Remembering Norman B. Leventhal

The Greater Boston business and nonprofit communities are remembering a real estate and philanthropic icon, mourning the loss of Norman B. Leventhal. Like the imprint he left through his work on the City of Boston, Norman left an indelible mark on United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and the children, youth and families we serve. 

“Norman is a man who built communities with the same conviction as he built properties,” said Michael K. Durkin, president at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. “His work and philanthropy went hand in hand – shaping not only Boston’s skyline, but advancing strong and prosperous neighborhoods. He was a man of remarkable stature in every sense of the word.  Our thoughts are with his family, the Boston real estate industry, and the entire community.”

Norman Leventhal was a past chairman of the UWMBMV’s Board of Directors, and he played a key role in the shaping of United Way’s annual Real Estate and Building Industry Breakfast, which has raised over 36 million in its 21-year history. In recent years, this event has focused on reducing homelessness, helping over 1,200 families secure safe, stable housing. To this day, United Way honors a Boston-area real estate leader each year at this event with the Norman B. Leventhal/Edwin Sidman Award, an industry tribute to extraordinary leaders who have contributed greatly professionally and philanthropically.

Recognizing the important role that United Way plays in the community, Norman also founded the Alexis de Tocqueville Society at United Way of Massachusetts Bay almost 30 years ago.  In 1986 he recruited the first 15 members to join the Tocqueville Society by giving a gift of $10,000. Today, our Tocqueville Society has over 450 members, and this vibrant network of Boston’s philanthropic leaders is helping us take on our region’s biggest challenges in ways that create opportunity and a stronger, more prosperous future for all.