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Donations are pouring in for the family of a fun-loving Selden man killed not far from his home Tuesday afternoon when he was hit by a car while he was riding an electric scooter.
Heartfelt condolences and heartbreaking good-byes regarding Henry Leib’s death also continue to fill social media. A hugely popular figure in Patchogue who worked security downtown at That Meetball Place and 89 North Music Venue, among other places, Leib is being remembered for his bigness — in heart, spirit and body.
“The world has lost a truly great man. Henry Leib was a giant both physically and spiritually and I am glad I knew him,” Eric Hurnyak wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.
Kyle Kelly posted that “Henry Leib was one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met.”
“When he worked the door, and you were behind the bar, you knew it was going to be a fun night!” Kelly said in his Facebook entry Wednesday night. “Henry, Your energy was infectious. Your smile was contagious. You will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace my friend.”
Leib was an accomplished artist, practiced jiu jitsu and dedicated many hours to working out in the gym.
A GoFundMe page was established Wednesday night to support his wife Dawn and daughter Emma.
“He was a wonderful husband to Dawn, exceptional dad to his daughter, Emma, and a friend to many,” reads the GoFundMe page created by Jessica Redmond. “He was quick to make you laugh, and always there to help you out; he left behind many friends who were touched by his presence and lucky to have known him. He had a heart of gold.”
Any money collected will go directly to Leib’s family to help with expenses they may incur in the wake of his passing.
You can click here to contribute on the GoFundMe page
Leib was riding an electric scooter south on Boyle Road when he was struck just north of Middle Country Road by a 2009 Ford Escape driven by 23-year-old Nicholas Greer of Selden, police said. Leib was pronounced dead at the scene, cops said. Greer was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. No charges have been filed in the accident.
“Blown away from hearing the horrible news. One of the greatest guys you will ever meet,” Mathew Klein lamented on Facebook. “He was definitely one of the nicest guys you don’t want to piss off. He constantly busted my balls to [come] to his gym and learn to box. I always planned on doing it and now I’ll never have that chance.”
“Words can’t explain how saddened we are to lose one of our own. You’ll always be our gentle warrior,” That Meetball Place Patchogue posted on its social media accounts. “We’ll miss you something fierce Big Hen!”
Funeral arrangements for Leib have not yet been announced.
Top photo: Henry Leib (Source: Facebook/That Meetball Place).
