LeRoy Colombo

by Leah Ward
(Williamsburg, Virginia, U.S.)

LeRoy Colombo

LeRoy Colombo was born on December 23, 1905 in Galveston, Texas. He was diagnosed with spinal meningitis when he was seven years old, which caused him to lose his hearing and the use of his legs. His brothers helped him to swim and within the next year he could walk again.

He became a lifeguard and he became a member of the Galveston toboggan surf club in 1923. LeRoy won a lot of swimming races and set a record that was added to the Guinness world book of records, by saving 907 lives.

He was not very appreciated, but that didn't bother him. When he was sixty two he was forced to quit life guarding because of a heart condition, he still kept his eye out for people in danger and did what he could.

Colombo died July 12th 1974. There is a plaque in Galveston on the beach now honoring him, along with awards and metals in museums.

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LeRoy Colombo

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Dec 06, 2012
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a personal friend NEW
by: Mike Clifton

When I was a little boy, my family usually went to Galveston to swim. We always went to a certain spot on the seawall where LeRoy Colombo located. When he saw us, he always offered us blue/yellow
air mattress to use as our life vest. I always amazed at how he swim in the strong current in Gulf of Mexico. He swam as gracefully as a fish. Listened to him telling his rescue stories was amazing. I am glad I got to know him and still remember a deaf lifeguard that I once looked upon as an unsung hero.

Oct 23, 2010
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Leroy Columbo-Great Swimmer & Friend
by: Anonymous

I remembered Leroy when I lived in Galveston (1958-1972). I had a couple of beers with him a few times. He was a good gentlemen. I could understand some of his sign language.

Sep 21, 2010
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awareness
by: Kim H

I too had heard stories about him. My father had heard of him even though he went to school for the Deaf in Baton Rouge. It is sad though when I went to the visitors center they did not know who I was talking about. I told who he was and that he had a special plaque on the seawall. They still couldn't find anything on him. Hope fully that has changed as of late. I say we should have a Leroy Colombo day. He is a role model for all Deaf children,life guards in Texas and beyond.

Sep 04, 2010
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Family
by: Susan

I heard many stories of Leroy from my mother, he was her cousin. I dont think 2 many people appreciate lifegaurds in general, especially deaf 1's. Thank you Leroy.

Jul 12, 2010
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Guinness Book Of World Records
by: Don Mize

The 1982 Guinness Book Of World Records has Leroy Colombo listed under Life Saving on page 400 Human Achievements.
It states the following :

Life Saving. In Nov 1974, the City of Galveston, Tex and the Noon Optimist Club unveiled a plaque to the deaf-mute lifeguard Leroy Colombo (1905-74), who saved 907 people from drowning in the waters around Galveston Island from 1917 to his death.

The ISBN number is (ISBN 0-8069-0225-6 Library)
(ISBN 0-8069-0224-8 Trade).

Jul 03, 2010
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Uncle Leroy
by: Jessica Williams

I have heard from my grandfather stories of Leroy Colombo for years, because he was my grandfather's uncle. It was bittersweet that he never saw the street sign at the corner of 57th street and Seawall Blvd. My mother told me stories of him from when she was a child, though he no longer was a lifeguard at that time. We still look for a copy of the Guiness World Record book recognizing his achievements.

Jun 03, 2010
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Texas Historical Marker, Street Name,Grave Stone
by: Don Mize

In 2007 I was walking the Seawall in Galveston and noticed the marker the Rotary club in Galveston had put on the Seawall for Leroy. I thought that he would be a great subject for a Texas Historical Marker and someone who needs a street named for him. The Galveston Beach Patrol Association set up a bank account for donations for the Texas Historical Marker and street signage, etc.
People were generous in donating money. During my research. I contacted Russ Colombo who is Leroy's nephew he said there was a professor named Jean Andrews of Lamar University who was also doing research for a book. Jean and I have enjoyed sharing information. If you go to Galveston check out the Texas Historical Marker (2008) in front of the Convention Center at the Corner of Leroy Colombo's View (57th street and Seawall Blvd. and his grave marker in Calvary Cemetery on 61st street. I am waiting for Jean's book to be published before I schedule the marker and street dedication ceremony. I want to be the first one to buy a copy. Jean and I plan to meet in person this Summer.

May 27, 2010
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The Greatest of All Time
by: Anonymous

I knew LeRoy from the late 40's until his death.

People can't imagine a deaf life guard at the Gulf of Mexico during a time when most families went to the Gulf to swim.

At night, when it was dark and the beach was empty LeRoy would take off his Life Guard Hat and whistle and swim out to the Shrimp Boats (which looked like toys on the horizen) and the Shrimpers would wrap fresh Gulf Shrimp in a plastic bag, LeRoy would swim back with dinner in hand. What a swimmer. I talking the Gulf of Mexico not some lake.

Everyone liked him, he was an extremely nice man.

May 19, 2010
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Thanks
by: Anonymous

As a lifeguard of many years, thanks for posting this. I was once in Galveston swimming before a big race in the see and saw that sign. As a lifeguard trainer, i was shocked I had never heard about him. I hope the Red cross is giving more credit to him these days.

Jan 04, 2010
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Thank you!
by: Michelle Jay - Webmaster

You're absolutely right! Thank you so much for adding LeRoy Colombo to this list. :)

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LeRoy Colombo

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