them the world
and how to make
it a better place.
Marvin was born on
April 7, 1928, in Rock Island, Illinois, the youngest of four children. He grew up in Chicago, was stationed
in Japan during the Korean War and moved to Miami in 1955.
He was the American success story. Marvin founded ABC Distributing, Inc., a unique mail order enterprise
that thrived for more than 50 years and eventually employed more than a thousand people in South Florida.
Marvin was not only brilliant and creative, but believed anything was possible. He was both a dreamer and a
pragmatist who refused to accept failure.
He never turned down a request for help, especially if it came from one of his beloved cultural organizations.
Florida Grand Opera is very proud to have been one of his beloveds. He was unfailing in his support for an
incredibly diverse set of charities, donating generously over the years to support the arts in South Florida.
His guidance, care, and generosity were endless. He changed lives, saved organizations, and in doing so,
transformed our community.
Marvin Leibowitz was an invisible philanthropist. You may never see his name on a building, but his imprint is
everywhere, especially in the hearts of all those involved with FGO. He was a true champion. He is missed,
and he is most certainly never forgotten.
Florida Grand Opera honors Marvin’s legacy by acknowledging him as a Co-Producer in perpetuity.