Stew Leonard Jr. Honored By NYC Mayor For Saving Choking Person

NORWALK, CT — New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared Friday "Stew Leonard Jr. Day" to honor the Stew Leonard's president and CEO for his life-saving actions at a New York television news station last week.

According to a post on the store's Facebook page, Adams decided to honor Leonard after he "sprang into action and saved a PIX11 crew member from choking by performing the Heimlich maneuver" on them.

"Happy Stew Leonard Jr. Day to all those who celebrate," the post reads. "Oh, you didn't know it was Stew Leonard Jr. Day? It is now!"

During a Friday morning appearance on PIX11, Leonard was joined by Adams and Kurt Bennett, the station's engineer who Leonard saved from choking last week.

According to PIX11, word of Leonard's act of heroism quickly got around and caught the attention of Adams, who "wanted to personally recognize Leonard's quick-thinking and bravery."

Bennett walked the PIX11 hosts through the incident that led up to Leonard saving his life on set a week prior, and Leonard noted he had recently completed lifeguard training which gave him the confidence to take the lead and perform the Heimlich maneuver on Bennett.

Adams then presented Leonard with a proclamation declaring Aug. 8, 2025, as "Stew Leonard Jr. Day" in New York City. (The full video of Leonard's appearance on PIX11 can be viewed here.)

"Let's celebrate the day by being kind, brushing up on our safety skills, and wishing our fellow foodies and friends across the tri-state a happy Stew Leonard Jr. Day," the store's post reads.

See also: Stew Leonard Jr. Comes To Rescue Of Choking Person In NYC

On Aug. 1, Stew Leonard's shared the news of the company CEO's heroic actions on the store's Facebook page.

"After a recent guest segment at a NYC news station (following a mouthwatering steak recipe demo!), Stew was on his way out when something unexpected happened—someone in the studio began choking on a piece of the steak," store officials wrote. "Without hesitation, Stew stepped in and performed the Heimlich maneuver, a skill he learned through life-saving training taken as part of his commitment to Stewie the Duck Swim School."

Leonard has always placed people first and created the Stewie the Duck Swim School after losing his son, Stewie III, in a pool accident in 1989.

"We've always known Stew Leonard Jr. to be a leader who leads with heart—but the other day, he showed just how deep that heart goes," officials wrote.

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The popular grocery store chain is known for its friendly staff, whimsical displays and promotions, as well as its loyal customers.

The family-run chain was founded in Norwalk in 1969 and now has locations in Danbury and Newington, as well as three New York stores and two New Jersey locations.

"Stew would never call himself a hero," officials said. "But we saw it with our own eyes, and we know: he saved a life. Stew, we're incredibly proud of you."

Includes additional reporting by Alfred Branch, Patch Staff