Leonard N. Persson

Leonard N. Persson of Woodbury, CT, passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 86 years old.

Born in October 1939 in Bridgeport, CT, Len was the son of Leonard D. Persson and Doris A. Persson. Known to many as "Len" or "Skip," he lived a long and full life marked by intellectual curiosity, dedication, and a deep love for family. All who knew him will remember his thoughtful nature and the steady presence he brought to the lives of those around him.

Len is survived by his three loving children: Christopher (Leslie) Persson of Woodbury, CT; Deborah Persson of Milford, CT; and Rebecca (Robert) Chesson of Clermont, FL. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Zachary (Abigail), Caroline, and Michael Chesson, and Sophia and Christianne Persson. He is also survived by his first wife, Lynn Persson of Milford, CT. He was predeceased by his second wife, Caryl Stratton.

Len graduated from Milford High School in 1957, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961 and a Master of Science degree in 1966 from the University of Bridgeport. In 1976, he achieved a lifelong academic milestone when he earned his Doctorate in Education from Columbia University.

Throughout his career, Len was known as a respected professional in the field of Human Resources. His early career in the 1960s included senior HR roles in the manufacturing and military industries at Bullard Company, Norden Inc., and Universal Manufacturing.

From 1972 to 1986, Len served as Professor of Management at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. His most significant contribution was founding the university's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, shaping the education of countless future business leaders. He also taught both graduate and undergraduate courses, including Management Theory, Statistics, Quantitative Analysis, and Human Resource Administration.

In 1980, Len founded Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC, an HR advisory firm that he owned and operated for more than three decades. He authored the widely-used publication What to Do about Personnel Problems in Connecticut, and also wrote numerous articles on human resources, wage and salary administration, and computer-assisted education.

Outside of his professional life, Len had a lifelong love of the outdoors that began during his youth as an Eagle Scout. He enjoyed fishing, boating, skeet and target shooting, and loved racing his vintage cars. One of his greatest joys was getting his USCG Captain's License (Merchant Mariner Credential) and sharing his love of fishing with family. Time on the water in Long Island Sound and Islamorada, FL created many treasured memories. Len also loved music and the arts, especially singing professional opera and playing his guitar on the Milford Green with the Possum Glory String Band as well as at Newman family reunions.

Len was proud of his heritage and was a member of several distinguished societies, including the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America, the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and the National Order of the Magna Charta.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Betsey Blaisdell for her years of caring and devotion. They also thank the compassionate staff of AccentCare Hospice, Highland Caregivers, and UCONN Waterbury Hospital.

A private service will be held at a future date. Please reach out to a family member for details or send contact information to Prospect Memorial Funeral Home.

Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to care for Leonard and assist his family during their grief journey. Please leave your condolences, memories, and photos of Len on his Tribute Wall on this page.