Irving Leibowitz

(Aug. 5, 1922-Apr. 28, 1979). Columnist and managing editor of the indianapolis times, Irving (Leibo) Leibowitz was a native of New York City and son of Romanian immigrants. He attended public schools and Bordentown Military Institute before enrolling in New York University. During World War II, he was a U.S. Army combat correspondent and photographer in North Africa, Italy, and France, for which he received the Bronze Star.

Following a brief stint at small newspapers in Virginia and Ohio, “Leibo,” as he became known in the profession, joined the Times in 1948 as a reporter and introduced his column “Hoosier Headlines” in 1951. He served as a columnist (1951-1961), assistant managing editor (1954-1960), and managing editor (1960-1965) until the Times ceased publication. Leibowitz became the editor of the Lorain (Ohio) Journal in 1966 and turned that paper into one of Ohio’s most aggressive newspapers.

Leibowitz is known for his book, My Indiana (1964), a tribute to his adopted state consisting of a collection of stories and essays about Indiana history, personalities, and culture. Leibowitz served as president of the Indianapolis Press Club and the Indiana Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. He also was a member of the board of directors of the 500 FESTIVAL and founder of the Indiana Press Institute at Indiana University.

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