Leonard Carr, of Canandaigua, NY passed away peacefully on December 3, 2023. Len is survived by his incredible wife of 57 years, Gail Carr, daughters Debra Carr & Lynn Barry, and son-in-law Sean Barry. Len is also survived by his 5 grandchildren: Courtney, Jenna, Jessica, Madeline and Gabe. Len is also survived by his brother, Paul, and many nieces and nephews.
Len celebrated his 85th birthday on June 30th. Born in the Bronx, NY he was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Louis Cargotch, and daughter Renee McNeil.
Len grew up in the Bronx, NY where he graduated from high school in 1955. He was very clear that studies and academics weren’t of utmost importance to him but making money was his main goal. Len wanted to be successful more than anything else at that time and his graduation yearbook states he wanted to be a millionaire.
After high school Len enlisted in the army where he was stationed in the United States and Germany for 2 years. As it was peacetime, he spent his time working in the motor department/transportation sector and in the supply room. He often joked, “Why do I have to bother changing these tires when we aren’t going anywhere?” The response came swiftly, “So that if we do get called to war you will know how to change a tire.” He even spent a stint as a Jewish Chaplain leading services for other Jewish men in the army. His family reports that they have never seen him change a tire or lead a service outside of the army.
After the army he worked as a left handed cutter in a clothing factory – a job that he was able to get due to his father’s influence. Len was uninspired and wanted to do something else with his life. It was shortly after his twin daughters were born that he met a mentor that led him into real estate dealings. Len was a risk taker through and through. He decided to quit his stable factory job and branch out into the real estate market. Len was self taught in many ways, extremely dedicated and motivated towards success. After learning the ropes, he opened his own company Century 21- Len Carr Realty. It was here where he spent the bulk of his career building houses, and buying and selling property. Len’s success with his business and his charm as well as humor and reputation for fairness led him to become President of the Board of Realtors in Rockland County, NY (an endeavor he was very proud of). (https://www.air-inc.com/ Later in his career he also grew his company to include an appraisal business called Gailen Properties where all of his daughters worked momentarily. Through the years, Len built many homes on streets with names very familiar to his family as he named them after his loved ones. Len had the opportunity in 1992 to build a beautiful cul de sac with tudor houses that his family lived in for many years.
Throughout Len’s career, he also worked as a Volunteer firefighter in New York – something he liked to remind his grandchildren about as he was proud of his youthful strength and courage.
Len is remembered for his wit, sarcasm, humor, outgoing nature, voracious appetite, and generosity. Len thrived in the chaos of work, embraced the unknown, took risks, and was a quick thinker in many ways. He loved to gamble and made many visits to Atlantic City. He always told his children, “Only gamble with money you can lose and NEVER have credit card debt.”
Len loved boating and being on the water. He loved taking cruises and traveling with the family. Len enjoyed fishing, cooking, eating and animals! There was never a dog that Len didn’t love. He also enjoyed sports (watching over playing – although he did play adult softball for a season). He was staunchly devoted to basketball and his favorite team – Duke.
Len will be sorely missed by his family who will hold onto the many important lessons that were passed along through the years. Rest in peace Dad/Papa.
In lieu of flowers Len’s family would appreciate any donations to the Dementia Society of America.