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Leonard R. Smith
Leonard R. Smith of East Quogue died on Saturday, August 4, at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn. He was 89.
Mr. Smith graduated from Center Moriches High School and served in the 490th Bomb Group with the 8th Air Force in World War II. While on his 15th mission, his plane was shot down over Berlin. He parachuted down and was nearly hung by an angry group of civilians before the Gestapo took him into custody. He was held at the Stalag IV prisoner of war camp for nine months before being liberated by the British. While a POW, he participated in the “Long March” walking almost 1,000 miles when the Germans were trying to escape from the Russians. He attempted to escape once during the March but was re-captured after approximately 12 hours. During his overseas tour of duty, he was awarded two Purple Hearts.
After his military service, he attended Middlebury College in Vermont before transferring to Hofstra University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He was accepted into the master’s journalism program at Syracuse University, but decided to accept employment before he finished the degree.
Mr. Smith worked in New York City as a reinsurance executive for 40 years at Frank B. Hall and Co.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carol (neé Holsten); a daughter Carol Laube and her husband Robert of East Quogue; three sons Gregory L. Smith and his wife Gail of Westhampton, Kevin Smith of Pennsylvania and Stewart J. Smith and his wife Lori of Florida. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Courtney and Morgan Laube of East Quogue, Crystal Smith Willis of Westhampton, Matthew Smith of Mastic and Alexander and Lauren Smith of Florida.
A wake was held on Tuesday, August 7, at the Follet and Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach. A funeral service was held on August 8 at St. Mark’s Church in Westhampton Beach. Burial took place at the columbarium in St. Mark’s garden.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. BOX 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.
on Aug 12, 2012