Patrick Leno was the older brother of Jay Leno, the famous comedian and television host. Patrick was a Vietnam War veteran and a Yale-educated attorney who had a close bond with his younger sibling. Sadly, Patrick passed away in 2002 after succumbing to cancer, the same disease that had taken both their parents less than a decade earlier.
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Patrick Leno’s Early Life and Career
Patrick Leno was born on May 12, 1940, in New York City, to Angelo and Catherine Leno. His parents were immigrants who arrived in the United States before they had their two boys. Angelo was of Italian descent, while Catherine had her origins in Scotland. Patrick and Jay were born ten years apart, but they grew up in Andover, Massachusetts, after their family moved there.
Patrick was a bright and talented student who attended New Rochelle High School in New York. According to his high school yearbook, he participated in choir, tennis, Kiwanis basketball, and enjoyed building model ships. He later went on to study at Yale University, where he graduated with a law degree.
Patrick was drafted into the army in his early 20s and served in the Vietnam War. He survived the brutality of the war and returned to pursue a successful career as an attorney. He worked for various law firms and organizations, specializing in civil litigation and corporate law.
Patrick Leno’s Relationship with Jay Leno
Patrick Leno had a tight bond with his little brother Jay, who was born on April 28, 1950. Jay followed a different path from Patrick, as he became interested in comedy and entertainment. Jay started doing stand-up comedy in the 1970s and eventually became the host of NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno from 1992 to 2009.
Despite their different personalities and careers, Patrick and Jay supported each other and shared a sense of humor. Jay once said that Patrick was the more intelligent one of the two, and that he bought him a house in Massachusetts, which he still owns. Jay also said that Patrick was his best friend and that they talked on the phone every day.
Patrick Leno’s Death from Cancer
Patrick Leno faced a tragic fate when he was diagnosed with cancer in the late 1990s. He had to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which took a toll on his health and appearance. He lost his hair and weight, but he never lost his spirit and optimism.
Patrick’s cancer was the same disease that had claimed the lives of his parents. His mother Catherine died in 1993, while his father Angelo died in 1994. Both of them had been married for over 50 years and had naturalized as American citizens.
Patrick died on October 6, 2002, at the age of 62. He was buried in West Parish Garden Cemetery in Andover, Massachusetts. His death left a huge void in Jay’s life, who said that he missed him terribly. Jay also said that he hoped that Patrick was proud of him and that he loved him very much.
Patrick Leno’s Legacy
Patrick Leno was a remarkable man who lived a full and adventurous life. He served his country in war, excelled in his profession as a lawyer, and loved his family unconditionally. He was also a generous and kind person who donated to various charities and causes.
Patrick Leno’s legacy lives on through his brother Jay, who continues to make people laugh and smile with his comedy and television shows. Jay has also honored Patrick’s memory by supporting various organizations that help veterans and cancer patients.
Patrick Leno was more than just Jay Leno’s brother. He was a hero, a friend, and an inspiration to many. He will always be remembered for his courage, intelligence, and humor.
