Lenny, affectionately known as Junior, was a very generous and caring individual. Because he was only 14 years older than me, he was more of an older brother than a traditional uncle. He never hesitated to share what he had, even when he didn't have much. He was always "treating" us when we were growing up, especially when we were "up the country" at our grandfather's house outside of Middletown, NY. His unique method of capturing frogs is still talked about. His generosity took different forms when he ran his automotive business. Quite often it would be free or discounted oil changes and/or tuneups. He would never turn you away even when he was busy with paying customers. That's because you were family which was very important to him. He looked out for his parents when they got older and always made sure that his two sisters, Rosie and Mary, had his support. He made a habit of taking them out to a local Olive Garden restaurant where they could talk about the good old days growing up in Brooklyn. When my son, Michael, was sent to Afghanistan Junior sent him the biggest and best care package of Italian meats and other delicacies. To him, that was just normal behavior. It was part of his fabric.
In later years, I got in the habit of calling him on a routine basis to see how he was doing and to thank him for looking out for my mother, Rosie. I will miss him dealy as will his entire family.
Your loving nephew,
James
