Leonard "Lenny" Bernheimer

A quiet constantly smiling presence that always brought wisdom and perspective to every challenge...and if it involved squash, ALWAYS with a particular dash of humor.

I read of Lenny's passing with a very heavy heart, and send deepest condolences to Lynn and his family. He was not only a legendary squash player at our alma mater and far, far beyond, but also one of the founding fathers of urban squash, a movement that has opened the doors of academic opportunity for thousands of young people through the sport he loved so much. Lenny was a paradigm of sportsmanship, kindness, and selfless service, and it was a joy and a privilege to have known him.

Bill Simon, Jr.

I extend my deepest condolences to Jonny Bernheimer a Harvard Squash teammate. I remember Lenny cheering Johnny at his matches. later I fondly remember lenny and his peppy step at the U Club and Belmont CC. We had countless hours on the squash and tennis courts with his great hands and slices. I enjoyed our locker room conversations and his relentless positivity. I am truly saddened by his loss and but even more gratified by his contributions.

Fond memories playing against Lenny. So sad to hear of his passing. Thanks for all you did for the game of squash. Really Remarkable. Rob Davis

I am so sorry to hear about Lenny's passing. What a tremendous loss for his family, friends, squash partners and opponents, and the squash community!

I can still remember playing squash with Lenny in my early hardball days. He was always so much fun to play - he covered the court like a tiger and played a very thoughtful and error-free game. Moreover, unlike playing with many of the top pros those days who felt hip-checks were not just reserved for hockey players, you could play an entire match with Lenny without there ever being a let call. :)

As others have articulated, Lenny's sense of fairness and easy-going manner resonated both on and off the court. He was always willing to give of himself and help others and I know his work with SquashBusters was indispensable to everyone involved.

As I never gravitated to doubles like all of the other hardball players, I haven't seen Lenny of late on a regular basis but his good nature, generosity, and softly-played three wall nick will always be remembered.

Bill Kaplan

The fortunate of us who have played with or against Lenny know that few in any sport have equaled his combined talent, competitiveness and sportsmanship.

On behalf of the Trustees and staff of The Sports Museum I want to express our shock and sorrow at learning of Lenny´s death. Not only was he a former Trustee but also a loyal and generous friend who most recently helped us mount a display on New England squash history at our home at TD Garden.
He was a great champion, a robust competitor, kind soul, engaged sportsman /citizen and the epitome of being a lifetime athlete.
May his memory be a blessing to his family and countless friends.

Richard Johnson/ Curator/ The Sports Museum

A real gentleman,class act and great competitor.The Squash world will miss him terribly
Best to Lynn,Jon and family
Peter Gordon

The squash community has lost a giant of the game. Lenny was a leader, a fierce competitor, a true gentleman and a friend to everyone. I am so grateful that I knew Lenny and had the privilege of competing against him.

Lenny was an amazing competitor, champion, and most importantly a true gentleman. He was my mentor in squash for forty years. My condolences to Lynn, Jon, Beth and family. He will be missed!
Joe Duffey

We are so very sorry to hear of Lenny's passing. What a wonderful man. Sending love and light to you all.
Love, Alissa & Brad Duffy and family.

Canadian squash has lost a true friend. Lenny was a many time champion and world squash leader as a past President of U.S. Squash and a past Chair of the U.S. Jesters. Lenny will be missed by his many friends.

My heartfelt condolences to Lenny and his fabulous family and friends.
His was a life well lived.
I found him to be a person of character, integrity, dignity and grace-on and off the court.
He was my fiercest competitor in squash where I amassed a lifetime record of about 1 win and 299 losses, the one win coming when he had just completed his rehabilitation from bypass surgery.
When I was #4 in the US and he was #1 I was #2 in Wellesley.
I believe we should not mourn for Lenny as he had a long, productive and happy life. We should mourn for ourselves because we will all miss him.
Yours sincerely,
Charlie Hennekens

Very sad to hear of Lenny´s passing. Though I had seen him sparingly in recent years, it occurs to me that I´ve probably played squash with Lenny more than I´ve played with anybody else, ever. Technically I should say against Lenny, as these were always competitive affairs -- but he was loathe to allow his competitiveness to overcome the standard of good sportsmanship that always seemed to follow him around. Off the court, he and his wonderful wife offered kindnesses to me on a multitude of occasions, and it is with no small sense of gratitude that my thoughts are with Lyn, Jon, Beth and the entire family at this difficult time.

Sam & Sue Weinstein wish to pass on our heartfelt condolences to Lynn. May Lenny RIP and the family recall many loving memories to help
them during this very sad time.

In my experience with Lenny he was always a true gentleman both on and off the court. Victor Harding

Lenny was a class act in every way . He was a true Jester, Jesting Free and the consummate gentleman. He will be sorely missed by me and everybody in the squash community. RIP Lenny. May your three walls always nick out.

Loved playing squash with for 45 years. I will miss him