Leonard Gorbaty

Leonard (Label) Gorbaty was born on November 23, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, where he spent his childhood with his parents and his sister, Rose, and his brother, Norman. After graduating from high school, he attended Cornell University, where he earned his degree in agricultural economics. He later entered the U.S. Army and served overseas in France during the cold war era. Len eventually joined the family business, Gorbaty Brothers, which built and installed store fixtures from a factory on Canal Street. He was a third-generation cabinet maker.

In 1959, he married the love of his life, Lona Filan, and together they moved to Queens, eventually settling in their house in the Hollis Hills neighborhood, where they built a life and a home for their family.

Len took great joy in his home and property. His garden and greenhouse were meticulously maintained and featured vibrant seasonal flowers, a beautifully kept lawn, ornamental shrubs, winding pathways, and a cherished collection of orchids. He was always generous with his knowledge, often offering advice to gardeners who worked in the neighborhood. A vital part of his community, Len formed lasting friendships through frequent visits and conversations with neighbors. Lona and Len’s home was frequently visited by family and friends.

An avid fisherman and passionate traveler, Len found great happiness in exploring the outdoors and the world beyond. In 1970, during a trip to Acapulco, he caught an 8-foot, 7-inch sailfish—an achievement that, according to family lore, inspired him to build an addition to his home to display the trophy. He was also a skilled fly tier, crafting lures that may not have been beautiful, but that caught fish. His fishing adventures took him to Montana and to streams throughout the Northeast. Together, Len and Lona traveled extensively across the United States and Europe. Wherever he went, Len’s curiosity and warmth helped him form meaningful connections. A lifelong learner, he read widely and pursued knowledge in subjects ranging from fishing and fly tying to gardening and politics.

After living independently and actively to the age of 96, Len passed away on March 21, 2026, following a brief decline in health after a fall. Len is survived by his two children, Dorathy Martel and Jeffrey Gorbaty, and by his grandchildren, Karl Chocensky and Hannah Gorbaty. He will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends whose lives he touched.]

A Memorial Service will be held on April 18, 2026.