Leif "Lee" Eikeseth, who had a 36 year career in Transit and was a former Maintenance Chairman of TA Surface, will be honored by having a street co-named in his honor on Staten Island on May 15th. Brother Eikeseth passed away in March of 2019 but the re-naming ceremony was put on hold due to the pandemic, his wife Mary said. The unveiling of the sign will take place at 9:30 at the intersection of Woodrow Road and Deserre Avenue, near the family home.
TA Surface Vice President JP Patatio and Maintenance Division Chair Danny Ascona remember Lee as a well-liked advocate for the membership and an excellent Maintainer. His widow Mary said Lee was "always very proud of his job with New York City Transit." Before being elected as Division Chair, he was the Maintenance Shop Steward at Ulmer Park.
Before beginning his career with NYCT, Lee served with the Army Special Forces from 1974 to 1980 and wore the green beret. He held the rank of Sergeant, and the sign will commemorate Sergeant Leif Eikeseth. He leaves three daughters, Krystina, Eryka, and Dayna, as well as two grandchildren, with another one on the way.
Within months of his retirement from transit, Lee came down with an aggressive metastatic cancer that quickly took his life. He wa 63. Doctors linked his illness to his service on the pile at the World Trade Center site where he volunteered after 9/11. His wife Mary, who is a Registered Nurse, and his daughters were with him at his hospital bed during his last hours. "I loved him with all my heart," she said.
All members are invited to the street naming.
