Leonard Wieczorek

The Legend of Leonard Wieczorek

Leonard (Len) Wieczorek, 91, passed away peacefully late Monday Night, October 30th, 2017.

Leonard was Born on August 10th, 1926 to Stanley and Eleanor Wieczorek of Philadelphia and was the Second Youngest and last Surviving member of his Family’s Six Children who included his Younger Brother Adrian Thomas, Better known as “Tom” or “A.T.” Wieczorek to Everyone in Barnegat Light, and his Four Older Sisters; Erella Wieczorek, Gerty Wilson, and Helen Walsh of Philadelphia, and Clair Hollingshead of Panama City, Florida.

Leonard grew up and lived most of his life in Barnegat Light. He spent his childhood working for his Father Stanley and Mother Eleanor’s Local Bait, Tackle, and Boat Rentals between 9th and 10th street on the Bay where Van’s Boat Rentals is located Today.

Leonard loved Fishing and Crabbing and became a Commercial Pot Fisherman after working as a mate on Lester Copperweight’s Charter Boat as a teenager. During Winter he would return to Philly in the Fishing off season where he honed his skills in Machining and Mechanics.

During WWII at age 17 his Father Unexpectedly Passed away and Leonard was forced to quit school and took on the obligation to support his mother, five siblings, and his young Nephew David who was Severely Handi-Capped and returned to Philadelphia along with many others from the shore to support the War Effort. As most Worked in the Philly Ship Yards, Leonard returned to Chase Aircraft and the Frankford Arsenal where he worked as a machinist helping to design the Folding Wings used to fit more Aircraft on Carriers, and the Timers for Explosives dropped from the Bombers.

After the War Leonard returned to Barnegat Light to continue his Fishing Career on a full-time basis.

Leonard Married Joan Montgomery after dating for 3 weeks on his Birthday August 10th of 1949 and in August 2016, They had celebrated their 67th Wedding Anniversary. Joan Passed away at age 85 this past February.

Leonard was also an Avid Scuba Diver and along with his Brother Tom, Cousin Cass Stuart, and Tom McGuire formed the “Barnegat Light Salvage Company” and were Called the Pioneers of their time Diving on Many Virgin Ship Wrecks out in the North Atlantic Ocean searching for Relics, Treasure, and Lobsters. After 40 Years Leonard finally retired from Scuba Diving.

Leonard was also Very Active in the Community and Became a Barnegat Light Councilman after a Surprising upset by Beating Incumbent Axel Jacobson with a Write-In Vote. He was also very involved with the Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Department for many years and had Served as Fire Chief and President of the Fire Department.

In 1959, Joan and Leonard sold their Fishing Boat and founded “L. Wieczorek-Plumbing & Heating”. In 1972 with partner Eddy Eliason (predeceased) it was renamed “Barnegat Light Plumbing” and in 1985 was turned over to Leonard and Joan’s son Sam, who is still in charge today.

Over the Years Leonard loved fixing up old homes or building new ones.  In the Late 1960’s he moved to St. Croix USVI after single handily building a Home other than enlisting the help of his Brother-in-law Rick Glasscock to put on the Roof Rafters. He also lived in Stuart Florida, and over the last 25 Years lived in West Creek, NJ.

Leonard leaves behind his Son and Daughter-in-law, Sam and Kris Wieczorek, His Daughter and Son-in-Law Cindee and Jim Osenenko, four Grandsons; Sam Jr., Matt, Jim, and Austin, and three great grandchildren; Sammy III, Brooke, and Aiden.

Leonard was an Amazing Person and there are no Words to truly Describe the Incredible Impact he had on so many People’s Lives. He was Extremely Honest, Loyal, Hard Working, Physically Strong, and Tough as Nails. His Integrity was Unmatched and when he gave you His Word, He Meant it and he Expected the same in return. He had Zero Tolerance for BS or Slacking Off and he had no Problems calling you a Meatslapper or Lazy Prick if you did.

Leonard will be Dearly Missed by all his Family and Friends. Even though he had a Reputation for being so Tough he had another side which is what made him so Very Special and Every one of his Family and Friends knew what an Incredible Loving Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend He Truly Was.

There are no words that can Truly Convey How Special Leonard Really was and how much he will be Missed. All those who knew him know exactly what that means and what all of this says about a man who to many was larger than Life.