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Leon Smith Obituary
Leon Smith Jr.'s boots just might be impossible to fill. He wore the only size 15's in the Fire Department, said his mother, Irene, and he had to have them specially made, once he had attained his dream of joining the department.
Mr. Smith, 48, was the chauffeur — the driver — for Ladder Company 118 in Brooklyn Heights. "He would wash his rig every single day, and when he went off duty, he'd say, `Listen, my baby better be clean.' " Mrs. Smith said. "He called that his girlfriend."
An only child, Mr. Smith showed his compassionate side when he was just 7 or 8. His mother often took him to the zoo or a play, but just before departure time the doorbell would ring, and a few neighborhood children would be waiting to come along. They never got to go anywhere, he explained.
"He'd say, `Oh, Mama, please let them come,' " she said. "I always made sure I had extra money and extra food."
Mr. Smith, who had three daughters, was known for fixing the cars of his brothers in the firehouse, and those of their wives or girlfriends, even if the repairs came after a 24-hour shift. "I can just see you up there in heaven, with St. Peter's car on the lift, telling him it will only be a couple more minutes," a friend, Paul Geoghegan, wrote on a Web site in his memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gerald
September 11, 2024
I am the proud custodian of a 911 bracelet with Leon's name on it. I wear it often in Louisiana. The only way I will part with it is to give it to a dear family member. If anyone is interested please contact me. My email is [email protected]
Salvatore TAORMINA
September 12, 2020
LEON GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN RIP
Dee
February 28, 2019
Dear family and friends of Leon Smith,
Leon's presence has certainly been missed by all. May your loved ones and friends all draw comfort knowing that you are at peace, longing for the day when you are reunited together.
Linda Williams
September 9, 2016
Leon,
I participated in the CNY 911 stairclimb today in Utica, NY. I was given your name tag and walked in your memory and in honor of you. Thank you for your service and your dedication for everything you did in life. I read your biography and you were an inspiration to many! I hope your mom realizes that her goal of never letting you be forgotten has been a great success. You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers and in those of my family and friends. GOD BLESS you and your family.
Respectfully,
Linda Williams
Captain/Paramedic
Oriskany Falls Fire Dept
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Justin Moore
May 3, 2016
Hello I am creating a tribute video in Mr. Smith's honor and was wondering if anyone could provide me with information about him. It would help me greatly and pictures would be a plus as well.
September 2, 2015
Im learning about him for a class does anyone know him personally?
Travaria Couser
September 11, 2014
rest in paradise Mr.Smith
sincerely,Travaria couser from east forsyth middle in kernersville nc,wsfcs
dillon fuller
May 13, 2014
Respect
G. Bryan
February 21, 2014
Thank you for lending me your courage and strength today.
After climbing 110 stories in memory of Leon Smith Jr. 9/11/2011(#847)
Lt. Julie Weber
September 12, 2012
Leon,
You and your family are still in my thoughts and prayers. I did the memorial climb in Denver,Co again yesterday and I thought of you. Your picture hangs by my computer and my son and I see it each and every day. God bless your family and you. I know that you are an angel in Heaven just as you were on earth.
Michael Harris
September 12, 2012
It's rainin' but there ain't a cloud in the sky
Must have been a tear from your eye
Everything will be okay
Funny thought I felt a sweet summer breeze
Must have been you sighing so deep
Don't worry we're gonna find a way
Barbara Troiano
September 11, 2012
September 11, 2012, 12:11 P.M., Today, eleven years later, I sat in front of my television, awaiting to hear your name. This happened at my job on July 14, 2004. I asked my co-worker Lisa, may I look at your Daily News. Something I did once in a while. Well, when I saw this was the day of your birthday I cried. I call this a "Wink from God". It is the title of a book that was given to me when my son, Scott Troiano, died suddenly on February 7, 2004. Scott shared with me conversations he had with Leon Smith and held him in the highest regard. After 911, I could not even mention Leon's name, Scott would sob. I cut out Leon's photograph from that newspaper and it is in a frame in my living room. I see it everyday. Just want his family to know, I am a stranger; and I was always grateful for the lessons in life he gave to Scott. xoxoxo.
SALVATORE TAORMINA
September 11, 2012
LEON GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE
Lt Julie Weber (Big Thompson Canyon VFD)
September 12, 2011
Leon, I climbed the former Quest building in Denver,Co for you yesterday. I had your picture around my neck and as we were waiting to climb the second time (it is 55 stories), I read your name out loud to all the firefighters that were waiting in the hall. As I've researched about you, I've come to find that you were an amazing person who endured so much and I am so proud to have climbed in your memory. Rest in peace, brother... we will never forget you.
Jill
September 11, 2011
Leon, Someone loves you so much that they came to the Trade Center today with your picture. They wanted the world to see that you have not been forgotten. I saw you on CNN and I will never forget you now, too.
I am sorry that you died a young man and that your family has to miss you. Rest in peace.
Rob B LBFD L-62
September 11, 2011
Mr Leon Smith Jr-
Today, September 11, 2011, I participated in a memorial service located in Long Beach NY where hundreds of surfers paddled out into to ocean and said prayers and released flowers in memory of those lost on this tragic day.
Before entering the ocean each participant were to choose a name band of those who gave all that day to wear around their arm. I choose yours.
The paddle out was a great success and I as well as hundreds of others could not thank you enough for your services.
After the ceromony I was blessed by unexpectedingly meeting your mother on television. I heard your name looked up and there she was speaking about how great her son was.
Rest in peace and thank you Mr Smith.
Tim Beeck
September 11, 2011
Leon, I never knew you, but will never forget you.
Calvin Thomas
September 2, 2011
Leon,
I type this with heavy tears in my eyes sir. I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I have read that you were a caring man and always helping and fixing things for others. You were there standing tall in America's darkest hour-a light to others and saving as many as you could. You are a hero to many and you will never be forgotten. I know you're up there watching down on your family and your fellow brothers. May your name live on forever Leon. You are my hero and I will always remeber you.
Yolanda Smith
May 7, 2011
Daddy
I can’t believe it’s almost 10 years since God called you home. It’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about you. People tell me that it will get easier to deal with over time but they are wrong. Whoever told me that must not have felt the embrace of your hugs received a loving kiss on their forehead or felt love from you. There is a hole in my heart that won’t ever be repaired no matter how much time passes. I miss you so much and I wish I could hear you laugh or smell you after a long day of fighting fires. I ask you to continue to watch over me and my daughter Leigha. She reminds me so much of you from her smile down to her kind heart. I promise to never let her forget her grandfather was a hero....
Daddy I Love you and will always keep you in my heart.
Your Daughter
Yolanda "Proud to be a Hero's daughter" Smith
Joe Thomas Jr
May 3, 2011
Leon,
It's me little Joey. You are truly missed and appreciated. I will never forget your kindness and most of all your smile. I most certainly will never forget how you helped my mom and I outside of Parker's Lighthouse. Anderson Cooper recognized you this evening on CNN and it reminded me of special you are to my family and everyone you have helped throughout the years. God Bless you!
Best Regards
Inner City Little League
January 12, 2011
It's rainin' but there ain't a cloud in the sky
Must of been a tear from your eye
Everything'll be okay
Funny, though I felt a sweet summer breeze
Must of been your sighin' so deep
Don't worry we're gonna find a way
Remembering What We Cannot Forget: 9-11-01
Fougere Aupont
September 9, 2010
Here it is, another year since you've left us physically. However, your presence is still felt emotinally, and spiritually. I will never forget that you were my first friend when my family moved to brooklyn. I was 6 years old at the time, yet the memory is fresh as if it were yesterday. Through the years whenever we would see each other, we would greet each other warmly as brothers. I miss you leon and get a little choked up when I think that you're in another place; a better place of that I am sure. I am very proud of you, the fact that you gave your life so that others may live was a very brave act but then again, it was very typical of the man you'd become. God Bless you my friend.
Take care.
John
Nancy Sobotka
September 9, 2010
To Leon Smith's family/friends/comrades: I Leon in Daytona Beach, FL in 1998 when he and a colleague volunteered to fight the wild fires that summer. He was funny and had a warm smile, he spoke fondly of NYC, Brooklyn and with pride for Ladder 118. He gave me a T-shirt with the logo of Ladder 118, when Towers fell I knew Leon Smith was in there...he left a strong impression of courage and dedicated with me. I had the opportunity to meet his colleagues at Ladder 118 in 2002, who were gracious to listen to my story of meeting Leon.
Every year since 2001 I think of Leon and all the others whose lives were senselessly lost that fateful day and I weep. Please know that there is one person who remembers Leon whom she met so very long ago who left a lasting impression. May you find comfort in your memories.
Peace, Love and Light
Michael Monohan
September 11, 2009
Leon, You will live with me forever. We never met, I actually know nothing about you, But I had a 9/11 bracelet that I wore until it was not able to stay on my wrist any longer. Every time I remember 9/11 I remember you're name out of the 343. You are the reason I am a firefighter today in KY. You secretly pushed me in the right direction to help others and I thank you for that. I wouldn't be the man I am today if it wasn't for you giving your all. You will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! I pray for you and your family.
Inner City Sports Little League
September 12, 2008
It's rainin' but there ain't a cloud in the sky
Musta been a tear from your eye
Everything'll be okay
Funny thought I felt a sweet summer breeze
Musta been you sighin' so deep
Don't worry we're gonna find a way
Remembering what we cannot forget:
September 11, 2001
SALVATORE TAORMINA
September 11, 2007
LEON A TRUE GENTLEMAN FOREVER MISSED
kristine
August 19, 2007
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
March 16, 2007
In memory....
Inner City Sports Little League
September 11, 2006
To the Smith family, we offer our deepest sympathy and contiuned prayers.
"It's raining, but there ain't a cloud in the sky..must have been a tear from your eye"
Zoe Primeau
November 28, 2004
Mr. Smith,
I never knew who you were, but as a project in my theology class I am doing a report on your life. Thank you for being the great hero that you were. I wish I could of had the experience of knowing you. Your family has every reason to be extreamly proud of you. Rest In Peace.
Gregory List Jr.
February 28, 2004
I did not know Leon Smith Jr., but the courage he and all other firefighters had on 9/11 are not forgotten. My sympathy goes to his family and friends. I want you to know that he did not just touch the lives of people he knew, but the lives of everyone that now knows him because of his heroism on that fateful day. Leon is a TRUE American and I will never forget what he did and who he was. May God bless your family Leon.
Sara Millet
December 12, 2003
Hi my name is Sara Millet and I am 17 years old. I knew Leon Smith Jr personally. He was like the father I never had. I was always at the fire station with him. I can still remember a week before his life was taken. I got cut with a piece of glass on my chin and I went to him. He and Vernon Cherry cleaned me up, called an ambulance, then called my mom. When my mother came we thanked him, I told him that I loved him and I went off to the hospital to get 12 stitches. After I what happened and I went back to the fire station to pay my respects. I didn't cry because I felt like I had to be strong for everyone there. Then I noticed that his car was still there and that's when it hit me that the one I call my step father wasn't coming home. Thank you for reading this.
Caroline Best
September 11, 2003
I never knew you, but I am truly grateful for your sacrifice to the United States! God bless your soul and God bless your family and loved ones!
September 11, 2003
MEMORY ETERNAL. REST IN PEACE, LEON. HEROES LIKE YOU DESERVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN HEAVEN.
Jessica Jordan
September 11, 2003
This entry goes out to Tiffany and Yolanda Smith, the daughters of Leon Smith, Jr. I send my deepest sympathy and continuous prayers for you and your family as you remember 911. We, the students at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC miss you and just want you to know that you are thought of often. May God continue to bless and strengthen you!
Floyd Atkinson
September 11, 2003
I have only heard about you and how good a person you were. Rest with the Angels.
Calvin Gibbs
November 27, 2002
Leon, I lived across the street from you on Washington Avenue in the 70's. As we (Glenn, Tony, and your cousin Jeff) played ball in the park, I watched you interact with your family and friends; you always exemplified a true father, husband, and friend. I got goose bumps when I heard that you went home on 9/11 but I proud to know that you were a hero and I am blessed to have known you personally. Rest peacefully my brother, we will never forget you.
Steve and Mimi Vince
November 25, 2002
Dearest Leon,
You will be forever in our hearts and in our memories. Rest in Peace.
Sheila Melllowes
September 11, 2002
Dear Leon:Even though we had only met a short while before you touch my heart and soul with your kindness and beautiful smile. Thank you for taking me under your wing at the volleyball game. I smile in rememberance of the last time we were together you and Shelly trying different seating arrangements in the car in order to give us a ride back to New York and your apology when you could'nt. I remember your beautiful smile and your booming laughter. Thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice in a world gone mad. May the God of our fathers and fore father grant you eternal peace.
Love Always
Sheila,Cerline and Ashlee
Harriett Winborne
September 7, 2002
Leon, my friend, you are missed terribly by all of your friends and family, your laughter and your willingness to help people will not be forgotten.May you rest in peace.
Harriett and family.
Hermas Haynes
September 3, 2002
Hey Big Lee,
I know that you know you are missed. I also know you know that you have touched my life and my family's life in ways that we will always treasure. The void that your physical passing has left, has been replaced by overflowing memories of kindness, thoughtfulness, happiness, advice, laughter, sharing and love. We'll miss your visits at family functions and your competitive enthusiasm when we play volleyball, but our appreciation and love for you will keep you alive in our hearts forever. God bless you my friend. We'll always love you.
john leavy
September 2, 2002
Hey Leon, We will all miss your "gentle heart" and your "Hands of Stone" . You were a great man. It was an honor to work along side you on Middagh St.
Josh G.
August 29, 2002
I'm sorry you died Leon. I'm working on your name for a memorial school project in art. You are a hero and I will always remember you!
Duane Naiser
August 3, 2002
Leon I never met you but as a firefighter my heart aches. As a recent retired firefighter I also proudly honor you by wearing a braclet with your name on it. God Bless You Leon for the job you were doing and giving the ultimate sacrifice. Saving lives and placing their lives above yours. And knowing the risk and danger a firefighter has to take. May you rest in peace Leon and may God hold you and comfort you in his hand. May he also bless your family, Latter 118 and our brothers and sisters in the fire service. See you at "Roll Call" my brother.
dan malone
May 31, 2002
hey leon i miss u buddy u where the best and u all ways will be i still rember the time we met i was 11 years old u took me and picked me up and put me in the front seat of the rig and put the lights on we had a great time and now ur gone every night i think about that great big smile the car fixing the jokes ur the reason im becomeing a ff not a day goes by i dont think about u and the kids and mrs smith i love u all and i will never 4 get sept 11 and that day at the firehouse i talk 2 all my buddys about u and my kidswill no about leon smith jr the worlds greatest hero dad freind till we meat agian my friend may god hold u at plam of his hand i love u leon rip i will never 4 get u ps . i could use a tune up now
Adrienne Hermann
May 30, 2002
I know you know how much you mean to Marc, and how your friendship from the time he was a baby helped lay the groundwork for so much of who he is today. Nothing is quite the same, of course. But some things are stronger than hatred and horror; and your spirit, Vernon's spirit, and the positive force of your brothers from L118/E205Ñwho are gone and who remainÑare a fine legacy, after all. 5-5-5-5.
Angie Campbell
May 16, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Paul Geoghegan
May 13, 2002
Leon, my brother, what I wouldn't give for just a chance to have said goodbye. You were a great man, agreat firefighter, and a great friend. I can just see you up there in heaven, with St. Peter's car on the lift, telling him it will only be a couple more minutes.
Thank you for all you taught me when we worked together, and for all the times you fixed my car. Until we meet again, May God Bless you.
May 6, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL HERO..LEON SMITH AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK...AMEN
Athena Hawkins
April 19, 2002
Leon-a good family friend and firefighter. You are missed so much. If I knew that when you fixed my car last May that it would have been that last time that I would ever see you again, I might have hugged you just a little longer. I never got that thank you card off to thank you for making a special trip just to see me and grandma after working the day previous. Thanks for coming to visit on that beautiful afternoon and thank you sooo much for working on my car. Thanks for your knowledge on cars, guys, life and love. Who knew that your talk with me would be your last. I'm so sad that you are not here to hear these words-I couldn't believe when I heard that you were gone. I just knew in my heart and soul that you were fighting your way through all that rock and ruble like superman trying to help others. I know you are in Heaven now-watching over Shelly and your children that you loved so dearly- making the angels smile with your beautiful spirit. I thank God for bringing you into my life from age 10 to 21. I know that you told me that you are proud of me but you will never know how proud I am of you. I love you Leon-may you rest in peace with your father up in Heaven. Love Always Athena
Phyllis M. Martin
April 19, 2002
I remember Leon as a warm, friendly person with a wonderful smile. Im sure that he has a place among the angels that have gone on before him. May his soul rest in peace forever and his memory live on in the hearts of those who had the pleasure to know him. God Bless him always.
Lt.Marty Conceicao
March 21, 2002
As afellow firefighter, I proudly honor thr memory of Leon Smith a brother firefighter. Leon gave the greatest sacrifice a person can give for another human being . I wear his name with honor on my wrist , and pray continually for his family. i pray that god's endless, depthless love , will comfort them , in all the palces of their needs. Any of his firefighters, would have traded places with Leon , in a heartbeat. See you at the "Last Call" Leon, God Bless you and your family always. Marty Conceicao <>< <><
Evelyn Vega
March 20, 2002
Dear Leon, We never met but I know a little bit about you and my heart is hurting. I lost a dear friend on 9-11 and I pray that you guys are hanging together watching over all your loved ones. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace and thank you for choosing to be a New York Firefighter.
Marlene Sno
March 12, 2002
A FINAL FAREWELL TO LEON
Leon,
I thank you for the priveledge we had of knowing you; word of your death deeply grieved us, even as far away from Brooklyn as we are.
Even though our acquaintance was very brief, the impression and impact you had on me and the (at that time) young kids, Justine and Ian, was tremendous. I thank you for the great time and fun the kids and I had at the firehouse, and for your humor and smooth style. We remember you by your joyful cool and yet serious stability.You made our trip to New York so memorable in a time that we needed to escape the stress in our lives here in Europe. Thank you for being there for my kid-sister Lillian and her boy Rickie in their time of despair. Leon, you are our HERO and, as such, the flag you gave us waved proudly for you here in Holland. I know that you are at peace, in the House of Our LORD where you will reside eternally. God Bless You for the decent human being that you were, and God bless, keep, and provide for your loved ones and beloved children in the years to come. Rest softly in Jesus' Name. Marlene Sno, and the kids Justine and Ian de Groot. We miss you.
Kareem White
March 12, 2002
Le.. Mr. Smith. may your soul have everlasting peace.
I had the honor of meeting and knowing Mr Smith on several occasions. I installed the audio system in his car, ever since that day, he'd always stop just to show his appreciation. The moment I met him I felt warmth of a loving and caring person. Someone who's concerned about you. We always talked about the job of a firefighter, and what it was like to save people and their most valuables. He loved his job, he was hoping everything would come through for me to obtain my employment as a firefighter.
I only wish i could tell him how much I appreciate those days when we would come talk to me.
Rest in peace Mr. Smith
A perfect father.....
Annie Fenster
January 4, 2002
I feel very honored to be wearing Leons name on my wrist. It is a very sad time for the world and its too bad he had to loose his life for such senseless reasons. I hope you are at peace.
Teresa Jahn
December 11, 2001
What a cheerful smile Leon has in his picture. I am sure he had a very warm and caring heart and I know that because he dedicated his life to saving others. We thank him for all he did everytime he was called out. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Judy Cherbonneau
December 3, 2001
Heros like yourself have left this earth to band together to join God's Army in Heaven...I never met you, but I vow you will not be forgotten! Peace to you and my thoughts and prayers I send to your family, friends and Comrades of Engine 205 / Ladder 118! God Bless!
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