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Leonard Govoni Obituary

GOVONI, Leonard "Lenny" Leonard "Lenny" Govoni, beloved husband of Mary (Mogilnicki), passed away suddenly Thursday (November 29, 2007), at the age of 55. Born in Hartford on February 2, 1952, the son of Joseph and Mary (Sembach) Govoni. A charter member of St. Martha Parish and past Grand Knight. He loyally supported his Alma Maters UConn and M.S.U.A. 30-year employee of M.S.U., most recently as Landscape Services Coordinator and A.P.S.A. Union President. He will be remembered as a loving and dedicated husband to Mary, a generous and loyal friend to all, and "Uncle Lenny" to many. In honor of his father, Lenny lived his life in dedicated service to others. Lenny is survived by his wife of 26 years, Mary of Okemos; his mother, Mary; brothers Joseph (Cathy) and James; nieces Michelle and Bonnie Govoni, all of Connecticut; Ami (David) Borgman and children Ayrn, Zac, and Leah of Lansing; Kelly (Richard) Fiorello and son, Randall of Florida. In addition, he will be deeply missed by many friends and colleagues who will always remember his wit, charm, humor, and love. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, December 3, at 12 Noon at St. Martha Parish, 1100 W. Grand River, Okemos with the Rev. Jonathan Wehrle, officiating. The family will receive friends at the Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing Sunday from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. with the Rosary at 7 p.m. For those desiring, contributions may be made to the St. Martha Knights of Columbus for the Lenny Govoni Scholarship.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Dec. 1, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Govoni

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Andrea

May 28, 2009

Lenny rest in peace. I was shocked to come across your passing unexpectedly through google. I had wondered why you had grown quiet over the past few years but now know you are in heaven amongst the stars that you loved so well. My deepest sympathy to your family and their loss. You were a wonderful man and no doubt are in heaven smiling down upon us all. Rest in peace.

Patricia (Dudack) Pawlowicz

December 13, 2008

I was sorry to hear of Lenny's passing. My deepest sympathy goes out to Mary, Jimmy and Joey. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

December 3, 2008

December 3, 2008

Jim Stankevich

November 29, 2008

December 9, 2007
To The Govoni Family,
Many years have passed since our days growing up on Sunnyside Circle area. The Govoni family was part of that "leave it to beaver culture", everyone looked out for everyone. I grew up with Lenny and have many fond memories as I know you do. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Michigan State remembers Lenny

November 29, 2008

A tribute to Lenny on "The Rock" at MSU. Usually something that is painted on the rock stays there for a day or two before some one paints over it. This tribute to Lenny stayed for over a month!

September 17, 2008

Richard Thompson

June 5, 2008

I am saddened to have just learned of Lenny's passing. I knew Lenny from High School and was two years behind him. He had a great way with people and was a lot of fun to be around. Mary and Mary, you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lenny 1970

David and Leslie (Grimshaw) Toms

April 26, 2008

Dear Mary and Mary
Our contact with Lenny has been so infrequent over the years - yet I am still struggling with denial of the fact that he is gone. My heart grieves for you still and I think of you often. Mary - he always spoke of you with such pride and love. Mrs. Govoni (Krut) I know that he was a devoted son and I'm sure he's checking up on Charlie and Joe and making sure that everything is exactly right for your eventual reunion!
I lost my dad 2 years ago and he still visits my dreams, laughing with me over the fact that he is supposed to be dead and hoping that no one will notice - how Lenny would enjoy doing that - maybe dad can show him how! My parents loved his occasional visits as he was always full of laughter and joy.
I pray for you both that your memories will turn from sadness to joy. I do not weep for Lenny as he surely squeezed a very long and full lifetime into his few years and as a faithful friend he will continue to live in our hearts.
With our love

Jim Stankevich

December 9, 2007

To The Govoni Family,
Many years have passed since our days growing up on Sunnyside Circle area. The Govoni family was part of that "leave it to beaver culture", everyone looked out for everyone. I grew up with Lenny and have many fond memories as I know you do. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Steve Godlewski

December 8, 2007

Lenny's death has come as a great shock to all of us that knew him. My deepest condolences to his family.

Barbara (bobbi) Alves Juliano

December 7, 2007

Dear Mary and family,
I can't tell you how shocked and saddened I was to learn of Lenny's passing. Being your neighbor on Sunnyside Circle, I knew Lenny even before he was born! I remember our childhood days fondly with the three boys and though we lost touch over the years, I had the pleasure of seeing him at Mom's on Christmas Eve several years ago and emailing occasionally - he hadn't changed a bit--full of mischief and fun. He was such a lovable person and Richard, being closest to him loved him dearly and will miss him deeply. Lenny always seemed so happy and content and full of life and love and he did so much good for so many people. He was special. I believe God needed a few good men.
On behalf of the Alves family, please accept our most heartfelt sorrows and know that Lenny and your family are in our prayers.
love,
bobbi Alves Juliano

sheila krakower

December 7, 2007

Mary, my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your beloved husband. In time, may the memories of your years together bring you comfort.
Sheila Krakower

Nanette Hill

December 6, 2007

Dear Mary,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know I will lift you and your family in my prayers.
My sincerest sympathy,
Nanette Hill

Judy E. Anoff

December 6, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Find comfort in the love that surrounds you.

Diane Grigg

December 6, 2007

Mary,
My most heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Deb Spellicy

December 6, 2007

Dear Mary,
I was so saddened by your loss.
I hope the many years of love you shared with Lenny will give you some comfort at this time.
I am always available for talk therapy, margaritas or anything you may need.
You are so loved by so many, please allow us to help you,
Deb

Carol A. Walsh

December 5, 2007

Mary,
Even though I never met your husband, I did see how your face would light up when you spoke about him.
Enjoy the many memories you have as they will always be with you.

Becky & Vinnie Levi

December 5, 2007

Mary,
Vinnie and I were very sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. My heart sank and our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. You are a wonderful person I'm sure that is why Lenny chose you as his partner. May time heal your heart.

Much love,
Vinnie & Becky Levi (your MDAA friend)

Jeannie Maybaum Lipscomb

December 5, 2007

Dear Mary,

I just today heard about Lenny's passing and my heart goes out to you during this very difficult time.

I remember what a special relationship the two of your had and I especially remember the trip we all took to Plymouth Rock.

Lenny's personality and wit endeared him to everyone. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jill Loewen

December 5, 2007

Dear Mary,

Larry and I are so very sorry to hear of Lenny's passing. Although I only met him once, he was the kind of person that impresses you with his warmth, friendliness, and easygoing disposition. Your special relationship was obvious and to be admired. Know that he was truly blessed with your love.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we offer our support in any way possible.

With love,
Jill and Larry Loewen

Tricia Osuna

December 5, 2007

Mary;
I was saddened to hear of Lenny's passing. Please know how many people are thinking of you and praying for you. We are all here to help you in any way so do not hesitate to reach out. God Bless you and all of your family in this difficult time. Tricia

Bunny Bookwalter

December 5, 2007

Dear Mary,
I feel so sad that Lenny has left this earth. I can't imagine the loss you feel. However, you both have so many people that love you and have you in their hearts and prayers. Perhaps Lenny wanted to send us all a reminder to live (as he did) every minute of every day, let those around us know that we care and to walk on the sunny side of life whenever possible.
Your friend,
Bunny

Laurie Semple

December 5, 2007

Dear Mary and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband Lenny. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May God surround you with his love and healing. Take care, my friend.

December 5, 2007

Dear Mary and Family,
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved Lenny. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May God surround you with his love and healing. Take care, my friend.

Love,
Laurie Semple

Kelly Smith

December 5, 2007

Dear Mary,

Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. You are a part of the IDAA family as well as ADAA and we are here for you as well.

Indiana Dental Assistants Association Past Presidents
Kelly Smith

Cathy Roberts

December 5, 2007

Dear Mary,

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family in this time of great sorrow. I only met Lenny once but you allowed everyone to know him through you and your love for him. Please know we are always here if you need anything. You are in our thoughts and prayers always.

Cathy and Keith Roberts

Esther K Andrews

December 5, 2007

Dear Mary and family,
A sudden loss can be devasting, however, life is for the living. Wishing you God's love and strength as you begin your mourning period.

Shannon and Anne Mills

December 4, 2007

Mary, Anne and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Lenny's passing. I wish we had been granted the opportunity to get to know him. You and your family are in our thoughts.

Susan Knighton

December 4, 2007

Dear Mary and Family - I was deeply saddened to hear about Lenny. He always made me feel welcome in your home. Know that my thought and prayers are with you.

Sherri Doig

December 4, 2007

My dear "Mare Bear", I know your heart and head is spinning wildly, but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your friends are here for you. Let us be there for you when you need someone to lean upon.
Love to you

Anna and Milo Nelson

December 4, 2007

Dear Mary and Family

Lenny was part of the ADAA Family. He will be missed by many. When we think of Lenny, we think of FUN. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family and Lenny's many close friends.

Nancy Andrews

December 4, 2007

To Mary and the Govoni family,
I am deeply saddened by the far-too-early passing of Lenny, and the loss of his uniquely positive force. Mary, his spirit, love and memories will always be with you - a blessing we are all grateful for. I remember my first glimpse of fireflys in your cozy yard, and Lenny and Sammy and you, all with twinkling eyes and a ready laugh. Ross and I send our loving thoughts to you now and always, and please know you are in our prayers.

Kevin Henry

December 4, 2007

Words can't express the sorrow I feel. Lenny was a good man and a good friend, and he will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the entire family.

Linda and Don Miles

December 4, 2007

Dear Mary and Lenny's Entire Family,

Don joins me in sending our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your husband, son, brother and uncle.

I'm so sorry I was on the west coast until Monday night and unable to be there for Lenny's service, Mary. I heard it was very touching and know Lenny would have been honored with the outpouring of love from near and far.

We are here for you always,

Linda and Don Miles

Debra Von Alman

December 4, 2007

Dear Mary and Family
The thoughts and prayers of your ADAA Past Presidents family are with you.

Our hearts go out to you and we share not only in your sorrow but in many wonderful memories of Lenny's humor, kindness and support.
Know that we are here for you, and send you our love and many many hugs.

The American Dental Assistant's Association Past Presidents

Craig Dickson

December 4, 2007

Mary - Our thoughts and prayers are there for you, all of us at PennWell are sorry for your loss. Your work with us has made you part of our dental team and we reach out to you to let you know we are thinking about you.

Milly & Herb Pozen

December 4, 2007

Lenny and you are in our hearts and minds. We're glad you both had the opportunity to share some fun with us in Arizona.
The Bosworth Company

Gary Moreno

December 3, 2007

To Jim and Family,
I am very sorry to read about your brother Lenny passing. Although I didn't know him, what I read about him tells it all. May you remember the special times you had together. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

Andy Whitehead

December 3, 2007

Mary - I understand the service was a real tribute to Lenny and that he would be both honored and proud. While I never really got to know Lenny personally, I did know him through you. He will forever remain alive in your heart and the memories will last a lifetime. You are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do, just ask. God bless.

Love,

Andy

Crosstex International

December 3, 2007

Mary - our deepest sympathies to you and your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you strength and comfort in the days and weeks ahead.

The Crosstex Team

Jen Blake

December 3, 2007

Mary - I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Something about Lenny always made me smile. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I hope you can feel our arms around you.
Harold, Jen, Jon and Amber Blake

Larry Sepin

December 3, 2007

I have known Lenny for close to 18 years...especially during Mary's presidency of ADAA. He had a smile and a laugh I will never forget. Please accept the condolences from the entire ADAA Staff. He will be missed.

John and Gail Molinari

December 3, 2007

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Mary and her family on the loss of her husband Lenny. The love and joy they shared with each other was evident every time we saw them together. We love you Mary, and please know you are in our family thoughts and prayers.

Jim Clark

December 3, 2007

Lenny has been one of the most engaging and positive people I have known. I feel his absence keenly. My thoughts are with his family.

Lori Paulson

December 3, 2007

Mary, my thoughts and prayers are with you. My deepest sympathies, Lori Paulson

Cindy Durley

December 3, 2007

Dear Mary-
I had only met Lenny once, when he shuttled me back and forth from the Flint airport to the MI dental assisting task force nearly a year ago. He was more than the 'shuttle driver' - he served as my self-appointed tour guide to Flint and the surrounding countryside, making my short trip there very enjoyable. I remember thinking how lucky you were to be married to such a kind, friendly and amiable man. My prayers, and those of the entire Dental Assisting National Board staff go out to you and your family.

Cindy Durley

Therese Long

December 3, 2007

Lenny was a dear friend to OSAP. We will miss him and want Mary to know that we are there for her now and always.

With deep and sincere sympathy,
Therese and all Mary & Lenny's many friends from OSAP

Kathy Melley Carroll

December 3, 2007

Our deepest sympathies to Mary and her sons Joey and Jimmy. We hold fond memories of life on Sunnyside Circle with Lenny. Rita Melley Coyne and her children, Denise, Kathy, Maura, Jay, Chris and Brendan.

Kathryn McGrail

December 2, 2007

My sympathies to the entire Govoni family. I met Lenny some 37 years ago through a life-long friend of Lenny's. In fact, Lenny was a groomsman in our wedding. Although I have not seen Lenny in nearly 27 years, I will always remember his warm-hearted, fun-loving, sweet nature. He was a great kidder and had a marvelous twinkle in his eye. He also had the power to make you feel special. My heart goes out to his family and friends

Jim Pacino ( Windsor)

December 1, 2007

To The Govoni Family,

What a shock to read about Lenny. My prayers are with you in this time of need.

Krista

December 1, 2007

To the best Dad I never had. Will love and miss you!

Lenny and friend, 2006

December 1, 2007

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