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Leonard S. Ceglarski Sr.

1926 - 2017

Leonard S. Ceglarski Sr. obituary, 1926-2017, Duxbury, MA

FUNERAL HOME

James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home

48 Common Street

Walpole, Massachusetts

Leonard Ceglarski Obituary

Leonard Stanley Ceglarski Sr. passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2017 in Plymouth, Massachusetts after a brief illness. Len was born on June 27, 1926 in Walpole, Massachusetts; he was the youngest of Stella and Anthony Ceglarskis eight children. Len attended Boston College, where he was a member of the 1949 NCAA Championship hockey team. He earned All-American honors after the 1949-50 season. In the off-season, Len was an All- East second baseman for the BC baseball team. After his graduation in 1951, Len joined the United States Marine Corps. While serving in the Marines, he was named to the U.S.Olympic hockey team which won a silver medal at Oslo, Norway in 1952. In 1952, Len married Ursula Murphy at St. Theresa Church in Watertown, Massachusetts. Len taught and coached at Walpole High School before being named head hockey coach at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. In his fourteen seasons at Clarkson, he took his team to three National Championship games. In 1972, Len was named head hockey coach at his alma mater, Boston College, where he coached for twenty seasons. When he concluded his 34 year coaching career in 1992, he retired with the most victories ever amassed in the history of the game on the college level. Over the course of his career, Len received many honors and awards. He was inducted into The Massachusetts High School, Boston College, Clarkson University, US Hockey, and the National Polish-American Sports Halls of Fame, received the NHLs Lester Patrick Award for outstanding service to hockey, and was awarded three Spencer Penrose Trophies given to the national coach of the year. Befitting his approach to the game, Hockey East established The Len Ceglarski Sportsmanship award in 1992. His integrity, humility, and desire for excellence, brought honor to the game of hockey and impacted the lives of countless players along the way. Above all, Len will be remembered as a role model and teacher, both on and off the ice. He enjoyed an active retirement in Duxbury, Massachusetts, and was devoted to his family. He took great pride in his six sons, and found immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his beloved wife of 65 years, Len is survived by his sons, Mark (Joanne) of Bristol, CT; Leonard Jr, (Catherine) of Byfield, MA; Paul (Eileen) of Darien, CT; Peter (Susan) of Westlake Village, CA; Michael (Julie) of Marian, NC; and Timothy (Gilson) of Quincy, MA; 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours are Tuesday, December 19th from 10 am - 1 pm at James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole, MA. A private memorial service will be held following the calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to support retired Jesuit priests at the Campion Health Center, 319 Concord Road, Weston, MA 02493.

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Published by Walpole Times from Dec. 19 to Dec. 28, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Ceglarski

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Pep Joe Carpentieri

September 9, 2025

He was my coach in hockey and will always remain my coach in life.

Coleman Foley

December 10, 2023

Len was a great hockey player and also a great coach.

Coleman Foley

December 10, 2021

Len Ceglarski had a profound influence on my life. After graduating from Boston College and serving as a Marine officer he was my hockey coach for three years at Norwood, MA high school. He encouraged me to attend Boston college, and after graduating I became a Marine officer, saying to myself if it was good enough for Len it was good for me. The Marine Corps was one of the best decions I made.

Semper Fi my wonderful mentor.

Coleman "Coley" Foley

Bruce Bullock

December 25, 2017

Kenny just the best coach but he was also probably; along with my father, the most influential man in my life. He gave me the opportunity to go to Clarkson and set me on course through life that I will be forever grateful for. I talked to him on his last birthday and it brought back many wonderful memories.

My condolences to the Ceglarski family. Kenny will be missed by so many.

Amy Clasby-Sullivan BC 85

December 22, 2017

On behalf of Ed, Mary and all the Clasbys we offer our sincerest condolences on the loss of of Coach Ceglarski. We grew up with Dad telling us about skating with Coach, as well as playing baseball with him. According to Dad, Coach not only played sports at the highest level, but lived his life with integrity, an amazing work ethic and grit. Over the years, Dad has expressed his deepest regards for Coach's friendship and leadership both on and off the ice.
As student my siblings and I enjoyed watching Coach Ceglarski's Eagles battle it out on the ice. Win or lose we were sure to see a great game!
As people of faith we pray that Coach is with our Lord- watching over his lovely wife, devoted family, and the many student-athletes whose lives he influenced forever.
Rest in peace.
Ed & Mary Clasby BC 50
Beth Clasby-Eyster BC Nsg 78
Shaun C Clasby BC 84

Paul Hunt

December 20, 2017

Many memories of playing against those great Walpole teams of the late 50's.
Later, to talk with him at BC games was a special treat.
RIP Marine and Semper Fi.

Ed Rosen [email protected]

December 20, 2017

Dear Mrs. Ceglarski and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Coach Ceglarski. He was a great coach, and a wonderful person. For every kid like me that attended SVS Hockey School at Taft Prep in the 1970's, it was always a thrill to have him as our on ice coach that day. He would instruct us, and was always patient, and never raised his voice to get his point across.

I had a chance to see Boston College play quite a few times when Lenny was coaching there, and he always made a few minutes to chat with me after those games to catch up on my life. He always had such a positive attitude.

After Len retired I would still see him at B.C. games, and we would always talk for a few minutes, usually about how college hockey had improved over the years, about the old days at SVS, and about some of the favorite players he coached at Clarkson and Boston College and about some of his old rivalries.

I started coaching youth hockey about 35 years ago because Coach Ceglarski suggested that I try that to stay involved in the game after my playing days were over. I still coach today, and still use strategies I learned from him as a kid at hockey camp 40 years ago !!!! RIP Coach Ceglarski.

Tommy Murray

December 19, 2017

Sending condolences to Ursula and all the Ceglarski boys. Lots of wonderful memories of Lenny, a great coach and an even better man.

Steve Warr

December 19, 2017

So sorry to here that Coach (Lenny) has died. I will miss him as much as I miss my own father. He was a true father figure to me when I arrived on Campus as a green seventeen year old freshman from Peterborough Ontario. He encouraged me to be the hockey player I could be and insisted I become the man I was meant to be. He once told me to never say anthing unless I meant it, as my word should be my bond. I have never forgotten that advice. The world is a sadder place now, but I will cherish my memories of Lenny , my time at Clarkson and the last time we spent time together at his induction into the Clarkson hall of fame. Our prayers are with you. Steve and Kathy Warr class of 1972

Kelly Morgan

December 19, 2017

Mrs. Ceglarski and Family,

Saddened to hear of the passing of Coach Ceglarski. As a former Potsdam native and CCT alum, it was a thrill when on occasion Coach Ceglarski would stop by the arena on Saturday mornings and teach young Potsdam hockey players something about the game. I was fortunate to watch many of his teams and then to play for CCT. It was always a special night when the Golden Knights played the Eagles. Our thoughts are with you all.

December 19, 2017

Mrs. Ceglarski and Family,

Condolences on Mr. Celgarski's passing. Growing up in Potsdam and playing in the minor hockey program, Coach Ceglarski would on occasion find the time on a Saturday morning to come on the ice and teach us something about the game. It was a thrill. I was fortunate to play for CCT in later years and although Len had returned to BC, it was always a special night when we played the Eagles. Our thoughts are with you all.

Kelly Morgan
Manchester, NH

Ted (Clarkson College 62-63) Sullivan

December 19, 2017

My condolences to Lenny's passing . He was a great coach and a better person he will be sorely missed .The memory that brings a smile to my face is when I used to sit with him at the Governor Dummer hockey rink when he came to watch his grandson play hockey .This is when he would tell me his favorite Polish jokes and I had to struggle to laugh

My sincere sympathy

Steve Newark

December 19, 2017

Having played for Len on his first experience coaching in 1953 at Norwood, I and all our team members want to express our sympathy and share our memorable hockey experience in his memory.

Chharlotte and Eddie Carroll

December 18, 2017

Ursula and family, Deepest sympathy on Lens death. It Has been an honor to have been friends with you
guys for so long. We are in Florida and can not make the wake, sorry. You and Len will
be in our prayers, Charlotte and Eddie Carroll

Brian Mason

December 18, 2017

To the Ceglarski family: I am so sad to hear the passing of Coach Ceglarski. Coach Ceglarski recruited me to play at Clarkson University in 1969. As freshmen, when freshmen couldnt play varsity, he was Mr Ceglarski. Once we became sophomores, he insisted we call him, Len. My dad died my freshman year and Len became my father figure. He treated me like one of his sons. He made sure I had enough spending money in my pocket with jobs on campus. After my playing career, he got me my first coaching position at Northwood Prep. My wife Cathy and I named our son, Leonard, after Len. I owe my whole life to Len. He was not only a great hockey coach but he truly cared for every player he coached. He made sure we played the game the right way. I am sure every player who played for Len feels the same. It is a sad day for hockey but we all cherish and are thankful that we had the opportunity to play for Len. RIP, Len.
Brian Mason

Anne Fiesinger

December 18, 2017

As a daughter of Bill and Jane Fiesinger, I would like to extend my deepest and sincere sympathies to Ursula and the Ceglarski family. Over their many years of friendship, my parents were so fond of "Lenny and Ursula," and held them in the highest regard. One particular memory came quickly to mind when I heard of Lenny's passing - of how very touched Dad was, in his later years, to receive a warm and thoughtful letter from Lenny reflecting on their time as friends and colleagues through Clarkson. It meant the world to him.

I hope that the wonderful memories you all hold as a family of your husband and Dad, together with the knowledge of how positively he impacted so many people, will come to bring you comfort and peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mark Brackett

December 18, 2017

Ziggy and family, I am sorry for your loss. Len was a great man.
Mark Brackett Canton 1973, UConn 1978

Harry & Brenda Dunn

December 18, 2017

Sympathy and well wishes to Ursula and the entire Ceglarski family. Hopefully some comfort will be forthcoming as you realize the breadth and depth of love, respect and admiration pouring forth as recognition for Lenny.
He represented the highest level of character, integrity and professionalism at Clarkson.
(And he liked winning too.)

Tom Walsh

December 18, 2017

A great coach and a better man, Coach Ceglarski showed kids the right way to become men. God Bless him.

Luc and Sharon St. Jean

December 18, 2017

Our deepest condolences to Ursula and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we share in your grief during this difficult time. I shall always be grateful to Lenny for bringing me to Clarkson in '67. He was much more than "the coach" to me and no doubt to all the players who had the privilege of attending Clarkson and playing for him - a mentor, role model, friend and "Father" away from home. A memory I have is seeing him, Ursula and the kids at church on Sunday mornings - to be that says it all. The Clarkson motto is "A workman who needed-not be ashamed". Lenny lived his life by this creed - in family, community and work. May he now rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.

December 18, 2017

Ursula and family,

We were so saddened to receive the news of Lenny's passing. But so fortunate to have spent time with Len at our reunion in Boston two years ago. Not to forget memories.

Thank you Lenny for being our mentor, coach and friend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ursula and the Ceglarski family. Rest in peace coach.

Sincerely,
Drew and Diane Hamilton (Newmarket)

Tom McCafferty

December 18, 2017

I met Lenny for the 1st time more than 50 years ago in Potsdam, NY. in 1965. I was so fortunate to have him enter my life and am forever grateful for all that he did for me. He was a great coach, boss, mentor and above all, a great friend. He was a Marine which depicts discipline and he endeavored to exercise that discipline in his daily life by caring and helping others whether on or off the ice. I have looked upon him as a mentor my entire life and often wonder where I would be or what I would have done had he not provided me a "guiding light" along the way when I was a student at Clarkson. He used to say to me after he retired: "I don't know how I could have done all that I did without Mom, She was my rock".

Lenny, you were such an influence on my life in so many ways when I was younger. How lucky I was to make your acquaintance, make your friendship and continue a relationship for all these years. I truly loved stopping by to visit with you and Ursula (Mom & Dad to each other) for 15 minutes and leave 2 hours later!

Rest in peace Coach. You are the best!

Alecia & Gary Archambeault

December 18, 2017

Dear Mrs. Ceglarski, Tim and the Ceglarski family,
We are so very sorry to hear about Mr. Ceglarski's passing. We send our love and sympathies to all of you. We will never forget the time spent with you both on the visits to Elmira. It was a pleasure for us. May your memories help you through this very difficult time. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

Mary Bradshaw McNally

December 18, 2017

Dear Ceglarski family,

I am so sorry to hear of Lennie's passing - what a great man! I remember him fondly (and all of you), growing up in Potsdam. I was particularly touched when he took the time to meet the Clarkson woman's hockey team bus the first time we played at BC and gave me a special welcome as an old family friend. I have to tell you that upon cleaning out my mother's place (Marge Bradshaw) we came across a pack of pictures of a Ceglarski Christmas morning and could only imagine that perhaps my mother picked them up from the photo lab (maybe you had moved by then?) and never got them forwarded on! Who knows - but now somewhere in my box of old pictures (I have also moved) I'm sure they exist and I have become the second generation of Bradshaw's who can't seem to get these Christmas memories to you. But i will try.... Best wishes to you all through this sad time.

Joe Drago

December 18, 2017

Ursula, Boys and families: I can't tell you how sad I am today learning of Lenny's passing. My life would be totally different had Lenny not recruited me as his first when he went to Clarkson. Over the years we stayed in touch and even worked some hockey schools together. This will be my first Boxing Day without our annual call. It will be such a void in my life.My family sends sincere sympathy. I know you have such a strong family with so many special memories that hopefully will help ease the pain somewhat during this very difficult time. I know Sylvia will greet Lenny in heaven and they will have their usual laugh together.
Love - Joe Drago

Patty Bradshaw Bennett

December 18, 2017

Many people here in Potsdam remembering Mr. Ceglarski with such fondness! My parents Marge and Gerry Bradshaw always spoke of him and Ursula with such respect and admiration. May your memories bring you peace.

CW

December 18, 2017

To the Ceglarski's family. I'm very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of sorrow. Be comfort and strengthen by God'sWord in John 6:40

Jennifer Briand

December 18, 2017

Rest In Peace. Love to his wife Ursula and their family So many memories in my heart.

December 18, 2017

To the Ceglarski family and all who knew Lennie - I'm the daughter of Warren Lewis, a longtime friend and BC teammate of Mr. Ceglarski. We've had the fine pleasure of many a hockey story regaled over the years with a common thread of the good man that was Lennie. My father is blessed to have known you, played with you and remained your friend for 6 decades. Thank you and God bless.

Sincerely Sarah Biemer

Jim Fullerton (the younger)

December 18, 2017

College hockey world loses an icon. Len was one of the greats. I had the honour of meeting Len as he was inducted to US Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, MN in'92 along with peers Amo Bessone and Jim Fullerton, all Massachusett legends of hockey. Ciglarski family stands tall.

December 18, 2017

We were deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Ceglarski's passing. Our fondest memories are from when the Ceglarski family lived on Missouri Ave. in Potsdam and we were lucky enough to have them as neighbors. We will always cherish the great memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Ceglarski and all the family.

Sincerely,
Janice King Zagorniak

December 18, 2017

I'm so sorry for your loss.

May the God of all comfort, bring comfort to the Ceglarski family during these difficult times.

(2 Corin.1:3,4)

Coleman Foley

December 18, 2017

My condolences to the Ceglarski family on the loss of one of my heroes. Len profoundly influenced my life, including attending Boston College and becoming a Marine Corps officer of twenty three years service. As a fellow Marine I know Len is now guarding the streets of Heaven. Semper Fi, Len.

Coley Foley

December 18, 2017

Rest In Peace Len: A true gentleman on and off the ice who had respect for ALL. Class act always
A Fan
Melrose, MA

Coleman Foley

December 18, 2017

Len Ceglarski had a significant influence on my life. As my high school hockey coach he was instrumental in my attending Boston College and then becoming a Marine Corps officer of twenty three years service. He is my hero and as a fellow Marine is now guarding the streets of Heaven.

Coley Foley

Bob DiRamio

December 17, 2017

Lenny,

So sorry to hear of your passing. I always enjoyed meeting with you and you sharing all of your hockey stories. You were in a class of your own. You never talked about yourself only always talking about all the great kids you coached. I would often laugh when you'd come from a mite game and comment on some young player and what a good skater he might be or had soft hands etc. You had a special talent and I know you truly loved the games of hockey and baseball, but above all else how proud you were of your family. Lastly I could see how very much you loved your wonderful wife. May you rest in peace and my prayers go out to your family.

December 17, 2017

AS an avid NU fan, always had the highest respect for Lennie...he was easy to talk with, had a great memory for names...he upheld the professional and human behavior of what a coach is all about....fondest regards for wonderful memories....PD Maxwell, Friends of NU Hockey

Ray D'Arcy

December 17, 2017

RIP Coach. I have fond memories as your second captain at B.C. I will always remember you as a great coach, great mentor and wonderful role model. My condolences to your entire family. Ray D'Arcy

Gary Fay

December 17, 2017

Condolences to the Ceglarski Family. Many great memories of my tangles with the Eagles while a player at BU and Coach at NU. There was no more a respected person in the hockey ranks as Len.

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