(NY)(8-22-2023) Firefighter struck & killed while responding to station for a call
Funeral Service Tuesday For 56-Year LI FD Hero, "A Faithful Servant'
"Every story that includes Lenny is said with a smile and a laugh, and he will be forever missed and never forgotten."
Lisa Finn,Patch Staff
Updated Tue, Aug 29, 2023 at 5:34 am ET
MATTITUCK, NY — A heartbroken community will gather Monday to mourn Leonard Llewellyn, a 53-year member of the Mattituck Fire Department, who died after being struck by a vehicle while on his way to a call last Tuesday.
"It is with deep regret the Chiefs office announces the line of duty death of Leonard Llewelyn, 53-year member, Lieutenant of Fire Police Company Number 5," the Mattituck Fire Department said.
"Lenny joined the Mattituck Fire Department in 1970, and has been a part of the Fire Police since. He has achieved all ranks from 2nd Lieutenant to Captain. Lenny was one of our founding fathers of our Junior Bulldog program in 1985. He was also a pillar in our Fire Prevention program," the fire department said.
"His dedication to Fire Service has always been 110 percent for the past 53 years. Lenny was the department photographer for many years, capturing every incident across town. Every story that includes Lenny is said with a smile and a laugh, and he will be forever missed and never forgotten.
"The Mattituck Fire Department and the North Fork community has lost another great person," the Mattituck Fire Department said.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 28, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Defriest-Grattan Funeral Home, located at 13805 Main Road in Mattituck. Firematic services will be held at 7:30 p.m.
A burial service will be Tuesday, August 29 at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Cemetery on Depot Road in Cutchogue.
The community has been cloaked in mourning since the many who loved him learned of Llewellyn's death.
He died early Friday after being struck recently by a car while riding a bicycle, police said.
According to Southold Town police, the incident took place on Tuesday at 4:41 p.m. on Route 25 in front of the Mattituck-Laurel Library. Llewellyn, 82, of Mattituck, was riding a three-wheeled adult tricycle when he was struck by a driver, 85, of Southold, police said.
Southold police officers and the Mattituck Fire Department responded to the scene and found Llewellyn, who appeared to suffer fractures to both sides of his hip, as well as his lower leg, police said.
Llewellyn was transported by the Mattituck Fire Department to Peconic Bay Medical Center for evaluation and died Friday, both police and the fire department confirmed. No charges were filed.
He was remembered for his many, many years of service to the community.
In addition to his fire department service, Llewelyn was an usher at Sacred Heart Parish/Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Mattituck. He was also involved with Boy Scout Troup 39 in the inauguration of the the Mattituck-Laurel Library in 1962; was a boating safety course instructor; had a fire extinguisher business; ran fire safety poster contests; was a director at the Suffolk County Fire Safety Educators Association; was former president of the North Fork Fire Police Association; was former president of the North Fork Volunteer Fireman's Associaton; a member of the Peconic Bay Power Squadron; a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 18-08; was involved with the Mattituck Chamber of Commerce; served as a citizen reporter with the National Weather Service; and was involved with the Mattituck Park District.
In 2011, the National Association Of State Boating Law Administrators named him northern regional boating educator of the year; in 2010, he was honored for 50 years of volunteer service with the United States Coast Guard.
"The news of the passing of our cherished community member, Leonard Llewellyn, fills us with sorrow," the Mattituck-Laurel Library wrote. "Lenny had been a dedicated patron of the library throughout his life and set a remarkable precedent by generously serving the community for many years as a member of the Mattituck Fire Department."
The Library added: "In May, 1962, when the new library was inaugurated, Lenny played an instrumental role. He was an active participant in the transition, with Boy Scout Troop 39 relocating books from Library Hall storage to the newly constructed building. In a photograph capturing that moment, Lenny can be seen positioned second from the left, contributing wholeheartedly to this endeavor. Lenny will be dearly missed."
His death left friends and neighbors heartbroken. "He was a Mattituck staple," Sharon Sailor said. "He remembered my brother and I when we were little kids. And we remember him having a fire extinguisher store — always part of the fabric of Mattituck. He exemplified what it meant to be a community member and friend."
Friends also recalled his love of the Modern Snack Bar — and his tireless dedication to the North Fork.
"Lenny was a pillar of the community," Bill Bladykas said. "He was of that generation that gave of themselves over and over. He was involved with the fire department, the Mattituck Chamber of Commerce, the weather service, and just last Sunday he was passing the collection basket at church. Godspeed, Lenny, you faithful servant."
"I will never forget hearing him dispatch on the radio and his unique ways of giving the time," one woman wrote on Facebook. "May he rest in peace."
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