Harold A. Laubenthal Obituary (1927 - 2017)

LAUBENTHAL - Harold Arnold, passed away peacefully the evening of July 29, 2017 at his home in Wickenburg, Arizona shortly after his beloved wife Cecilia of nearly 66 years helped him to bed for the night. Harold was born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 10, 1927, the eldest of six children born to Rupert and Delphine (nee Wearsch) Laubenthal. Upon graduating from West Technical High School, Harold enlisted in the Army and served in Japan as part of the occupation force following WWII. Upon returning to Cleveland, Harold attended John Carroll University and Baldwin Wallace University to study Engineering, and then on August 1, 1950 joined the Cleveland Police Department and began a long career as a patrolman and detective, serving in the Accident Investigation Unit, Field Inspections and Communications and as commander of the Police Academy. Harold was promoted to Captain in 1977 and to Deputy Police Chief in 1980 under Chief William T. Hatton and the administration of Mayor George V. Voinovich, and retired on December 15, 1982 with honor and recognition for exemplary police service to the citizens of Cleveland. Shortly after joining the Cleveland Police Department, Harold met Cecilia Jane Eizember at a dance and quickly fell in love, became best friends, and were married on August 18, 1951. Harold and Cecilia had seven children, Therese, Thomas (Alison), Timothy (predeceased in 2007, Sandra), Robert, Renee (Tim), Raymond (Patty) and David (Nancy), and 14 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Harold is also survived by his brother James, and sisters Mildred, Ruth and Celeste, and was predeceased earlier this year by sister Jeanette. After retiring from the Cleveland Police Department, Harold and Cecilia began wintering in Wickenburg, and later became permanent residents in 1989 and moved into their home at Country Club Acres where they entertained their many dear friends. Harold was quite active in retirement playing golf and hiking, and belonged to the Wickenburg Country Club and served as President on the Board of Directors of the Club. Harold was also the President of the Country Club Acres Water Company for many years, responsible for managing the community water supply and service. Harold was an active member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and was a Trustee of the Knights of Columbus (of St. Anthony's), and The American Legion (Wickenburg Post 12). The funeral Mass and memorial service will be held at St. Anthony's on Friday August 4, 2017 at 10:00AM, followed by a reception for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to St. Anthony's Building Fund or the Knights of Columbus. A funeral Mass will be said in North Ridgeville, Ohio at St. Peters Catholic Church on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM.