Obituary of Samuel Lieberman

Samuel Lieberman, Santa Cruz icon and former owner of Marianne's Ice cream went to his big sundae in the sky at age 84. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and friends at his bedside on November 19th, 2013 after losing his two year battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by his father Jacob and mother Elizabeth Lieberman. They were long-time residents of Santa Cruz who once owned the McCray Hotel, which is now a retirement home and Santa Cruz landmark. Sam is survived by his wife of 56 years, his son, Maurice and daughter-in-law, Elena Lieberman, his sister Elaine Roth, nieces Cynthia Campbell, Marlena Hirsch, and nephews Raymond Travers, Doug Miller and Steven Miller, and sister in law Francis Travers. He was a Santa Cruz Native Son born in 1929. Sam attended Mission Hill Jr. High, and graduated Class of 1947 from Santa Cruz High School. He served in the U.S. Army as a M.A.S.H. Dental Technician in 1951 during the Korean Conflict. He then returned home to Santa Cruz with an Honorable Discharge to assist his family in taking care of their ailing father, Jacob. Sam graduated with an A.A. degree in History from San Jose City College and later attended San Jose State University. Sam is and will always be best known as an ice cream connoisseur, and inventor as the former owner of Marianne's Ice cream for 56 years, which he and Dorothy purchased in 1957. Sam and Dorothy sold their business to Charlie Wilcox and Kelly Dillon last December due to Sam's failing health. Charlie and Kelly are not only the new owners of the business, but they are also now the "custodians" of a continuing Santa Cruz tradition and legacy that Sam devoted most of his life to build. Charlie and Kelly have promised to keep up the tradition of manufacturing and distributing the fine ice cream products Sam worked so hard over the years to create. Sam Lieberman has been and will always be an integral part of the City's growth and "character" for his long lasting civic contributions and generosity. He was an active member of the Santa Cruz Elk's Lodge #824, Santa Cruz Exchange Club, Santa Cruz Native Sons of the Golden West. and the Toastmasters. For several decades, Sam has been a positive influence in young people's lives by giving them personal growth opportunities through employment in his store, and manufacturing plant. Throughout the years he has contributed to Santa Cruzans' success through their association with him and Marianne's. For this accomplishment he was recognized and chosen as Santa Cruz Old Timers Man of the Year for 2013. Sam will be remembered, missed and never forgotten by his family and friends at the "Koffee Klatch." They gathered every morning at the store to reminisce and visit with him for many years. In remembrance of his life, Sam's friends and family are invited to gather at Oakwood Chapel on December 3, 2013 at 1:00 PM. It is located at 3301 Paul Sweet Road, in Santa Cruz. Afterward, there will be a private service at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Sam's family requests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, the SPCA or the charity of your choice.