Lynbrook’s Peter Ledwith dies at age 84
Peter Ledwith, former Lynbrook village trustee and attorney, died in his home on June 27, surrounded by his family.
In Ledwith’s final days, he took intense pleasure in his large family gatherings and saying the rosary together.
“He was an incredible man with a strong faith,” Laura Ryder, daughter of Ledwith, said. “(He) dedicated his life to service.”
Ryder stated her father lived each day dedicated to God and for the service of others. He would attend daily, at first, Our Lady of Peace in Lynbrook, then later at Our Lady of Lourdes in Malverne.
Born in Brooklyn in 1940, Ledwith moved to Lynbrook as a child. He received Catholic education from the Sisters of Mercy at St. Raymond’s Parochial School in East Rockaway, the Lasallian Christian Brothers at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Brooklyn, the Dominican Friars at Providence College, and the Jesuits at Fordham Law School.
Ledwith was a basketball star at Bishop Laughlin High School before playing at Providence College. Throughout his life, he participated in countless road races with his children and lifted weights in his home nightly. A true New Yorker, he was a fan of all the New York sports teams, particularly the Knicks.
Ledwith graduated from Providence College in 1962 and Fordham Law in 1966. In 1969, he moved to Lynbrook with his wife, Susan. They spent over 50 years residing on Pearsall Avenue, where they raised their 10 children.
“In 1969, Mr. Ledwith was sworn-in as prosecuting attorney for the village, where he held that role until 1983, when he became a village trustee,” the village stated on Facebook. “In 1995, then-Mayor Eugene Scarpato asked him to become village attorney and Mr. Ledwith remained in that position for 23 years. During this time, Mr. Ledwith is credited with crafting over 230 local village laws that helped shape Lynbrook.”
On Flinch and Bruns Funeral Home webpage, it states that Ledwith’s lifelong relationship with his wife Susan began as a blind date to the Sacred Heart Academy Prom.
“He continually stated throughout his life that the very moment he laid eyes on Susan he knew that she was the woman he would marry. It was love at first sight,” the obituary on FlinchandBruns.com continued. “Comically, they were supposed to be the dates of others in their group, but that all changed with the mere words of ‘Suzy, why don’t you sit up front with me!’ on the way to the dance. To his last breath, he displayed a love, devotion and affection for Susan that was stunning to witness.”
Ledwith was described as a “true patriarch to a large close-knit clan of fun-loving personalities.” As a father of ten, Ledwith witnessed the entire gamut of human experience, from the joy of multiple sons returning safely from combat deployments to the affection he had for his three daughters whom he nicknamed Princess, Cutesy-Tootsie (a.k.a. Onion), and Angel.
“It was remarkable how calm and composed he remained in even the most excitable of circumstances,” the obituary stated. “He reveled in each of his children’s and grandchildren’s talents with never an unkind word about anyone. Despite great professional success, money meant little to him, you could see the joy in his face, with a slight smile, when one of his son’s was regaling the family with their adventures.”
Professionally, Ledwith practiced law for over 50 years. He was a veteran of over 100 jury trials throughout the five boroughs and Long Island. He was also a mentor to countless associates, a few have gone on to be seated on the bench as New York State Magistrates.
Ledwith served in Lynbrook for over 40 years – first as village prosecutor, then as village trustee, and finally as the village attorney. His compassion was revealed at the countless hours of pro bono work he performed for the Our Lady of Peace Parish Social Ministry.
“The law was not an occupation or a job for Peter, it was a calling,” the obituary stated. “He truly loved the law.”
A 70-year resident of Lynbrook, Ledwith leaves behind an enduring legacy of faith, family, and love. He is survived by his cherished wife of over 60 years Susan Ledwith (Boyd); their ten children, Peter (Virginia), Chris (Georgiana), Kevin (Lizbeth), Hon. Laura Ryder (Michael), Jennifer Atkinson (Thomas), Timothy (Grace), Kathleen Smyth (Michael), Sean (Shannon), Brian a.k.a. Boomer (Kelly), Liam (Elizabeth); 20 Grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and siblings Eugene, Kathleen Brandon (Michael) and Mary Ann Scafuri (Frank).
