Remembering Lebamoff: Fort Wayne's Legacy And Impact

Arianna Hane 18 May 2025

What makes a life truly impactful? Is it the length of years, or the depth of service? The story of Ivan A. Lebamoff, former mayor of Fort Wayne, answers with a resounding: It's the profound imprint left on the community and the enduring legacy of a life dedicated to public service.

Ivan A. Lebamoff, a name synonymous with dedication and progress in Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2006, at the age of 73. Born on July 20, 1932, Ivan was the son of Argire and Helen Lebamoff, immigrants who journeyed from Kostrusko, Aegean Macedonia, to build a new life in Fort Wayne. He carried their legacy of hard work and community spirit throughout his life, channeling it into a distinguished career in law and public service.

Full Name	Ivan Argire Lebamoff
Date of Birth	July 20, 1932
Date of Death	May 18, 2006
Age at Death	73
Place of Birth	Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana
Parents	Argire and Helen Lebamoff (immigrants from Kostrusko, Aegean Macedonia)
Education	Indiana University (1954), Indiana University School of Law (1957)
Legal Career	Admitted to Indiana Bar (1957), U.S. District Court (Northern and Southern Districts, 1958), Supreme Court of the United States (1963)
Political Career	Mayor of Fort Wayne (1972-1975)
Community Involvement	Active in the local Macedonian community and internationally through the Master Promotion Organization (MPO)
Legacy	Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park named in his honor; Fort Wayne Women's Bureau established during his mayoral term
Obituary Featured In	Fort Wayne Newspapers, May 20, 2006
Reference Link	City of Fort Wayne Official Website

Lebamoffs commitment to Fort Wayne was unwavering. He was a staunch advocate for the city, deeply invested in its progress and well-being. His dedication led him to the mayor's office, where he served from 1972 through 1975. His time as mayor was marked by significant initiatives, reflecting his vision for a better Fort Wayne. Perhaps one of the most enduring legacies of his administration was the creation of the Fort Wayne Women's Bureau. This initiative underscored his commitment to equality and empowerment, addressing the status of women in the city and paving the way for future advancements.

Beyond his mayoral duties, Ivan Lebamoff harbored a strong passion for enhancing parks and recreational opportunities within Fort Wayne. He understood the importance of green spaces and accessible recreation for the health and vitality of the community. This passion culminated in the transformation of a former reservoir into a cherished public space: the Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park, located at 2300 Clinton Street. The park stands as a testament to his vision and dedication to providing quality recreational spaces for the residents of Fort Wayne.

The story of the reservoir itself predates Lebamoffs involvement. In 1900, the city faced a critical need for a safe and adequate water supply, prompting the construction of the reservoir. Contaminated wells posed a serious threat to public health, and the reservoir was built to address this urgent need. However, with the construction of a modern water filtration plant in the early 1960s, the reservoir became obsolete. For years it remained, a relic of a bygone era, its potential untapped.

It was Ivan Lebamoff's vision and dedication that breathed new life into the old reservoir. He recognized the potential for the space to become a valuable asset to the community. He championed the revitalization of the area, securing funding and support for its transformation into a vibrant park. In 2009, the park was officially renamed the Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park, a fitting tribute to the former mayor who played a pivotal role in its rebirth. Today, the park is owned and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department, continuing to serve the community as a space for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature.

The impact of Ivan Lebamoff extended beyond his official duties. He was deeply involved in the Macedonian community, both locally and internationally, through his work with the Master Promotion Organization (MPO). As the son of Macedonian immigrants, he understood the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering connections within the community. He served as secretary of the MPO, contributing to the organization's mission of promoting Macedonian culture and identity.

His involvement with the MPO wasn't without its challenges. He played a key role in challenging authoritarian leadership within the organization, advocating for a more democratic and inclusive approach. Alongside Christo Nizamoff, he confronted the existing power structure, ultimately leading to the removal of supporters of the previous leader, Mihailov. This demonstrated Lebamoff's commitment to principle and his willingness to stand up for what he believed was right, even within his own community.

Ivan Lebamoff's dedication to public service was recognized through numerous accolades and achievements. He graduated from Indiana University in 1954 and from its School of Law in 1957, receiving the prestigious Order of the Coif. He was admitted to the Indiana Bar in 1957, and went on to practice law in both the Northern and Southern Districts of the United States District Court (1958), as well as the Supreme Court of the United States (1963). These accomplishments highlight his legal acumen and his commitment to upholding justice.

While Ivan Lebamoff's passing in 2006 marked the end of an era, his legacy continues to resonate throughout Fort Wayne. His contributions to the city, from the creation of the Women's Bureau to the revitalization of the Reservoir Park, serve as enduring reminders of his dedication and vision. He was a true public servant, committed to making Fort Wayne a better place for all its residents. His story is a testament to the power of one individual to make a lasting difference in their community.

The Lebamoff name continues to be associated with service and commitment in Fort Wayne. His son, Jordan Ivan Lebamoff, born on December 1, 1965, followed in his father's footsteps, albeit in different fields. Jordan, the middle son of Ivan and Katherine "Kay" (Stephanoff) Lebamoff, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2020, at Parkview Hospital at the age of 54. Like his father, Jordan was a strong advocate for the south side community and dedicated to supporting various initiatives within the city.

Jordan's early life was marked by academic and athletic achievements. He was an honors graduate and a highly decorated wrestler, showcasing his dedication and discipline. His untimely death was a great loss to the community, echoing the sentiments expressed upon the passing of his father years earlier. Both men, in their own ways, contributed to the fabric of Fort Wayne, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment.

The Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park remains a vibrant hub of activity, hosting events and providing recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. The park's history is inextricably linked to the story of Fort Wayne's water supply. In 1900, the city recognized the urgent need for a reliable water source to combat the problem of contaminated wells. The reservoir was constructed as a solution, providing a safe and adequate water supply for the growing city.

Over time, however, the reservoir's function became obsolete with the development of modern water treatment facilities. The city built the current water filtration plant in the early 1960s, rendering the reservoir in the LaRez neighborhood unnecessary for water storage. The area gradually fell into disrepair, losing its original purpose and becoming underutilized.

It was through the vision and advocacy of Ivan Lebamoff that the reservoir was transformed into a valuable community asset. He recognized the potential of the space and spearheaded the effort to revitalize it into a park. His commitment to public service and his passion for improving recreational opportunities were instrumental in securing the funding and support needed to make the project a reality.

Today, Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park stands as a testament to his legacy. The park offers a variety of amenities, including walking trails, picnic areas, and playground equipment, providing a space for residents to connect with nature, engage in recreational activities, and build community. The park's location at 2300 Clinton Street makes it easily accessible to residents of Fort Wayne. Further information, including detailed park maps and historical information, can be found on the city's website.

The "Ivan Lebamoffs Catch of the Day" award, given to the boy who catches the biggest fish at the annual fishing derby, further solidifies his lasting impact on the community. This award honors the former mayor and celebrates his dedication to the city and its residents. It serves as a reminder of his commitment to providing opportunities for children to connect with nature and engage in healthy activities.

Furthermore, the work initiated by Ivan Lebamoff continues to inspire progress in Fort Wayne. During his time as mayor, he established the Mayors Commission on the Status of Women in Fort Wayne, a local counterpart to Governor Otis Bowen's statewide study on the status of women in Indiana, commissioned in 1973. This commission, which later became the Fort Wayne Women's Bureau, has been empowering women for over 40 years. The Women's Bureau played a critical role in advocating for women's rights and opportunities in Fort Wayne, holding hearings and conducting studies to identify areas where women faced inequality. Ivan Lebamoffs contribution laid the groundwork for this important organization that continues to thrive today.

The principles of service and dedication seem to run in the Lebamoff family. While not directly related to Ivan A. Lebamoff's political or community work, the Lebamoff name is also associated with a law firm committed to serving its clients. Lebamoff Law, since its inception, has focused on helping clients secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The firm prioritizes its clients, ensuring they feel welcomed, heard, and supported throughout the legal process.

Also bearing the Lebamoff name is Damian Ivan Lebamoff, MD, a healthcare provider specializing in general surgery. Dr. Lebamoff practices in Kettering and Dayton, Ohio, and has been providing medical care for over 32 years. A graduate of Wright State University School of Medicine in 1992, he brings extensive medical training and a compassionate approach to his practice. His dedication to patient care reflects the Lebamoff family's commitment to serving others.

The story of Ivan A. Lebamoff is a reminder that a life of service and dedication can have a lasting impact on a community. From his leadership as mayor to his involvement in the Macedonian community and his passion for parks and recreation, Lebamoff left an indelible mark on Fort Wayne. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the city he loved.

His efforts to address the issue of water contamination, his commitment to empowering women through the creation of the Women's Bureau, and his vision for the Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park all stand as testaments to his dedication. As residents of Fort Wayne enjoy the park, participate in the fishing derby, or benefit from the work of the Women's Bureau, they are, in a way, experiencing the continuing legacy of Ivan A. Lebamoff.

The spirit of Ivan Lebamoff is perhaps best embodied in the transformation of the reservoir from a neglected relic into a thriving community space. It is a story of vision, dedication, and a unwavering belief in the potential of Fort Wayne. It is a story that will continue to be told for generations to come.

So, the next time you stroll through Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park, take a moment to remember the man behind the name. Remember his commitment to public service, his passion for improving the community, and his enduring legacy of making Fort Wayne a better place for all.

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Remembering Lebamoff: Fort Wayne's Legacy And Impact

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