Robert E. Lenney
18 March 1936 - 11 June 2016
Bob Lenney first steered John J. Harvey for FDNY in 1963. He was faithful to his fireboat through the years, and when she was retired in the early 1990s, Bob retired as well.
Our team bought Harvey in February 1999. We met Bob when Al Trojanowicz, our historian, coaxed him aboard in September. He loved the boat but was unsure about "the bunch of clowns" who had bought her. He consented to come for just "one last fast ride" but then stayed and steered her, reunited with his boat in their respective retirements, for the next sixteen years.
It is not possible to overstate the effect he had on us, and the project. He coaxed, ranted, opined, charmed, and amused us season in and season out. His wisdom and judgment saved us from countless errors, and we relied on his profound wisdom, both nautical and diplomatic. Bob was truly one-of-a-kind. It was a rite-of-passage to get yelled at by him; behind the yelling was a fierce love for the fireboat and the people who take care of her.
We were privileged to spend time with him on his beautiful boat, passing through some of the most beautiful spots on earth. Bob was a decent man, the heart and soul of the boat, the center of the project's universe. We, his fireboat family, will miss his mischievous chuckle, his bear hugs, his grunts of displeasure, his knowing smile. We are all diminished by his loss, but so much better for having known him.
Visitation is at Weigand Bros. Funeral Home,
49 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, NY
Thursday 16 June 16 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM.
Funeral Mass at the Church of St. Aidan, Williston Park, NY
Friday 17 June at 10:00 AM
Weigan Bros. and the Church of St. Aidan are both within easy walking distance of the
East Williston station on the LIRR.
Internment to follow at Holy Rood Cemetery, Westbury, NY
