Captain Joseph F. Lenihan JOSEPH F. LENIHAN passed away peacefully on April 14, 2012, in Southbury CT. He was born on November 5, 1930 in Astoria, New York, son of Edward and Frances Lenihan. He attended Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, Brooklyn, NY where he was active in sports. He attended Queens College then served in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict, as a 1st Lieutenant and reconnaissance pilot. He was honorably discharged in December 1955. After leaving the Air Force, he joined American Airlines in 1956, serving as Captain, during his 34 year career. He was very proud to have been personally requested...
Captain Joseph F. Lenihan
JOSEPH F. LENIHAN passed away peacefully on April 14, 2012, in Southbury CT. He was born on November 5, 1930 in Astoria, New York, son of Edward and Frances Lenihan. He attended Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, Brooklyn, NY where he was active in sports. He attended Queens College then served in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict, as a 1st Lieutenant and reconnaissance pilot. He was honorably discharged in December 1955. After leaving the Air Force, he joined American Airlines in 1956, serving as Captain, during his 34 year career. He was very proud to have been personally requested by Lady Bird Johnson to captain her domestic air travel.
In 1966 Joe was elected by the Conservative party to the position of County Committeeman in and for the 98th Election District of the town of Huntington, NY. He had a spirited run for New York State Senate in the 2nd Senatorial District.
In May 1981 Joe received Honors of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus. He was member of Fairfield University's Presidents Circle where several of his children and grandchildren attended.
Joe had two avocational passions in his life: sailing and golf, enjoying both at different times. His love of sailboat racing and cruising were sources of great happiness for him. He thrived sharing them with his children and teaching them the skills of seamanship. He enjoyed the Tuesday night racing series and sailed many Vineyard Races. He was a past member of the Stamford and Halloween Yacht Clubs. He was also actively involved in the local Power Squadron where he was both student and teacher.
While taking up golf later in life, he succeeded in scoring a hole-in-one, that rarest of achievements. Golf enabled him to spend time with those of his children who also enjoyed the sport.
Joe is survived by two brothers, John Lenihan (Margaret) of Smithtown, NY and Peter Lenihan of Ocean Grove, NJ; seven children, Edward J. Lenihan of Riverside CT, Michael P. Lenihan of Fort Lauderdale FL, Stephen P. Lenihan (Cathy) of Waterbury CT, Joseph V. Lenihan (Jackie) of New Canaan CT, Paul F. Lenihan (Lisa) of Easton CT, Mary C. Cotoia (Chris) of South Yarmouth MA, and Jean E. O'Connor (Bill) of Ridgefield CT. Additionally, he is survived by fifteen grandchildren, one great-grandchild, many nieces and nephews and his former wife and friend Celeste Lenihan O'Doherty.
Visiting hours will be held at the Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home, Stamford, CT on April 17, 2012 from 4-8 PM. Funeral services will be held at Our Lady Star of The Sea Roman Catholic Church, Stamford, CT on April 18, 2012, at 10:30 AM. Words of comfort and sympathy may be sent to the family at www.LeoPGallagherstamford.com