Leonard Gribbons

Leonard Gribbons, 95, of Worcester, retired Worcester Police Lieutenant, passed away Wednesday, September 25th 2008 in the University of Massachusetts Hospital surrounded by family.

Leonard's wife of over 50 years Mary (O'Brien) Gribbons passed away in 1991. His first wife Ann (Commiskey) Gribbons passed away many years ago. Lenny is survived by his devoted children, Thomas R. Gribbons and his wife Ann Marie of Worcester, Leonard Gribbons and his wife Josie in California; a brother, Donald Gribbons of Worcester; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. A daughter Eileen Thompson passed away in 1972. Leonard was born in Worcester, son of John and Mary (Leary) Gribbons. He graduated from Commerce High School in 1933, attended Northeastern University and graduated from Quinsigamond Community College in 1972. Leonard joined the Massachusetts National Guard in 1931, served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Europe during World War II. After the war, Leonard served his country in the Army Reserve retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer in the Criminal Investigation Command in 1973.

Lenny was a Police Officer more than 38 years for the Worcester Police Department retiring as a Lieutenant in 1978. He served as a detective, in the Records Bureau and retired as commander of the Motor Patrol.

Lenny was known by his family and friends as a kind, generous and loving person, who consistently and continually strove to help his family, friends, neighbors and community in any way he could. During the anti Vietnam War demonstrations, Police Officer Leonard Gribbons was commended by both the draft board and demonstrators for his calm, fair and effective manner in resolving the issues of the day.

Lenny was a member of numerous clubs, civic and community associations, veteran's organizations and police organizations. He was a member and past president of the Worcester County Retired Officers Association. A member and past commander of the West Boylston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. A 60 year member of the Vernon Hill Post American Legion, the Massachusetts Police Association, the Worcester County Police and Firefighters Association and the Worcester County Fish and Game Association.

Lenny's funeral with Military honors will be held Monday, September 29th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a Mass at 10:00 a.m in St. George Church, 40 Brattle St. Burial will follow in St. Bridget's Cemetery, Millbury. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Sunday, September 28th from 4 p.m to 8 p.m in the funeral home.