Rabbi Lee Avram Kivel, 80, died March 13, 2013.
A graduate of New York University and rabbinical school, Rabbi Kivel served as a rabbi for 17 years before retiring to Tucson, where he was involved in the family business of commercial real estate. Rabbi Kivel was a supporter of the School of Theatre, Film & Television at the University of Arizona. He wrote a childrens’ book, “The Lonely Train.” He was a member of Congregation Anshei Israel and Congregation Chofetz Chayim.
Survivors include his wife, Jane R. Kivel; children, Ronald (Susan) Kivel of Saugerties, N.Y., Harvey Kivel of Tucson, Caren August of Colorado Springs, Colo.; brother, Foster (Carol) Kivel; sister-in-law, Patricia Ballard of Tucson; and four grandchildren.
Services were held at Evergreen Mortuary with Rabbi Robert Eisen and Rabbi Arthur Oleisky of Congregation Anshei Israel and Rabbi Israel Becker of Congregation Chofetz Chayim officiating. Interment followed in the Congregation Anshei Israel section of Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging; Congregation Anshei Israel; the Jane and Lee Kivel Guest Artist Endowment U of A, P.O. Box 210003, Tucson, AZ 85721; or the charity of your choice.
