Leroy Fadem

February 28, 1921- April 17, 2023. It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of an extraordinary 102 year-young man, our national treasure. Leroy, affectionately known as Lee, beloved husband to his soulmate of 67 years- Edna Mae (“Sunny”), who sadly predeceased him in 2016 and who he adored beyond words; loving son of Rose (nee Rosenblum) and Harry Fadem; adoring father of Steven (Laurie Baskin), Barbara Hayden (Jeff), Kathy Ivrey and Diane Kennedy ( Jeff ); proud grandfather to Rachel and Chloe Fadem; Mark, Daniel (Kate Dadourian) and Sarah Hayden; Caitlin and Carly Ivrey, and Cody Kennedy; devoted great-grandfather to Jackson and Callie Hayden. A dear friend and mentor to many. Lee was a man of immeasurable and remarkable grace, presence, generosity and kindness who doted on his family and friends with joy, love and passion. His exuberant spirit brought joy to the lives of all who knew him. He was a man of superb intellect, incredible charm, and overwhelming devotion to the Jewish people. His life was a remarkable adventure from beginning to end. Born in the Bronx, Lee was a brilliant thinker who loved reading, following his beloved NY sports teams and playing a great round of golf, constantly striving to shoot his age at Fenway Golf Club. He was a dedicated cruciverbalist- finishing the daily and especially the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle in lightning speed. He delighted in friendly competition with his family playing Spelling Bee and consistently triumphed over them, always reaching Genius level! As a polymath, his curiosity was boundless and his sense of humor infectious and a joy to us all. He loved and was a decades-long Patron at the NYC Philharmonic, Carnegie Hall and Tanglewood. One of his greatest sources of pride was his service in the Navy, serving with distinction as Lieutenant Senior Grade in World War II. He was in the 8th Class of the United States Naval Reserve Midshipmen’s School and a Plankowner on the USS Stevens (DD479), on which he served as Torpedo Officer earning five Battle Stars and a Combat Action Ribbon. He was the Executive Officer, Plankowner and later Commanding Officer of LST 871. His service in the Navy during WWII defined him for the rest of his life. A trip back to the Pacific in 2018 to many of the sites of his WWII service was a highlight of his many travels. Attending Boy’s High, Peddie and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Lee proudly played trumpet in the marching band at each. His summers at Camp Scatico provided great memories. In his professional life he was a leader in the toy industry for a half century, first as the EVP of Transogram Co. and then as Chairman of Effanbee Doll Co. Lee was endlessly curious, a wise and farsighted observer of history and current events. Lee and Sunny traveled to over 100 countries on six continents. He was a dedicated and generous philanthropist-his commitment to those in need was insatiable and he instilled that love of philanthropy in his children and grandchildren. He was a true baal tzedakah. Lee was a longtime benefactor of education; cultural and artistic activities; the environment; medical research and care, and, of primary concern, the continuation of a flourishing Jewish community. Lee contributed years of dedicated leadership to many community organizations. He served on the Board of Temple Israel of New Rochelle for over 55 years and was a past President; he was the Past Master of Elmer Lodge and actively served for decades on, among others, the Boards of JBI, Intl. (formerly the Jewish Braille Institute) and the Union for Reform Judaism. We love you Dad and Grandpa Lee and will cherish your memory forever. For further information please contact the Riverside Memorial Chapel at 914-664-6800.