Lenny Schweizer 1940-2019

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The class of 58 has suffered a great loss. Lenny Schweizer passed away this morning. A most beloved classmate by all and my lifelong dear friend. Lenny was so good to so many. He is among the greatest of Pearl River citizens. May he rest in peace.

- Tom O'Brien, November 23, 2019

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Obituary (link to lohud.com)

Obituary text

Leonard (Len) Schweizer

Gulf Breeze, FL - Leonard (Len) Schweizer age 79, of Gulf Breeze Florida, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2019 after a long illness.

Mr. Schweizer was born on February 29, 1940, in Nyack, NY to Joseph (Joe) Schweizer, and Ellen (Rambach) Schweizer of Pearl River, NY. He graduated from Pearl River High School and Morrisville State College.

Mr. Schweizer was married to his loving wife, Linda Vasquez, from Pearl River, NY where they resided until his retirement in 2007 when they moved to Florida.

Mr. Schweizer owned and operated Modern Auto Body in Pearl River for over 60 years. His parents owned and operated Schweizer Florist in Pearl River, until their retirement in 1970. The florist still exist today.

Surviving are two daughters, Yvonne Schweizer residing in New City, NY, Vicki Schweizer, residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, a son Eric Schweizer, and their mother Georgia (Ann) Schweizer.

Two brothers, Gehard (Jerry) Schweizer residing in Rome, NY and Joseph (J.J.) Schweizer residing in New City, N.Y. Two step daughters, Vannessa Vazquez, residing in Arizona, and Leigh Vasquez, and her son Austin, Len's step-grandson residing in Nyack, NY.

Mr. Schweizer served his country in the United States Army. He was a member of the Pearl River Rotary Club and the Nanuet Elks Club. He sponsored the Modern Auto Body Softball team which is a member of the Rockland County Softball Hall Of Fame.

Mr. Schweizer was preceded in death by his loving parents, a sister Eleanor Kuhn, and a brother Eddie.

Mr Schweizer was a loved and respected brother, husband, father, and a friend to all of his neighbors in the communities in which he resided. We will always carry his memory in our hearts.

Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.

Published in the The Journal News from Dec. 3 to Dec. 5, 2019

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Lenny's memorial will be on February 1, 2020  in Pearl River.

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Tom O'Brien's eulogy for Lenny, delivered at his Memorial Celebration of  Life, on February 1, Pearl River, NY. 

First let me say how honored I am to have been asked by Yvonne to speak today and grateful to Vicki and Linda for encouraging me to do so. I am both proud and  grateful.

Lenny’s last few years were difficult as he dealt with serious health issues. It was so undeserving and unfair. Those of us who were aware of the situation were able to take comfort knowing the devotion and loving care given by Linda. We knew he would be getting the very best care available and he did. Linda your care of Lenny brings to mind the words “no greater love. “ It was also comforting to know that his girls, Yvonne and Vicki, were also there for him especially at the very end.

We’re here today to celebrate the life of a truly remarkable man. And what a life it was.

As I look around the room it is clear that Lenny touched the lives of so many. I see neighbors from more than 50 years ago, classmates, business acquaintances, some of his ball players and old friends from his days in Pearl River. Lenny would make friends wherever he went.  It’s also nice to see the support of so many friends of Vicki and Yvonne, who knew Lenny as their dad.

How fitting it is to have this memorial take place here. Mere yards from the original site of Modern Auto Body and mere yards in the other direction from what was at the time, the Commodore. Where many a night was spent having a few beers. Okay, often more than a few.

Lenny and I were lifelong friends, going from kindergarten through high school graduation together. He was godfather to my oldest daughter, Jean.

One could not have a better friend than Lenny. When you have someone in your life that you absolutely know will always be there for anything that you need or help with whatever  you may be dealing with, you are truly blessed. That was Lenny, as so many of you know.

Lenny was a beloved member of the PRHS class of 1958. Eight  of his classmates  are here today and many others here in spirit. Those who would want to be here but are unable to because of distance or illness and in one case someone in rehab. Now for the younger generation, rehab for OUR generation is to rehabilitate from an accident, illness or injury.

 In our yearbook the captions under Lenny’s picture stated: one of the funniest - a perfect cut up - excellent in sports - liked by everyone - wouldn’t be recognized with his hair combed. His classmates sure had him pegged. Recent comments I received from classmates reinforced those characteristics. Comments such as: I remember his smile and how it would brighten our day, I remember his generous ways and that he was so quick to make us laugh, a cut up but so nice you could never not appreciate him, how much we loved him and will miss him, we were blessed by knowing him.  That’s how Lenny lived his  life.  Well - except he did comb his hair.

Lenny’s classmates shared many examples of his numerous good deeds. If there was a need, Lenny, often without being asked, would be there. I have my own personal experiences of his help but I will use one specific instance of helping someone that I know is just one of many such deeds. One of our female classmates lived  alone and was finding it difficult to deal with things that were previously taken care of by her partner who had passed away. She  was worried about being able to stay in the house in which she grew up. Lenny became aware of this. Snow ? Lenny plowed ( she never asked ) problem with the car ? Lenny to the rescue.  The list goes on. Those of us who knew Peggy,  know what great peace of mind Lenny gave her. I’m sure many here have similar stories.

Most of you  know what a successful and wonderful life that Lenny had, are aware of his great success as a businessman and how he enjoyed the many benefits of that success. I’m not sure many know how he got there. As Lenny’s dear friend Dave Stolte said, ” Lenny was instilled with that great German work ethic as the son of  hard working parents. “ His parents owned Schweizer’s Greenhouse and Flower Shop which was  located on the corner of Middletown  and Crooked Hill Roads. When the rest of us were playing, Lenny and brothers Jerry and  Joe and sister Elenor would often be doing their chores at the family business.

In high school Lenny, along with Jack DeGregorio, took the BOCES auto body course. Back then students were able to work on cars of people they knew and would often get a few dollars in return. Unlike most of us, they didn’t blow their money but would invest in a tool. That was the  beginning of what would become Modern Auto Body. The beginning of a remarkable business and personal relationship. They worked together tirelessly, quickly established an outstanding reputation and  became successful.

Eventually, Jack bought the business next door, Kent Auto Radiator. They promptly broke open the wall between the businesses so they could continue to support each other.

Lenny continued to work extremely hard - 12 hour days and weekends were the norm. He was also out towing at all hours on any given night. On more then one occasion he would leave a social event upon getting a call to handle the result of an accident.  He was tireless. Ann, I’m sure you remember those days and nights.

Always looking to grow and improve his business, Lenny with foresight, bought property on Crooked Hill Rd and built his shop and offices. Over time he acquired other real estate properties. Someone once told Lenny how lucky he was to be so successful. Lenny replied that he WAS lucky and noticed that the harder he worked the luckier he got.

In addition to his business, Lenny was well known through out Rockland County and beyond as sponsor of the great Modern Auto Body softball team. The team, comprised of some of Pearl River and Rockland County’s finest athletes, achieved great success. Lenny was the ideal sponsor. Everything was first class. He provided the best uniforms as well as encouragement and financial support to participate in all the highest level leagues and tournaments. Everyone wanted to play for MAB. Those who did became a brotherhood who, along with their families, share so many wonderful memories thanks to Lenny’s support and generosity.

In closing a brief review of a life well lived:

 A loving and devoted husband, father and brother  - a beloved classmate, a veteran who served his country - a successful, highly respected businessman - a doer of good deeds, a proud and patriotic American  - a kind and loyal friend. Those of us lucky enough to have known Lenny have  indeed been blessed.

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Photos from the Memorial

Classmates at Lenny's memorial

(photo from Dave Stolte)

Sal deTurris and Tom O'Brien

(photo from Gene Cooper)

Dave and Trudy Stolte

(photo from Gene Cooper

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Images from Lenny's life

Lenny and Linda

Lenny and Vicki

At the 50th Reunion

At the 50th Reunion

Lenny and Tom O'Brien (June, 2018)

Family Photo (October, 2018)

At the news of Lenny's passing on November 23, 2019, there was an immediate outpouring of sadness and sympathy.  These comments are taken from class email and the class Facebook page.

Hank Groth

We all knew it was coming but it hurts when it happens. Lenny was a good friend and classmate. His trial is over and he is in a better place. God bless him.

Dave Stolte

Many times it's been said that the good die young. On February 29th Lenny would have been 20. Good bye to a very close and loved friend.

Gail Katt Scales

So sad to hear the news. Lenny was one of the best and a legend in his own time.  I remember  how kind he always  was to Peggy - often snowplowing her driveway when he still lived in Pearl River among other things.   Kindness without thought of recognition (the true kind).

Dave Williams

Lenny always made me laugh. Besides being a great guy, he had a wonderful sense of humor.

Barbara Hopko Parente

Yes, Dave you’re right. When Anne O’Hara passed away, it was Lenny who picked up the ball and kept the 25th reunion together. Lenny will truly be missed.

Patricia Drummond Hoffman

So sorry to hear! Lenny was a great person and friend of Class of 59 also.

Bob Stokstad

The death of any classmate is a sad occasion for all of us. But Lenny was in many ways special, which makes his passing even harder to cope with. He was blessed with a loving family, and we were blessed by knowing him.

Elizabeth Nelson

Rest easy my friend. You worked hard your entire life.

Wendy Stevens McIver

So sorry to hear that. Prayers for his family and friends

Peg Ingafu Leo

Lenny always had a smile on his face which made you smile back in return. He was very special. Our prayers go out to his family at this most difficult time.

Fred Prezioso

Sorry to hear of Lenny’s passing. Grace and Peace!

Irene Wolt Syson

so sad to hear. My prayers & kind thoughts to his family.

Al Fischbein

Lenny was a good friend . I am very sorry to hear the news.

Larry Dean

My sympathies to Lenny's wife and family. He will be missed

Lee Shaffer

Bob & Tom,

Thanks for informing us of this news — sad as though it is.

Regards,

Lee

Leo Tobin

My condolences to his family. Lee Tobin

Gene Cooper

So sorry to learn of Lenny’s death. He was the core personality of our class.  As is mentioned in our class yearbook, he was liked be everyone. Big loss. Gene

DeeDee de Roode

So many happy and funny and delightful memories of him!  It is so sad to see any of “us” passing!  

Hope the rest of you are doing well,

Love,

Deedee