Obituary of Leonard "Lenny" E. Spence

LEONARD E. SPENCE PEABODY - Leonard E. "Lenny" Spence, 88, devoted husband of Virginia Spence of Peabody, died peacefully at his home Thursday, February 7, 2008, in the presence of his family, after a long illness. Born in Peabody, he was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Mary E. (Newton) Spence. He was a lifelong resident of the city. He proudly served as a Seabee in the United States Navy during World War II. Mr. Spence founded Spence Welding Service, Inc., in the early 1960s and successfully operated it with his sons until retiring in 1984. His son Kenneth continues to run the business. Lenny will be remembered as a person who enjoyed simplicity, had a marvelous sense of humor, brought out the best in others, and treasured his time with his family and friends. Throughout his life he was an extraordinary gardener. In his retirement, he mastered baking and pasta making. He was a devoted Bruins and Red Sox fan and enjoyed golf and skiing. Most of all, however, he enjoyed attending and following every activity of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He will be missed dearly by his family. He was a devoted husband; an extraordinary father, grandfather, and great grandfather; favorite uncle; and loyal friend to many. He is survived by his wife, Virginia "Ginnie" (Legro) Spence of Peabody, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage; his son, Kenneth S. Spence of Peabody; his daughter, Linda J. and her husband Austin Lydon of Bloomfield, CT; his daughter-in-law, Janet Spence of Wakefield, NH; his four grandchildren, Jay and wife Julie Spence of Newburyport, Timothy and wife Julie Spence of Worcester, Jane Lydon and Peter Lydon of Bloomfield, CT; his four great grandchildren, Dexter Huppe, Cole T. Spence, Owen P. Spence, and Molly E. Spence; brothers-in-law Pride A. Cooper, Jr., and Arthur J. Gagnon, both of Peabody; many special nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and many friends and business associates. He was predeceased by his sons Thomas E. and William L. Spence and his sisters Lillian Cooper and Madeline Gagnon. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Thursday, February 14, 2008, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn Street, Peabody. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VNA Care Network and Hospice, 5 Federal Street, Danvers, MA 01923.