Joel D. Baumgarten's Obituary
Joel David Baumgarten, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025 in Weston Florida. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Leinwand Baumgarten, his daughters Deborah Baumgarten (EJ Sadler) and Sharon Birnbaum (Steven Birnbaum), grandchildren Jillian Seigel (Garett) and Matthew Birnbaum, his great grandchildren Camilla, Olivia and Jacob Seigel and his sister-in-law, Linda Schlissel.
Joel was the son of Abe and Doris Baumgarten and grew up in Far Rockaway, New York with his siblings, Sarah, Sidney, and Sam.
Joel graduated cum laude from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island with a degree in mathematics in 1959. Following his graduation, he went to work at Mobil Oil as a Programmer-Trainee for the vast sum of $500 per month and in doing do, became one of the original Information Technology experts. Commuting on the Long Island Railroad to work in New York City, he was introduced to the woman who would become his wife—Barbara Leinwand—after his cousin pointed her out taking the same train. They wed in 1961 and he continued to play sports, switching to softball. In 1963 and again in 1965, he welcomed daughters into his life—both born on March 10th. In 1969, having grown tired of cold New York winters, he took a job with the Aristar Corporation moving his family to Hollywood, Florida and closer to his in-laws, parents, sister and sister-in law. He stayed with Aristar for nearly 20 years working his way up to Vice President of Human Resources. He then transitioned to managing several law firms, utilizing both his Human Resources and IT skills.
Joel loved sports. He played baseball both in high school and in college. Once he landed in South Florida, he discovered a love for competitive tennis, winning many local tournaments, likely in part by confusing his opponents. He served with his left hand but played with his right hand, seamlessly moving the racket as he served. That is, until there was a backhand he couldn’t reach and then the racket went back to the left for a forearm swing. Joel was a lifelong Dodgers fan, both the Brooklyn and Los Angeles versions until the Florida Marlins started playing. He and Barbara made a deal to forsake all other teams when they bought season tickets. They made it to nearly every home game (at least until the Marlins moved to Miami), befriending the fans that sat in their section as well as the cameramen stationed near them. They were often featured on the Jumbotron—singing and swaying to “Take me out to the ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch. You can find these images on the Florida Marlins 10 year anniversary video!
Joel retired at age 72 to relax, read, play blackjack, do puzzles and spend time with family and friends. He loved ice cream and anything chocolate, comfortable “Life is Good” t-shirts and shorts, writing limericks, playing practical jokes, talking sports with his son-in-law and grandson, besting his older daughter in Boggle, cribbage and Words with Friends, spending holidays and celebrations at his younger daughter’s house, remembering birthdays and anniversaries, witty banter and private moments with his wife, sharing special moments with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and hugging everyone in the family. He will be well and truly missed for his intellect, his wit, his generosity and most of all, his devotion to those he held dear.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Joel’s honor and memory to the American Diabetes Association (https://diabetes.org), the Dylan Schopp Sunshine Foundation (https://dylansfoundation.org) and the Team Jmared Foundation (https://teamjmared.org).
Chapel Service Friday, December 5, 2025, at Levitt Weinstein/Beth David Chapel, 3201 N 72 Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33024. (954)963-2400
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