The World Through the Eyes of Don Leverich

Unfortunately, I only have one memory of Don but, of course, it was a funny one.

Kelsey & I quickly became friends at Syracuse University, so when she and our mutual friend Nicola asked for a ride home for Thanksgiving, I was more than happy to oblige. Being that I was a young (and dumb) 20-something, I apparently felt it necessary to drive my "Sports Car" as if I were participating in the Monaco Grand Prix.

After transferring the precious cargo at my parents' house in Syosset, Don got wind of what happened - I'll never forget his response.

The whole Leverich family returned to our driveway a week or so later and, while everyone else was shmoozing, Don pulled me aside. He wasn't physical. He wasn't yelling. He WAS definitely upset and spoke to me sternly.

Of course, to this day I can't remember exactly what he said, but I know it scared the bejesus out of me. Rest assured, I didn't go more than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit the entire way back up to school.

I had the pleasure of working with Don at Middle Country Public Library. He would always come to me and greet me when I was busy to stop and say hello. He always have me advice when I needed it whether it be about life, managing stress, or how to keep my loved ones happy. I will always cherish my memories and eternalize the advice Don gave me. I won't stress over the smaller things Don and focus on the bigger picture! Thank you Don...

I had the pleasure and priliedge to help care for Don as is primary care physician for 30 years. I'm in shock and heartbroken by the news of his passing and that I won't ever get to talk with him again. We had such enlightening, heartwarming, convoluted conversations. We could have gone on forever. My most heartfelt condolences to Laurie, their children and all those who were warmed the light of his life. He will never be forgotten. May our memories of him help us all through these difficult time.

It was the early fall of 1971. I had just started a new high school and didn’t know but a few fellow students when I was introduced to Donald. It was during lunch break under the big tree across the street from Southold High School. Some of us were sitting up against the fence that separated the curb from the cemetery. He walked up in his usual nonchalant manner and after being introduced engaged in small talk. Where we were from, where we lived, what classes we were taking and with what teachers. It was a totally unmemorable moment. Yet, I remember it as clearly as if it were yesterday.
It seemed that in the ensuing weeks and months, Donald and I became fast friends. We got to know each other, each other’s family members, parents, backgrounds and interests. Donald was interested in Art. I was interested in Music. We shared a commonality in the idea that life transcended the mundane. Mundane. That was a word I remember him using over and over throughout the next fifty five years of our relationship. It seemed that, if anything, what our friendship grew into was anything but mundane.
The next year, Don went off to Ripon College. I graduated the following year and left for New Paltz. In the summer breaks, Don and I would always end up together. We got summer jobs where our lives remained in each other’s orbit. Somehow it seemed that we were destined to remain close.
During our college years, we sharing a dorm room together in Fredonia. We were the campus foosball champions. Don always playing defense to my inferior offense. Don continuing his art studies while I studied music. Before we knew it, we were both out of school and ended up in Greenport working in the restaurant business.
As the years passed, Donald and I kept our friendship going. We got married, started families, moved to different places, but always kept in touch. In fact, we each named the other as one of our children’s godparents. We had developed a lifelong friendship.
We didn’t always talk on the phone. Often, we would go months between conversations. Probably because we both knew that picking up the phone required a commitment to a long conversation that would entail both everything from politics, philosophy, our families, relationships and our hopes and dreams for the future. They were long conversations that often ended with the never failing “It’s been great talking, we should do this more often.” And then another six months would pass before we would catch up again. I went on for years.
My last conversation with Don was on June 1st, 2026. It wasn’t a long conversation. Don and Laurie called to let me know he was going in for a surgical procedure. As he put it, “My doctor says he’s done a hundred of them and it should be no problem, but I just wanted to let you know.”
It wasn’t a long conversation. It lasted maybe ten minutes. It ended with us both agreeing that we would catch up after he was out of ICU. It was the last time I spoke to my lifelong friend. A man that I loved a brother.
In retrospect, Don sounded confident that everything would be okay. He was at peace with it or at least wanted to project that sentiment. I hung up and asked the fates to smile upon the outcome so I could fulfill our agreement to “catch up”. But fate had other plans and it never happened.
I guess the point is that we should never take anything for granted. Tomorrow is not guaranteed and when they are over, all we have are our memories. Mine will be filled with fondness, gratitude and sadness. Fondness for the memories we had together. Gratitude for the gift of friendship I was given, and sadness for the final conversation I never had.
Until we meet again my friend.
Love always.
Jahn

I met Don at many Leverich family gatherings I was privileged to attend; also quite a few lunchtimes at Brick Cove Marina, in the house, when I happened to be visiting Bill or Ann.
I was always attracted to his compassion, gentle spirit, and inquisitiveness; we talked a lot about theology, metaphysics, the existence of God, and organized religion.
Even if we disagreed on some matter, mutual regard and friendliness was paramount, not feigned.
We had a shared respect for the International Rescue Committee, and the need for just responses to the current state of affairs in the world.
His presence is surely missed and needed on this planet.
"Fair winds and following seas" to you my friend, until we meet again!

I was that little annoying kid that hung out with his baby sister. I remember his room with the dark ceiling- which bewildered me. He was larger than life and gregarious. Later in life, I encountered the adult Don. A father and a husband. I was pregnant and called myself fat. Don quickly redirected my words to pregnant with life and it’s beautiful what a woman’s body can do. How can you argue with that! May you be at peace and know now all the wonders of the world. Paint us a sunset Don.

I worked with the Leverich family throughout high school. When I started college in NYC Don and I shared an apartment in Queens for a while in 1974-75. We have had time to meet again to catch up a few times since then and I always enjoy talking with the Leverich family in general. It is sad for me to know that another friend in life has left. I live in California so I think Don surfed the waves of life like a real Dude.

I worked at Windward Sailing for Don’s parents and Don was such a hard worker. He was always fun to be around and had such the personality. We often went sailing after work along with my cousin Bruce Bumble who worked at Windward. He always was the clown with a heart of gold. Sending my sincere sympathy. I wish I had a photo from way back when.

Don drove me to see my ill father in hospital and was so glad and caring to do it.Both gave me their home to bunk in while I visited my ill dad. Will always remember this. Both of them were so supportive. He was a wonderful guy.

I went to school with Don. I remember doing some diving on lobster pots in the Sound with Don of which we got in trouble for…… oops. Later in life Don and I co- brokered some boat sales together. He’ll be missed.