Pleasantville Mourns Loss of Lenny Joyner
The Pleasantville community is in mourning.
Lenny Joyner, a 31-year old Pleasantville High School graduate and an associate member of the Pleasantville Fire Department, was found dead following a mountain climbing accident at Maroon Bells Mountain in Colorado, falling more than 800 feet into a cliff band.
According to published reports, Joyner, an FDNY paramedic out of Station 7 on West 23rd Street near the High Line, was declared missing after he did not report to a shift at work and he stopped responding to text messages. His body was recovered at North Maroon Peak near Aspen.
On July 16, Joyner checked in on his Google Plus page from Denver International Airport and wrote: “Who flies all the way to Colorado just to climb a mountain? This guy! Sure as hell hope HIP covers any rock vs skull issues.”
In Pleasantville, Joyner is being remembered as someone who lived life to the fullest and was always there for people. Joyner joined the fire department’s Junior Corps in 1997 at age 16, before becoming a full fledged volunteer two years later.
“He was always one of those members that was always there to do something,” Fire Chief Bruce LaMonica said. “He was the first one to volunteer. He was always there for other people, it was the profession he chose.
LaMonica described Joyner, who was 6’7”, as having a large presence and as being enthusiastic and as one who was always willing to lift someone’s feelings.
“He always had a smile, LaMonica said. “He wasn’t someone that you had to ask twice for anything.”
Joyner joined the FDNY in 2006, moving from Pleasantville to the city in 2009. He still stopped by in Pleasantville often and always visited his fellow firefighters.
“He was always pleasant,” LaMonica said. “He would ask how you were doing, he loved to joke around. He wouldn’t just pass you; he would always stop and talk to you.”
The mood at the fire department is somber, as Pleasantville’s bravest grapple with the loss of one of their own.
“He was out there doing something that he loved,” LaMonica said. “A lot of people knew him. He is still a big part of our lives, and we are very supportive of his family.”
A wake was held at Beecher Funeral Home on Wednesday, featuring a large turnout of various emergency personnel. On Thursday, his funeral was held at St. Michael’s Church on 99th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
“They said it was one of the largest turnouts they’ve ever seen,” LaMonica said. “He touched so many people’s lives.”
John Nonna, the former Mayor of Pleasantville, has fond memories of Joyner. In 1997, Nonna presented a proclamation to him promoting him to the rank of Eagle Scout.
“What can you say about a tragedy?” Nonna said. “I know his family; I know his brothers; I knew him. It’s tragic, such a young age. He will be missed by many people. He died living to life to the fullest and doing what he wanted to do. Not many people can say that.”
To earn his Eagle Scout badge, Joyner built a bridge in Graham Hills Park. According to the Journal News, the family has expressed interest in placing a plaque with their son’s name at the site.
Pleasantville Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter had Joyner as a student when she taught computer at Pleasantville Middle School.
“We remember Lenny as a terrific young man with a wonderful smile and many accomplishments,” Fox-Alter said.
Fox-Alter noted that his school record contained comments like “pleasure to have in class,” “always prepared, and “excellent citizenship”.
“Lenny was a commended student in the National Merit Scholarship Program, he played football, ran track and was involved in the play,” Fox-Alter said. “His volunteer services to the community were amazing.”
Joyner is survived by his parents, Leonard and Lucy, and his brothers, Trevor and Jerrett.
The family is asking that donations be made to Mountain Rescue Aspen. On-line donations can be made at the website: mountainrescueaspen.org
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.