Leonard J. Henson, a life-long Medford resident, passed away with Barbara, his beloved wife of 61 years, at his side in the Lahey Clinic on Thursday, March 21st. He was 83. Born in Medford, Leonard was the son of the late James and Mary (Balos) Henson.
Not long after finishing high school, Len embarked on a life full of adventure and accomplishment. Enlisting in the US Army, Leonard served in the Military Police Corps at West Point. After his discharge he enrolled at Northeastern University earning his Bachelor of Science with honor and then went onto earn his JD, cum laude, at Suffolk University Law School. After serving as Law Clerk and Chief Law Clerk to the Justices of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, he was appointed as an Assistant District Attorney for Suffolk County, serving in the Major Violators Division and later as Chief of the Organized Crime Division. After leaving the District Attorney’s office in 1994, Len worked with several law firms and was for several years Of Counsel in the firm of McCue, Lee and Greene.
Not long after finishing law school, Len became an adjunct faculty member at Suffolk Law, lecturing in Professional Responsibility, Legal Ethics and Criminal Law. Leonard also enlisted in the United States Navy, JAG Corps, serving from 1978 – 2000 and attaining the rank of Captain. During his military service, he attended the Naval Justice School and served in various postings. In the Navy he used his legal expertise in various administrative, advocacy, training and ethics assignments. He continued to teach while in the military, lecturing in trial advocacy courses for the Navy and Marine Corps throughout the United States, Okinawa and South Korea. He became a Naval Parachutist and jumped while cross-assigned with the U.S. Army Special Forces, along with Canadian and British soldiers. A grateful nation awarded Captain Henson with many medals and commendations for his service.
Len and his wife Barbara had a wonderful life together. Husband and wife and best friends they enjoyed each other’s company and looked forward to sharing time together at home. Possessed of a wonderful sense of humor, Len was a great joke teller. He enjoyed photography in his younger years and was an avid marksman. With a rich voice and commanding presence, Len was a natural on the courtroom floor or parade ground.
The beloved husband of Barbara M. (Bruno) Henson, Leonard leaves his dear sister Margaret H. Bruno of Medford. He leaves his cherished friend Charis Berck of Reading and his loving K-9 companion Marvel. Len was the dear brother-in-law of Lorraine Pandolfino of Shrewsbury, MA, Daniel M. Bruno of Stoneham, MA and Thomas A. Bruno of Boxborough, MA and he is survived by many dear and loving nieces, nephews and close and devoted friends.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at Saint Athanasius the Great Church, 4 Appleton Street, Arlington on Friday, March 29th from 11AM – 12 Noon, with a funeral service at Noon. Burial with military honors will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.