Leonard Wurzel passed away at home, on Saturday, Nov. 16, in his beloved Sands Point where he was proud Mayor for 22 years, at the age of 95, after a short battle with lung cancer.
Born in Philadelphia in 1918 he graduated from Jefferson College in 1939 and earned an MBA from Harvard University in 1941.
He was drafted into the United States Army as a Private on Sept. 18, 1941 and was discharged in 1946 as a Captain. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in connection with military operations from Jan. 17, 1944 to May 8, 1945. On May 10, 2013 he was bestowed the Insignia of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the Consulate General of France.
In 1949 he married Elaine Cohen and moved to Sands Point in 1953, with their sons, Mark and Larry. Leonard was employed by Loft Candy Corp. from 1946, serving as president from 1957 to 1964.
Leonard founded Calico Cottage Candies in 1964, from which he retired in 1992. His sons now run the business. Leonard has been president of Retail Confectioners International and the Association of Manufacturers of Confectionery.
Leonard and Elaine have been members of the Community Synagogue since 1953 and have been recognized several times for their long term and devoted membership and involvement in various efforts over the years.
Leonard served on the Sands Point Board of Zoning Appeals in 1974 and became its Chairman in 1976. After appointment to the Board of Trustees in 1981, he was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1981. On April 17, 1989 he was appointed Mayor of Sands Point and served as elected Mayor until his retirement in June 2011.
One of his greatest accomplishments was to successfully negotiate, in 1994, the acquisition of the IBM country club by the Village of Sands Point, saving the waterfront property from developers. He is considered the Founder and Mentor of the Village Club of Sands Point.
Leonard is survived by his wife, Elaine Cohen Wurzel, his two sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Ellen Wurzel and Larry Wurzel and Elaine Gnessin. Grandchildren, Jill Wurzel Lekstutis and her husband Carmine Lekstutis, Max Wurzel, and Greg Wurzel and Greg’s Mother, Martha Wurzel. And, two great grandchildren, Alex and Chloe Lekstutis.
Funeral Services were to be held at The Community Synagogue, 160 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point NY 11050 at 1:30 PM on Tuesday November 19.
