Leonard Lapenta, 1930–2026, loving husband, father and grandfather

Leonard J. “Lenny” Lapenta, of Waltham, died Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Lahey Hospital in Burlington. He was 95.

Lenny was born in Boston on Nov. 16, 1930, the son of the late Philip and Amy (Fortucci) Lapenta, and was raised in Brighton. After graduating from Boston Technical High School he joined the U.S. Army and served with an engineering battalion in Germany.

After his discharge from the service he went to work for his Uncle Tony at his auto repair shop in Brighton, eventually taking over the operation until his retirement. Lenny had the ability to fix almost anything and was relied upon by family, friends and his customers who considered him a close friend.

Following his May 1955 marriage to West Roxbury native Patricia M. Murphy at Saint John Chrysostom Church in West Roxbury, the couple lived in Brighton before moving to Waltham five years later.

Lenny and Pat were long time members of Saint Jude Parish in Waltham where they were very active in church and school affairs. She and Lenny took up skiing at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, New Hampshire and grew to love the sport. As often they could the family spent time at their home in North Woodstock, New Hampshire where winters were spent at Loon Mountain and summers were spent exploring the beauty and attractions in the White Mountains.

In retirement Lenny also worked for a number of years at Loon Mountain and as often as he could played a round of golf at Jack-O-Lantern Golf Club in Woodstock, New Hampshire. He also enjoyed fishing and looked forward to spending time on his boat off the coast of Rockport.

Time spent with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren created the happiest memories for Lenny and Pat and brought great joy to their lives.

The couple enjoyed seventy happy years together until Pat’s death on Palm Sunday of last year.

Lenny leaves his children, Marie Boyd of Yarmouthport, Denise Feloney (Lawrence) of Natick, Philip Lapenta (Diane) of Framingham and Leonard J. Lapenta, Jr. (Lori) of Melrose; his grandchildren, Jessica, Jennifer, Lawrence, Kara, Amy, Cali and Jenna; his great-grandchildren, Bryson and Hunter; his sister, Bernice Rodd; and several nieces, nephews and their families.

Lenny was also the father of the late Marc Lapenta.

Family and friends will honor and remember Lenny’s life by gathering for a morning wake in The Joyce Funeral Home. 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, April 1 from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m., followed by his funeral service at 12 p.m. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery, Waltham.