Bronxville, New York
A Life of Homey Pleasures
Since Sept. 11, Michael Lepore's friends have been pruning his rosebushes, clearing wayward ivy off stone walls, planting bulbs for next spring. It is the perfect act of kindness, said Mr. Lepore's partner of 18 years, David O'Leary. Their house and garden in Yonkers had been Mr. Lepore's pride and joy and are now Mr. O'Leary's primary source of comfort.
"We used to say nothing bad could ever happen here," Mr. O'Leary said. "And it's still the most important thing. It's where I see most of Michael."
The house, designed by Edgar Tafel, Frank Lloyd Wright's apprentice, is a Usonian ranch with windows everywhere, opening onto the terraced garden. It is the ideal setting for the couple's collection of mission- style furniture, for their three cocker spaniels, for the fabulous meals that Mr. Lepore cooked for friends and family, for the wedding they were in the middle of planning for the youngest of the four Lepore brothers.
Mr. Lepore, 39, a project analyst in the technology division of Marsh & McLennan, and Mr. O'Leary, controller for the publisher Penguin Putnam, chose a life of homey pleasures. Looking back, Mr. O'Leary fixes on one glorious late August day. The house bustled with family: his parents, Mr. Lepore's mother and stepfather, Anthony Lepore and his fiancŽe. The garden was in full bloom. Michael Lepore had prepared three different entrees for dinner. "Everything was so perfect in our lives," he said. "Just so perfect."
I think of him often, we worked together at Frank B Hall in pleasantville, which was eventually sold to Aon. I went on to work in NJ he was transferred to the WTC before that horrendous act of terrorism. He was a great friend, gave me a few great recipes which i cherish each day when I see his handwritten words.
Stephanie
February 23, 2023 | Work
Never forgotten my beautiful friend ❤
Carolyn Mulholland
September 12, 2017 | Prospect, CT
I worked with Michael at Frank B Hall and Aon. I could sit in his office and chat about anything. I eventually came out to him and we were both hidden at work in those days. I miss him and send thoughts and prayers to his family. What a great guy! Very smart and made me laugh and laughed with me....
Trish Sutterfield
September 11, 2017 | Chicago, IL
Today would have been your 55th birthday... not a day passes that I don't think of you and wish for what should have been. I love you forever.
David O'Leary
July 23, 2017 | Pottsville, PA
Thinking of you today. Love always, Victoria and Petey
Victoria Lepore
September 11, 2015 | Yonkers, NY
Always on my mind forever in my heart.
David O'Leary
September 11, 2015 | Pottsville, PA
Will miss you forever my friend, love Carolyn
Carolyn Mulholland
September 11, 2015 | Prospect, CT
Almost 13 years that you were taken away from us.....but time has not erased any of your memory. You remain in my thoughts every day and will remain in my heart forever, Dave
August 30, 2014
In Memory
With Honor& Respect.
S J. Friscia III
May 08, 2014 | Staten Island, NY