Tuesday Jul 10, 2012
Frankie ... You've inspired many, me included. Staying possitive is what I will remember the most. The drive to succeed is whats next.
Love always your cousin,
Eric
ERIC BURRELL - (Valley Stream, NY)
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Tuesday Jul 10, 2012
I will always remember your smile "Frankie" and how you always said Heyyyy as a young child... You were an insporation to all who knew you.. xoxo "tia" Debby
Debby Burrell - (Long Beach New York)
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Tuesday Jul 10, 2012
It is a tremendous loss for our school district and community. Your legacy will remain for the students will "Walk with a Purpose".
Cheryl Brehio-Lafond - (Central Falls, RI)
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Tuesday Jul 10, 2012
Leo will be missed. My wife remembers him as "the nicest man with a sweet nature." I remember him as always having a smile, quick laugh, and word of encouragement. Leo had a great testimony. For having so little time he left such a positive mark on his world.
Ben and Danielle Hill - (Mobile, AL)
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Wednesday Jul 11, 2012
My sincere sympathy to Leo's family. He had such an impact on both students and staff at C.F. High. His concern for the students and respect for his co-workers made him a strong role model for so many. He will be truly missed.
Paulette Barden - (Central Falls, RI)
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Wednesday Jul 11, 2012
I will always remember the very first time I met Leo. We connected from the very start I saw what was special in him and knew he was destined for great things. I followed him on his path to Harvard. I am shocked and saddened at the news I received yesterday on his passing. I am sure he was called on to even greater work.
Leo you will be missed!
Stephaanie M. Cruz - (Providence, RI)
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Wednesday Jul 11, 2012
I just heard the news and I'm shocked. Leo was such a positive rodel model not only for the students at C.Falls but also for the staff. He really wanted to make a difference and he did.It is a big loss for the whole commnunity even more for the students at CFHS. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family.
Vera Delgado - (Cranston, RI)
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Wednesday Jul 11, 2012
May the peace of Jesus that surpasses all understanding be with Leo's wife, children and family. We have lost a great man of God. I met Leo at our churche's bible study group. That night he gave the testimony of how God had rescued him from a life of sins in the streets of NY and how this restoration from God allowed him to go back to school and eventually recieve a full pay academic scholarship to Harvard University. That night I understood that I was in front of a special man. At the time I was in the process of going back to college my self and he inspired me to for it.
Esteban Gomez - (Providence, RI)
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Wednesday Jul 11, 2012
Leo was always an inspiration to everyone he met. It seemed his daily
task was to help and inspire. If you had the fortunate chance of
meeting him you would understand – just ask someone who did. This
theme is consistently echoed in the comments you’ve read over the
past few days.
I always thought there would be a movie based on Leo’s life. He was
dealt a pretty rough hand and he played it really well. I’m not one
for details as many of you know, but I think you’ll appreciate this
brief history of Leo’s life, from my perspective based on what
I’ve known. I know there’s a lot more…
This big Dominican from the Bronx/Brooklyn used to trip on overdosed
prostitutes in order to get out of his apartment building on the way
to school. It’s safe to say, growing up was not just tough, but the
odds were against Leo for making it out alive. Now, I’m a white kid
from suburbia. We used to watch movies like “New Jack City†and
think we could relate to the ghetto. Well, that movie wasn’t too far
from Leo’s life.
Leo ended up in a Catholic high school which is what he said was his
ticket out. Upon graduation he then joined the Marines and was
severely wounded in the Persian Gulf, resulting in some PTSD and a
daily dose of blood thinners for the rest of his life.
Leo married and divorced in NY while raising his two kids, then moved
to Rhode Island to remarry his wonderful wife Nelida, and raise her
family, while working for Providence school system. He spent most of
his days at Central High School, keeping the toughest students in
line, often taking them out of class to work with them after the
teachers gave up.
Around the summer of 2008, Leo met up with CrossFit Providence at
Brown Street Park and fell in love with CrossFit – I remember him
bumping into us just as we started warming up. Leo said “Hey, is
this CrossFit?†in a charming 1/2 New York, 1/2 Rhode Island, 100%
tough guy accent with a giant smile. By this point I was starting to
understand the fact that CrossFit brought together the most unexpected
of people. So, I wasn’t at all surprised by this dude. Not to
digress, but does anyone remember Teemo, the traveling parachute
packer from Iowa and his scooter??? Never mind, back to the story…
So, in 2009, once we became “officialâ€, as in opening our own box,
Leo became one of the first CrossFit Providence Coaches at CFP. We
paid for his certification in exchange that he could work it off by
helping us clean the place and coach. This he did beyond well. But, we
loved him most for his motivation and quotes. They became forever
engraved in our lives. This officially marks the Leo Sime Quote
Contest – please post favorite quotes to comments!
All this time, Leo has been enrolled at Rhode Island Community College
for his Associate’s Degree. For some reason he would always complain
about how much he hated Art class – I guess the teacher gave him a
hard time. Hopefully she’ll read this and can shed some light! Leo,
while raising his family, and working with the hardest to handle kids
at Central High, and coaching and cleaning at CFP, and preaching every
Sunday at church, ends up graduating from CCRI with honors in 2011 and
is selected to be the commencement speaker. (this is a great link so
click it if you didn’t)
So, have you complained about your life lately? Is your job stressing
you out? Not enough time to spend with you family?
Shortly after, Leo takes a similar job at Central Falls High School in
the Fall of 2011. Here’s a good link if you aren’t familiar with
CFHS at this time. I can tell you the school wasn’t featured on NPR
for its scholastic achievement. So, to inspire the Central Falls
students, Leo takes his CrossFit education to the high school and
starts a 700am CrossFit class three times per week. This class is
called an Extended Learning Opportunity and becomes an avenue for
students to earn alternative gym credits and graduate. As you probably
know, CrossFit transcends. The program has been a tremendous success
ever since! And CFP is committed to seeing the program succeed in the
name of Leo Sime. CrossFit Headquarters already offered two free Level
One Certifications to Central Falls staff and we are working on a
fundraiser Sept 8th for Leo and the CFHS program. Thanks also to CFP
Coach Andres Valencia for coaching this program.
Concurrently, yes it goes on, Leo decides he wants to become an
official teacher, even though he’s already taught hundreds of
students. So he applied to Brown and Harvard, obviously. He gets
denied by Brown and is BS for a month. But then he’s accepted by
Harvard. At this point I’m like, where’s the screenwriter for this
one?
Leo, was studying in creative writing and wanted to be a writer
someday. A few of his stories can be found here but there will be more
posted as they are made available. I can only imagine the impact he
would have made as a “teacher†and a “writerâ€.
Leo will always be remembered for his giant smile, his commitment to
his family and community, his motivation, good spirit, and his passion
for contributing to something greater than himself. I think we can all
learn one more lesson from Leo Sime.
Judah
07.10.2012
FIREBREATHER!
Mike Liberatore -
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Wednesday Jul 11, 2012
1.
Gym
07.10.2012
My favorite quote from Leo was “until the wheels fall off!†That
was his way of saying he was going to give everything he had. And he
did often. Great write up Mike. Thank you
Gym
07.11.2012
I also wanted to post a copy of a letter of recommendation I wrote for
Leo back in 2010. I am so happy that I was asked to write it, because
it gave me an opportunity to express to Leo what he was to me and
everyone else.
December 7, 2010
To whom it may concern,
I have known Leo Sime for approx. 2 years. In that time I have not met
another person who is more caring, or more genuine. When I first met
Leo I immediately recognized leadership traits that I myself had
learned in the Marine Corps and attempt to emulate on a daily basis;
but unlike me, Leo does not attempt to emulate them, he exemplifies
them. Traits like bearing, dependability, enthusiasm, integrity, tact,
and unselfishness.
Leo conducts and carries himself in a manner that reflects alertness,
competence, confidence, and control. Leo was one of the first Coaches
at CrossFit Providence that could be consistently relied upon and
trusted enough to open the Gym in the early morning without fail. Leo
continuously puts forth his best effort and achieves the highest
standards of performance in everything he does. I can not think of a
time when Leo has failed to perform his duties to the highest of
qualities without just cause. If I was starting my own business I
would not hesitate to make Leo a “cornerstone example†of what a
model employee should act like.
Leo also has a sincere interest and exuberance in life that is
immediately recognized the moment you talk with him. Unlike others who
are just waiting for you to finish talking so they can speak, Leo has
a way about him that lets you know he is listening and is sincerely
interested in what you have to say. Leo talks with people in a manner
that maintains good relations and avoids problems. He is polite, calm,
and firm.
On a recent trip that Leo and I took to New York, I was given the
opportunity to see the humble beginnings that Leo grew up in. Others
in his position might feel as though they are owed something but Leo
is the opposite. Because of his humble beginnings he works twice as
hard to bring about his own good fortune and fate. During this trip to
New York, and the meetings leading up to it, Leo displayed a
hospitality that demonstrated to me a high level of unselfishness. It
was evident that Leo avoids making himself comfortable at the expense
of others.
When asked if I could write a reference letter I was more than happy
to do so. This letter was not only a privilege to write but was also
effortless because of Leo’s good moral character and work ethic that
has been displayed to me for the past 2 years.
In today’s age of ‘bigger than life’ ideals of how people should
conduct and carry themselves Leo is an example that through constant,
continuous, effort you can make something of yourself that will be
evident to others without displaying a lot of fanfare. His aspiration
of constant self improvement is contagious and I am glad I have been
close enough to Leo to catch it.
Sincerely,
James R Needham
Sergeant
Cranston Police Department
2.
JNelson
07.11.2012
I’m sure there are no words I can write here to make this great loss
easier to deal with. During any of my military deployments or trips, I
have never worried about myself, but instead my concern is always with
my friends and family back home. You realize while you are gone, life
as you know it continues every day. And a few days ago this fear has
come true, I have lost a great friend, and the community has lost an
outstanding individual. I met Leo back in 2009 when I first started
with CFP, we had a strong connection due to his military background.
He cared so much about other people that he celebrated their
achievements as if they were his own. I would consistently wake up for
the early morning class just to get the opportunity to train alongside
him. One time, when I knew Leo would be working out alone after a
class was over, I surprised him by walking into the box and saying,
“we need to do the Lumberjack 20 (Hero WOD for the Soldiers killed
in the Fort Hood shooting),†without hesitation he replied with,
“of course we do!†Many of times we battled each other in workouts
finishing only a few seconds apart, to this his response was always
the same, “I’ve got you in my cross-hairs.†Mike Lib has covered
what an incredible individual Leo was, so I won’t go on and on with
stories that I have replayed in my head over the last few days.
My log book has many phrases written next to workouts that Leo said
just before or during a WOD that made me give it just a little more,
but one has always stuck with me:
“It’s just you against yourself…â€
I used this quote on the back of the shirts that I made for the
CrossFit Tarin Kowt organization here in Afghanistan. These words
continue to be repeated by Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen from the US
Military. Leo has truly had the ability to affect people he has never
met. Its not how fast you go, or how strong you are, or if you had the
best results of the day on the CFP white board. Leo made me realize
the importance giving it everything you have, everyday. And making
sure that you were able to surpass yourself and your own limitations.
Leo, you were an amazing person and will be missed greatly by so many
others. Your intestinal fortitude will carry on with those whose lives
you have changed. May God bless your family in these difficult times.
Good-Bye Leo, but most of all, Thank you!
Friends from the Gym -
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Wednesday Jul 11, 2012
3.
kristen
07.11.2012
I am not certain what more I can say, but I will give it a shot.
Although I have Gino to thank for Crossfit “fundamentals†(way
back in the Boy Scout building), Leo was often the only other person
at CFP at 5:45am during its humble beginnings. Leo was my first coach
and taught me to go “until the wheels fall offâ€. Many mornings he
was working out while coaching and motivated me in a way no one else
was able. His smile and high five at the end of FGB or Filthy Fifty
was worth every ounce of sweat. He let me cry and swear, but always
encouraged me to finish.
The words inspirational and motivational do not do Leo justice. He
changed lives, he made a difference, he embodied what it means to be a
Crossfit coach, and he embodied what it means to be driven, caring and
empathetic. Our loss is great because Leo impacted our lives in great
ways.
My sympathies to Leo’s family, friends and students,
Kristen
4.
Kiwi Josh
07.11.2012
The Leo Sime quote that always comes to mind is, “k, let’s get a
sip o’ water and we’ll bang ‘dis out!â€.
You’re a champion, Leo. You’ll be missed mate.
5.
Fiji
07.11.2012
Lets bang this out!
You’re an animal!
I wanna roll with the big dogs!
6.
Doug C
07.11.2012
Mike, Gym, Jeff, and Kristen thank you for sharing your memories of
Leo. He was one of my first coaches and he pushed me harder than
anyone. He changed my life.
The quotes that keep coming back to me are
FIREBREATHER
GET A SIP OF WATER
7.
Doug B
07.11.2012
“Intestinal fortitudeâ€
“I’ve got you in my crosshairsâ€
And my all-time favorite, “Where my FIREBREATHERS at??â€
Leo, sorry for all of the times my jump rope ripped through your
flowers at the old box. He used to hate that!
Great guy, great coach, just a real class act.
8.
Cade
07.11.2012
Leo will be missed. One of the first guys to great me when I came in
to the gym. We are all better people for knowing such an awesome
dude.
9.
Brian Ray
07.11.2012
What these beautiful tributes and others that Leo’s friends have
shared the past few days make clear is that he was a unique individual
who had the power to touch people and inspire them from the very first
meeting. I’ve no doubt there are hundreds more people with similar
memories of Leo.
I’m one of those hundreds. I probably only talked to Leo half a
dozen times in my 2 year association with CFP but every time I did he
made me feel good about what I was doing and made me want to do better
and most importantly, made me want to be a better person.
One of the last times I saw him he greeted me with a loud,
enthusiastic “Brian, You’re a Manimal!â€
A huge complement, by the way.
After the sadness of his way too soon passing fades a little, I think
the best way to honor Leo and the life he led is for each of us to try
to be more like him.
To be helpful, to be usefull, to be a positive influence to the people
in our lives is a high calling. One that Leo answered better than most
of us ever will.
But I’m going to try. I’m going to hit it hard – until the
wheels come off!
My condolences to Leo’s family and the many people who knew and
loved him. He will be missed.
10.
kevin Perez
07.11.2012
Combat Boots A Poem by – Leo Sime )
I am awakened And he invades My body. We join in unison I feel his
every pulse. Damn! He hugs me tightly. My arms laced over each other.
He doesn’t want me to let go. I feel his sweat push against my body.
It’s going to get ugly because, His fear and adrenaline are silent
and cold. Like a discounted appendage, and the cut-rate chilla I am
seldom given the merit I deserve …if he only knew. Only in times of
haste I am recognized. With each stride I bring validity to his
existence, covering as much ground as possible, with the breath of my
sole. During the day I am close to him. Akin to his skin and clothes.
At night he retreats and I stand relaxed ready as the faithful cohort.
Waiting for the early morning rise. I know him with disconnected
affection. Where I’m from feeling is obsolete! I act in concert,
seeing the empty shell casings full of death. The odor of my
surroundings is not invasive as the air above. I am close to the floor
of battle. Blood flowing in silence, feeding the desert with its life
sustaining force. Indiscriminate to what is below, I advance! For the
life of my owner depends on his tread. I am his foundation! He
depends. From our countless expeditions his weight has taken its toll.
Like him, I have grown weary. !Estoy cansao! I am worn out.
Participating as a roving camera in the theatre of war. Watching man
and his misconstrued bravado implode. In due time I realize I have run
my course. Estoy viejo. And I seek freedom from his hold and I rebel
with the stench of my earth.
My combat boots have a voice of their own…an inanimate object
brought to life.
Friends from the Gym -
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Wednesday Jul 11, 2012
I met Leo when he first started going to the First Church of God in Elmwood Ave. He was one of the few volunteer interpreters. I remember he always had a smile on his face and was a nice person. I used to sit next to where he interpreted during the sermons, and he was always in need of gum, I remember he used to always ask me for a piece of gum every Sunday. It was funny because it just became a normal thing... he always said that he was going to pay me back.. and one day he did he buy a whole pack of gum. One day I was waiting for the city bus in my high school years, and he offered me a ride. He always motivated me to keep studying. Another memory I have of him, is how he helped one of the leaders deliver a sermon. Leo grabbed his military camouflage suit and helped form part of an illustration that really impacted the men at a church retreat. God Bless His Family, one day we'll reunite in heaven.
Tomas Morales - (Providence, RI)
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Wednesday Jul 11, 2012
Leo was the first person to coach me at CrossFit, 3 years ago. He had been coaching my husband, who had been at the gym for about a year before I worked up enough nerve to go.
I had never had my ass kicked so hard in my life, but I had also never met someone so warm, so funny, and so kind. I never once felt out of place, never felt I couldn't do something, never felt like I didn't belong when Leo was coaching our group.
He was a king among men; a leader, a teacher, a father, and the greatest listener.
I remember when he would show me his art work on his phone, bemoaning how silly he felt taking art class, while in college, and yet he had the artist mind; always curious, always seeking something more.
My life was made better knowing him and whenever he told me to dig deeper, I knew he meant it and that it was my responsibility to do it.
I will never forget Leo. He was, truly, one of my favorite people. I will miss him so very much.
Lesley Bunnell - (Providence, RI)
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Wednesday Jul 11, 2012
My deepest condolences to Leo's family, friends and co-workers. What an inspirational leader you were and will continue to be for our students. You did make a difference. You did walk with purpose. Rest with Jesus and the Angels of heaven.
Anna Cano Morales - (North Providence)
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Thursday Jul 19, 2012
I knew Leo for a few years taking classes together in Boston. The guy amazed me with his thoughts about everything from ancient history to CrossFit to the Gulf to the joy that his family brought to him. His face always lit up the most talking about his family. He was always thoughtful -- when I'd miss a class, he'd often call me or copy his class notes and handouts for me. I really miss the guy. He had said that his faith carried him through some difficult times, and I know that it sustained him throughout his life.
Scott Good - (Portland, Maine)
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Saturday Jul 21, 2012
You were a great man. You discovered your path and followed your journey with great courage and motivation. You taught me that we are what we believe in, and that we can achieve the unachievable. Thank you for sharing valuable lessons with me. We cannot control many things in this earth, and sadly you left us so early, but you will be forever in our hearts. You are now a spirit of the universe, and you are now in peace.
Cristina Robalo - (Boston, Massachusetts)
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Thursday Aug 23, 2012
I knew Leo most of my Life and he was the most amazing and unforgettable person I’ve ever Known. The world has suffered a great lose.
Joanny Cabrera - (Brooklyn, NY)
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Friday Oct 05, 2012
Crossfit at the high school is going great. The numbers are in the high teens you really started something amazing Leo. The kids miss and love you. I can't thank you enough for every thing you taught me about life and about how to live it. You took me in like a brother and I will never forget that. You told me one time adapt improvise over come during a wod one time and ever sénce then I apply that to any rod block or obsticle I have in my life and I over come it. I am haveing a baby in April prob a girl I will tell her about my friend Leo and what you taught me. I will not forget you Leo.
Joshua Reis - (Ri)
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Wednesday Nov 28, 2012
You'll be missed!
James Almonte - (Providence, RI)
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Friday Jun 07, 2013
Miss you my dear friend and brother... I know your looking down on me Smiling... Till we meet again.. SEMPER FI
Michael Tenaglia - (New Fairfield CT)
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