A Staten Island street was dedicated on Sunday to remember a parks worker who lost his life in the line of duty fifty years ago, tragically leaving behind a family that has since served as heroes in their own right. Arthur Leahy was the first city parks worker to die while on the job when he was murdered during a botched burglary at the LaTourette Park golf course on April 6, 1975.
City Councilman David Carr, representing Staten Island, led the ceremony which commemorated Leahy’s sacrifice. The street, now named “Arthur C. Leahy Way,” stands at the entrance of the park at the intersection of Richmond Hill and Forest Hill roads. This event marks a significant moment for Leahy’s family, who had long fought for recognition of his contributions.
Councilman Carr expressed how important it is to honor local heroes, stating, “We owe it to our community to remember those who have rendered remarkable service, and Arthur Leahy was certainly one of them.” He addressed the crowd gathered for the tribute, underscoring the notion that everyday individuals often contribute immensely to the safety and well-being of their communities.
Arthur Leahy’s life was cut short when three criminals attacked him while he was working security at the golf course. He was married and a father of five when he was shot and left for dead. Among his children are two sons who have followed in their father’s footsteps to serve in the NYPD. One son, James, tragically lost his life during the September 11 attacks while attempting to rescue people trapped in the North Tower. Another son, Arthur Leahy III, currently serves as an NYPD detective and has made headlines for taking down dangerous criminals.
Denise Henick, one of Leahy’s children, shared the family’s grief at their father’s passing, emphasizing the impact his loss had on them and the community. “The Leahy family and the Staten Island community lost a hero that night,” she remarked. She also expressed relief and joy that their father’s name would gain recognition through the street naming, stating that it would keep his memory alive for years to come.
Arthur Leahy’s widow, Jeanette, reflected on the street dedication and its importance to her family. “Whenever we pass by, we’ll see his name, and he will always be a part of our lives,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. The family has expressed their gratitude for this recognition, although they also highlighted the sense of neglect from the Parks Department regarding their father’s legacy.
Arthur III voiced his frustration, pointing out a discrepancy between how different departments acknowledge their father’s sacrifice. “While the Police Department has honored us, the Parks Department seems to have forgotten,” he said, lamenting the absence of Parks officials at the dedication ceremony. Previously, there was a traffic circle named in his father’s honor, but efforts for a commemorative garden have lagged, leaving that aspect of the tribute unfulfilled for years.
Local sources indicated that the city’s Parks Department might not have been informed about the ceremony in advance, as the street renaming was put together rapidly. Despite previous promises, the garden that was supposed to commemorate Leahy’s legacy remains incomplete, leaving the family to question the follow-through of such initiatives.
Nonetheless, the street dedication is viewed by many as a significant and meaningful step forward. Arthur III pointed out that it took fifty long years for this honor to be realized. “They could have chosen other ways to honor him sooner, but now his name is finally up there,” he said.
The family’s sentiments were echoed by Michelle, another of Leahy’s children, who remarked on the deep significance of this event. “This recognition is well-deserved. Though the wounds of our loss may never completely heal, this helps us see that our father’s memory will continue through generations.”
The street naming not only serves as a tribute to Arthur Leahy but also as a reminder for the community to value its heroes and the sacrifices made for their safety and well-being. As the signs go up, the Leahy family can take some comfort in knowing that their father’s memory will not be forgotten.
