Newman, Leonard

Description

Leonard Newman was born on April 16, 1919 in Oyster Bay, New York. He lived in Oyster Bay for most of his childhood, until his the family moved to 15 Purchase ST, Rye, NY, and paid $80 a month in rent (almost $1300 today). Leonard’s family consisted of his father, Harry Newman, his mother Rose, his older brothers David, Milton, Sidney and his older sister Pearl.

Leonard’s father was an Austrian immigrant who had an elementary school education, he owned, and managed a cigar shop. His mother was born in NY and had an elementary school education and was a homemaker.

Leonard was a member of the class of 1936, he had an interest in sales, and sports. Throughout high school he played basketball, and ran track.

In July, 1941 Leonard registered for the draft, he was later drafted in 1942, and served in the Special Operations Army Air Corps. Leonard was stationed in the Philippines, and New Guinea during World War II.

In 1945 Leonard achieved the rank of captain. After 5 years of service Leonard’s term of enlistment was up, and he returned home.

Leonard returned home to his wife, Roslyn and moved to White Plains, NY, where he became a well known insurance executive and started his own company: Leonard Newman Agency. He continued the agency for 45 years, until he sold it in 1995 to Bank of New York and Arthur J. Gallagher & Sons of Chicago.

In addition to heading his own company, Newman sat on the board of the Douglas EUiman Co. and ran its insurance division. After retiring, Newman worked for the Museum of Modern Art in New York City for a salary of $1 a year, creating an insurance program for its recent expansion and renovation.

Leonard and his wife eventually moved out of White Plains after nearly 25 years, and they decided to move to Bedford and resided there until Roslyn’s death in 2004.

Leonard, passed peacefully at home on May 24, 2009 at age 90. He was survived by his children Wendy, Scott and Peter Newman of New York, his grandchildren Griffin, James and Romilly Newman, and his daughter-in-law Antonia Dauphin Newman.

Austin Harvey
RHS 2021