Leonard "Lenny" Bernheimer
Leonard "Lenny" Bernheimer
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Leonard Bernheimer Obituary
He leaves his wife and best friend of over 60 years, Marilyn Bernheimer, who he met as a shy 16-year-old and who was the light of his life. He also leaves his two children Beth (Mike) Harrington and Jonathan (Ingrid) Bernheimer, three siblings Walter (Roz) Bernheimer, Robert (Nancy) Bernheimer, and Susie (Mike) Steinberg, and seven grandchildren Caroline (Graham) Reynolds, Molly, Megan, Kerry, and Mark Harrington, and Maya and Anya Bernheimer.
Born in Newton on October 13, 1941, Lenny was a lifelong athlete and lover of all sports. While at Williams College, from which he graduated in 1963, Len discovered his lifelong passion-squash. Lenny's legacy in squash will live on for years to come, thanks to his long-term involvement with SquashBusters, including serving as its first chairman of the board for 11 years, his more than 35 state, national, and international singles and doubles championships, and his tireless work on behalf of the sport. In recognition of his many contributions, Len was inducted into the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame in 2012.
Lenny was also a graduate of Stanford Business School, longtime member of both Belmont Country Club and the University Club of Boston, and had a long and distinguished career as owner and president of United Lithograph, an innovative commercial printing company in Somerville.
Lenny's greatest achievement, however, was his love for his family and his friends. He would stop at nothing to support those around him. Universally loved by all who had the good fortune of knowing him, Lenny will be remembered for his unwavering spirit, his unmatched kindness, and his incredible love of humor, especially puns. Lenny was truly one of the good guys.
There will be a private burial on Thursday, March 28, 2024 followed by a reception at the family residence from 3:30–6:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in his name can be sent to SquashBusters at 795 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02120.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lisa Putukian
May 7, 2024
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.
William E Simon Jr.
April 25, 2024
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.
Andy Goldfarb
March 29, 2024
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.
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Rob Davis
March 29, 2024
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
Bill Kaplan
March 29, 2024
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
Peter Marx
March 29, 2024
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.
Richard Johnson
March 29, 2024
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
Peter Gordon
March 28, 2024
A real gentleman,class act and great competitor.The Squash world will miss him terribly
Best to Lynn,Jon and family
Peter Gordon
Leo Pierce
March 27, 2024
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.
Joe Duffey
March 27, 2024
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
Alissa Hennekens-Duffy
March 27, 2024
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.
Peter Hall
March 27, 2024
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.
Charlie Hennekens
March 27, 2024
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
Derrick Niederman
March 26, 2024
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.
Sue & Sam Weinstein
March 26, 2024
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.
Victor Harding
March 26, 2024
In my experience with Lenny he was always a true gentleman both on and off the court. Victor Harding
Gaetano Peter Cipriano
March 26, 2024
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.
Chipp Adams
March 26, 2024
Loved playing squash with for 45 years. I will miss him
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