Lichtenhein was born in Chicago, Illinois, as one of four children - two boys and two girls. The family moved to Montreal after the Chicago fire of 1871 destroyed his parents' business. He attended Loyola College and later became a successful businessman. He was president of Cotton and Wool Waste of Montreal and International Wool Waste Co. of Boston at his death. He married Huldah Lewin and they had one son. Lichtenhein died after a six-month illness at this home at 3540 Mountain Street. He was interred at Mount Royal Cemetery.