Dr. Leo W. Landau, 74, passed away peacefully on Monday December 10th, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Shavertown, PA. Born in Wilkes-Barre on October 2nd, 1944, Leo was the son of the late Lillian (Belkin) and Julius Landau. He was a graduate of Kingston High School, Class of 1962, and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Temple University in 1966.
After college, Leo taught science in the Philadelphia school system for three years. He then decided to pursue his love of science by applying to medical school. He graduated with his medical degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara in 1974.
Dr. Landau completed his pediatric residency through Columbia University. Upon completion of his residency, Dr. Landau’s adventurous spirit took he and family to Globe, Arizona, where he opened his first pediatric practice. Leo and his family returned to the Wyoming Valley in 1979, where he spent the next 25 years as a dedicated and beloved pediatrician caring for numerous children within the community.
His private practice began in the Nesbitt Medical Arts Building and he subsequently opened Pediatric-Adolescent Specialists in Plains. Sadly, Leo’s practice came to an unexpected halt at the age of 51 after cardiac surgery. He was no longer able to practice and made the difficult to decision to retire.
He and his wife, Mary, continued their life together in Tucson, Arizona. Leo’s dedication and main focus was always on his patients and their care. He was Chief of Pediatrics at Nesbitt and General Hospitals where he headed both neonatal units.
He was a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, and held numerous positions on boards within the community, including several years on the board at Children’s Service Center. His concern for the overall well-being of children inspired him to open the area’s first fitness center for children, First Place Fitness. Leo was an extremely intelligent, quick-witted man, who loved reading and learning about anything related to medicine or science.
His passions were gadgets, cars, hiking, exploring, and venturing to new places. He loved good food, learning about different cultures and was the best at finding authentic restaurants. Leo greatly enjoyed poker nights with his buddies in Pennsylvania and Arizona.
His love for learning and teaching led him to become a volunteer Sabino Canyon Naturalist and a volunteer docent at the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum. His greatest joy was spending time with his wife, Mary, his three daughters, and his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his stepmother, Jane (Smith) Landau, and his rescue dog and best buddy, Mattie.
Leo is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Mary Yago Landau; daughters Ellie Landau Steinruck (Paul), Lori Landau MacLeod (Matthew), and Maia Landau (Daniel Dens); grandchildren Max and Sam Steinruck, and Maggie, Marco and John MacLeod; and his brother Jay Landau (Helene) and their daughters, Heather, Mollie, Abby and Kerry and their families. A Memorial Service, in celebration of his life, will be conducted on January 13th, 2019 at Rosenberg Funeral Chapel, 348 S. River St. Wilkes-Barre, at 12:30 pm with Rabbi Larry Kaplan officiating. The family gratefully thanks Dr. Gerald Gibbons, Dr. Mark Bernardi, Dr. John Prior, DaVita Montage Dialysis Clinic, and Hospice of the Sacred Heart.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to St. Joseph’s Center of Scranton, Hospice of the Sacred Heart or a charity of your choice.
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