Sharp as a Tack, Former Southampton Resident Will Turn 102

Audrey Yellen Quinlan, a friend of Leo Tyborowski, who was born in Southampton and will be celebrating his 102nd birthday in July, has heard numerous stories from Tyborowksi, especially about his life when he lived in the area. He now lives in Connecticut.

“I go to the local coffee shop for breakfast during the week,” Quinlan said, describing how she met Tyborowski. “Maybe seven or eight years ago, I saw a man wearing a World War II cap sitting with his buddies. My Dad served in WW II and my biggest regret is I never spoke to him about his experience. Well, I decided to, anonymously, pay for the gentleman’s breakfast. After several weeks, Leo figured out it was me and since then he is my Friday breakfast date.

“He often says he’d like to visit Southampton once again, but I suspect it has changed so much, it might be a disappointment for him,” she added.

A graduate of Southampton High School, Tyborowksi caddied at Shinnecock Golf Club, earning $1.50, a dollar of which he promptly turned over to his mother. His father was the caretaker of actor Gary Cooper’s estate, during which time the family lived there. His mother worked as a potato picker for many hours each day to help support the family.

In high school, Tyborowski was an excellent student and remembers many of his teachers’ names, as well as that of his baseball coach, Dick Smith.

In 1938, he and a friend hopped on the train and headed to Yankee stadium. All the stadium seats were “rush” at the time and he and his buddy ended up sitting directly behind home plate to see Joe DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig. To this day, Tyborowski can tell you which player played each position and even their hits for that day.

When Tyborowksi was drafted in 1941, his father took him to the train station in a horse and wagon. He sailed to Ireland aboard the Queen Mary, which carried 15,000 soldiers on its four decks. He was in the infantry and fought in the German battles: Hurtgen Forest as well as Remagen. During that battle, he carried a 49-pound radio for days so his commander could communicate with other commanders. [He prefers not to talk about his experiences, which were quite gruesome.] His pay was sent home to his family.

Tyborowski earned the Bronze Star Medal, Sharpshooter with Rifle Bar, European Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, World War II Victory Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button World War II.

After the war, he settled in New Britain and met his wife. They moved to East Hartford, where Tyborowski worked as an upholsterer. They had three daughters. All of whom are devoted to their dad.

Quinlan says Leo is remarkable.

“He can listen to a baseball game on his radio and the next day tell you the game’s details,” she said. “He remembers cell phone numbers better than I do and what is most interesting is his ability to understand people. He can ‘size people up’ with great accuracy.

“Leo is a walking history lesson,” she added, “and he often says he likes to talk about his life experiences to pass on to the next generation.”