Joseph G. Leavey was born on November 13th‚ 1955 to Mary and Joseph Leavey and grew up in the Inwood section of Manhattan. He attended Good Shepherd Grammar School graduating in June of 1969 and the former Power Memorial Academy where he graduated as class valedictorian in June of 1973. After graduating from Power Memorial Academy‚ he entered Manhattan College’s School of Engineering. Upon graduating from Manhattan College in 1977‚ he pursued a career in civil engineering.
He worked for the firm of W.J. Barney‚ HRH Construction and for Donald Trump while working on the famous Trump Tower in New York City. While he loved his time in construction‚ Joe’s true aspiration since he was a little boy was to become a New York City firefighter.
After taking the test and being placed on a list‚ Joe was appointed to the New York City Fire Department in August of 1982. He was assigned to Engine 23 and subsequently Ladder 4 of Midtown Manhattan until his promotion to Lieutenant in February of 1998 where he was assigned to Ladder 15 in Lower Manhattan.
Shortly after his appointment to the Fire Department‚ Joe married his partner in life‚ Carole J. Raffio. The two were married in 1984 and settled in the quiet suburb of Pelham‚ New York. There he raised his family‚ a son Brian (age 17)‚ a daughter Caitlin (age 11) and a stepdaughter Kerri‚ who he was proud to give away at her wedding on September 9th‚ 2000.
Joe was very active in his community. Sometimes called the ñMayorî of Pelham‚ Joe was always known to go out of his way to greet someone. He was also very involved in his church‚ St. Catharine’s and the Hutchinson School PTA.
Joe loved New York City and all of its many skyscrapers. He considered the World Trade Center an engineering marvel. How ironic it was that a building he loved so much would become a target of such hate.
Besides his wife and children of Pelham‚ NY and parents of Yonkers‚ NY‚ Joe is survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law: Maureen and Jim McGillicuddy of Yonkers‚ New York‚ Nora and Steve Coco of Rochester‚ New York‚ Patty and Tim Sumner of Martinsburg‚ Pennsylvania‚ and Walter Bagley of Bronxville‚ New York. He is also survived by nephews John and Timmy McGillicuddy of Yonkers‚ niece Christine Coco of Rochester‚ and nephew Mark Fitzgerald of Boston‚ Massachusetts.
Climbed in your honor at Lambeau Field Green Bay Wi. Felt it an honor to ring the bell and say your name.
– Deb blackburnI climbed in your honor at the 9/11 Stair Climb 2017 at Red Rocks Amphitheater in CO. It means so much more now knowing more about you and how you lived your life.
– Sarah BarrI climbed at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI at the 9/11 Stair Climb 2017. At the “78th story”, I rang the fire bell in honor of Lt. Joseph G. Leavey.
– Trisha BowersI received a badge with your name and picture on it at Lambeau Field. The 2017 memorial stair climb was my first. I would just like to say thank you to your family for sharing their guardian angel with me as I climbed. When I rang the bell I looked at your face and knew I had to complete the 110 flight journey to honor your memory and the memory of all firefighters who lost their lives on that terrible day.
– Tayler Wypishinski-PrechterI completed my first stair climb this year in your honor wearing your tag around my neck and ringing the bell in your honor after saying your name. We just want you to know that we will never forget and always be grateful for your life and service. Praying for your family. 2017. Springfield Missouri
– Terry DowlerI completed the 9/11 memorial walk in your honor, wearing your tag. It was an honor to do this walk in remembrance of your name. People like you are what makes the United States of America such a great nation! Praying for your family, may you forever rest in peace!
– Erin CroleyI climbed in your honor at the San Diego Stair Climb 2018. Thank you for your service and sacrifices. “We will never forget”
– Bernadette D'AmatoGod bless you and Carole from all the Ryans of Pelham
– Stephen K. RyanI finished my first stair climb in your honor at the 2019 Chattanooga 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. What an honor to ring that bell and say your name. Will always think of you!!
– Emily BellToday I received the badge of LT Joseph Leavey, with which I ran the Tunnels to Towers 5k Run and Walk in his honor at Cascades Park in Jackson Michigan. The experience will be one I remember for life as I continue to partake in the race every year from here on out.
– Skyler J Mugg