In his passing, former Deputy Mayor Leonard Redon — who served two city administrations, and an executive for both Paychex and Eastman Kodak Co. — was remembered Tuesday for his sharp intellect, trustworthy nature and his "innate goodness."
Mayor Lovely Warren confirmed his death in a statement Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Redon, she said, passed away in Florida surrounded by his family, "after a long and courageous battle with cancer.”
He was 65.
It was nearly a year ago to the day that Mr. Redon announced he was stepping down, citing health concerns.
"It's time for me to go take care of me," he said at the time.
He first came to City Hall in July 2011, the top appointee of then-Mayor Thomas Richards. In Mr. Redon, Richards said he saw someone interested in the well-being of the community; someone who was "reliable, calm, intelligent ... very trustworthy." He had previously served as vice president of western operations for Paychex, which he joined after a 28-year career at Eastman Kodak Co. After retiring from Paychex in February 2011, he made a bucket list. One of the first items was, "be involved in something significant," he recalled months later at his swearing in.
When Warren took office in 2014, Mr. Redon was one of the few on Richards' senior management that she retained. Warren described Mr. Redon as "an extremely intelligent and charismatic leader." He retired last June.
"My energy level is not the same, so I don't think I'm contributing the way I have in the past. I think the mayor would be better served ...," he said in the lead-up to his stepping down, stopping mid-sentence and adding later: "It's not an easy decision."
The deputy mayor is in charge of day-to-day operations with oversight of most every city department. He was out front on all matters parking-related, sometimes delicate issues involving employee discipline. He was the post person on the now-defunct red light camera enforcement program, and a cost-saving switch to be self-insured for employee health care. Much of his volunteer work was in the area of health care, as well as youth development.
Warren noted Mr. Redon also was an accomplished sailor and musician, playing guitar and singing with the BureauCats, a band made up of city employees.
As word spread, condolences followed.
“I’m glad to have known Len Redon," said Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-Fairport, who first met and worked with him during his days at Kodak, and continuing at City Hall. "I will always remember Len’s extraordinary intellect and innate goodness. Today I offer my deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.”
City Council President Loretta Scott, on behalf of the entire Council, released a statement calling Mr. Redon "a dynamic leader."
"But even more importantly," she said, "he will be fondly remembered as a deputy mayor who was thoughtful, who was smart, and was approachable and accessible to everyone in the building."
Mr. Redon is survived by his wife, Denise, children Jason and Jennifer, and their families.
BDSHARP@Gannett.com
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Lenny at the 40th CHHS Reunion
