Leonard Edward Sammon

Leonard was born in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up in Bay Ridge, the youngest child of William and Elizabeth (Dunne) Sammon, both immigrants from Ireland—his mother from County Laois and his father from County Westmeath. He was very proud of his Irish heritage. At the insistence of his mother, Len received the strict education and discipline of the Irish Christian Brothers. Each day, he rode the subway from South Brooklyn to Harlem to attend Rice High School, occasionally catching a glimpse of his father—who worked for the New York City Transit Authority—along the way. During his time there, Len grew nearly a foot in a single year, an early sign of the 6'6" gentle giant he would become. He graduated in 1963.

Len’s father was tragically killed in an on-the-job accident in 1961 while filling in for a coworker. He was known for working extra hours to support his family.

After high school, Len began his career in the mailroom at IBM, launching a 44-year career. He worked in several locations, including New York City, Westchester, Norwalk, and Southbury, Connecticut—joking that IBM stood for “I’ve Been Moved.” He worked with a core group of colleagues for many years and valued the camaraderie and friendships he built along the way.

In 1966, Len enlisted in the United States Navy. He served aboard the nuclear-powered cruiser USS Truxtun during its Western Pacific deployment from 1967 to 1968, including time off the coast of Vietnam. The ship’s journey took him from Rio de Janeiro around Cape Horn to Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea—a remarkable way to see the world for a young man from Brooklyn. The experience deepened his lifelong connection to the sea. He remained proud of his military service throughout his life.

After returning home and completing his Naval Reserve commitment, Len pursued his bachelor’s degree in business while working full time, graduating from Pace University in 1979.

In June 1976, while spending a summer in Spring Lake, NJ, Len met Mary Ann Gearns at Jimmy Byrne’s Sea Girt Inn. Both had gone in on summer house shares at the shore—Len was there nearly every weekend, while Mary Ann was there every other weekend. They agreed to meet for their first date over lunch at Joe Allen’s. On that occasion, as she came out of her office building to meet him, she almost didn’t recognize him because he was dressed in a three-piece suit, quite different from the more casual attire she had seen him in previously.

With limited opportunities to see her, Len found ways to make them happen. After learning from her housemates that she was attending Mass one Sunday morning, he showed up at church to join her. The following weekend, when Mary Ann needed to return early to Queens for a party, Len offered to drive her all the way home so she would not have to take the train. Their shared Irish Catholic upbringing and similar values brought them close. Her warmth, humor, and ability to find joy in everyday moments drew him to her—and he always said her cooking didn’t hurt either.

They were married at Holy Child Jesus Church in Richmond Hill, Queens, on September 9, 1978, followed by a reception at Antun’s that is still talked about to this day.

Len learned carpentry, home repair, and a strong work ethic by watching his father make improvements around the family home. After his father’s passing, he helped his mother maintain the family’s six-unit building. He carried that same hands-on approach into his own homes, first in Oceanside and later in Southbury.

Armed with little more than a how-to book he kept for the rest of his life, Len taught himself the skills needed to maintain and improve his home. Whether installing insulation, handling repairs, or taking on projects, he took pride in doing the work himself.

In his last working years, Len and Mary Ann returned to Long Island.In retirement, he enjoyed tending to his yard, spending time outdoors, and listening to music—especially The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, The Eagles, and The Moody Blues. He also enjoyed sharing meals with family and friends. Whether a Sunday brunch at a favorite diner, dinner at an Italian restaurant, or a Caribbean cruise, he was happiest in the company of those he loved and, whenever possible, near the water.

In addition to his beloved wife, Mary Ann, Leonard is survived by his devoted son, Ryan. Len was a loving and dedicated father who always wanted to take care of his son and be there whenever he was needed. There was never a request too big or a problem he would not try to solve. Len and Ryan would often jokingly argue over who was paying when they shared a meal, with Ryan always wanting to treat his parents and Len insisting on taking care of it himself.

Leonard was predeceased by his sister Mary and his brother William. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews of whom he was proud.

Len will be remembered as a man of quiet strength and towering presence—stubborn by nature, but capable of a gentleness that caught you off guard and stayed with you. At 6'6", he was impossible to miss in a room, but it was his warmth, humor, strong faith, and love for his family that left the lasting impression. Family and friends always knew they could count on him.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 9-10:30 AM at O. B. Davis Funeral Homes, 4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776. Funeral Mass at 11 AM at

St Gerard Majella R.C. Church, 300 Terryville Rd, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776. Committal service and interment to follow at

St. Charles Cemetery, 2015 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, New York 11785.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Len’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.