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Len Galluzzi
In Memory of
Len J.
Galluzzi
1948 - 2015
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The lighting of a Memorial Candle not only provides a gesture of sympathy and support to the immediate family during their time of need but also provides the gift of extending the Book of Memories for future generations.

A Lifelong Giver

Last week I was with Steve Shtab in FL . Because Steve swam for Lenny for a season or longer and shared many close friends with Lenny, he was receiving all the messages that began circulating about Lenny's birthday--that he was in hospice--and the urgency of sending him messages of appreciation for his generosity to the sport and swimmers.
 
I was taken by surprise because--though I knew of the lung transplant Lenny had nearly 20 years ago; and it was apparent when I saw him afterward the toll that had taken on his vitality--I had no idea that his health had deteriorated to that extent.
 
While I've not remained in close touch with Lenny for quite a long time, I've known him for almost 50 years. I first met Lenny in 1967 when I joined the Manhasset Swim Club to swim for Bill Irwin. Lenny was 3 yyears older than me and--along with Tom Liotti--one of Bill's star swimmers, an All-American breaststroker and possibly an NAIA champion. It was quite sobering to reflect on the powerful young athlete I first met and how fragile that can be.
 
I became a coach in 1972 and have remained one to this day. I followed Tom Liotti as coach of Kings Point, then in 1975 became an age group coach at the Eastern Queens YMCA. For the next three years Lenny and I crossed paths many times at YMCA and Metropolitan AAU meets. In 1978 I moved out of the metro NY area and have never subsequently coached in the Metropolitan swimming, where Lenny spent virtually his entire coaching profession. However I heard countless stories of Lenny's thoughfulness, unconditional commitment to his athletes and overal generosity to the sport.
 
You've earned your eternal reward Lenny. R.I.P.
Terry Laughlin
Total Immersion Swimming
 
Posted by Terry Laughlin
Saturday March 28, 2015 at 10:58 am
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