Stephen C. Leeolou, 86, a lifelong resident of Port Washington, passed away on Jan. 2, 2016, at St. Francis Hospital with his family at his side. Stephen was a well-known figure in the Port Washington community as a result of his six decades of public safety, civic and local athletic volunteer work.
Born on Jan. 11, 1929, to the late Stephen T. and Agnes (Flaherty) Leeolou, Stephen attended St. Peter of Alcantara Elementary School, where he was one of eight students in his graduating class. After graduating from Schreiber High S
chool, he opted not to attend college to instead help his parents manage a new family business, The Village Tavern, which would become a landmark Port establishment on Main Street for more than 20 years. In 1948, at the age of 19, he joined the Port Washington Fire Department—Flower Hill Hose Company No. 1—and remained an active member for more than 60 years. At the start of the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving four years on the aircraft carrier, USS Saipan, and receiving several Distinguished Service medals.
Upon returning from military service, Stephen joined the New York Telephone Company where he began a 36-year career holding various positions, including shop steward for the local branch of the Communication Workers of America. While working for the phone company, Stephen also served for more than 20 years as an elected official in the Village of Manorhaven, where he was both chairman of the Zoning Board and a member of the village’s Board of Trustees. He was also a little league coach for many years in the Port Youth Activities organization and, in later years, was an active volunteer at the Port Washington Police Athletic League, of which his son, Michael, was director for more than 20 years. He played competitive softball in the PAL league until he was 60 years old.
Stephen is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley (Dorn); his sons Stephen R. (Dee Dee) and Michael T. (Catherine); grandchildren S. Ryan, Brittney, Collin, Caroline and Melissa; sister Ruth Smith; brother Richard; and 11 nieces and nephews. Stephen was laid to rest on Jan. 6 with full military and fire department honors at Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington. The family has requested that any donations in his memory be made to the Port Washington Volunteer Fire Department.
