Lennart Lonnegren

Lennart Lonnegren
Lennart "Len" Lonnegren, 96, Longtime Saab Executive and Swedish-Born Journalist, Dies
Lennart "Len" Lonnegren, a proud Swede whose dry wit, zest for life, and unshakable accent marked nearly 75 years in America, died peacefully at home in Essex, Connecticut. He was 96.
Born in Karlskrona, Sweden, Mr. Lonnegren spent his early years following his father's newspaper career north, eventually settling in Stockholm. After a stint at Aftonbladet, his long-held dream of seeing America led him to cross the Atlantic in 1950 aboard a freighter bound for Philadelphia. That two-year adventure included cross-country travel, interviews with Swedish film stars in Hollywood, and his first American reporting job at The Hartford Times.
He returned to Sweden for 15 months of compulsory military service before resuming his reporting career at Aftonbladet. In 1955, he came back to the U.S. with his new wife, Gunilla. He rejoined The Hartford Times as a reporter and editor, before moving into public relations at Saab, the Swedish Aircraft Corporation's automotive division. Over the next three decades, Mr. Lonnegren promoted Saab cars in the U.S. and beyond, working in public relations, advertising, dealer relations, racing, and leading memorable dealer and press trips to Sweden and around the world.
Widowed in 1982, Mr. Lonnegren later married his longtime friend and colleague, Bibi Dunger, in 1986. Together they shared a love of travel, summers in Sweden, and an active social life with their many Scandinavian friends along the Connecticut shoreline.
Sharply clever, with an infectious laugh, Len had a fondness for lighthearted banter and perfectly played a curmudgeonly act. Beneath it was a warm and gentle nature-he adored his grandchildren and forged deep bonds with those closest to him. He delighted in restaurants, his 5 p.m. scotch, and oysters paired with a martini. A passionate golfer and avid reader, he especially enjoyed The New Yorker and works of history.
A longtime resident of Madison, Connecticut, he was a member of the Madison Golf Club and the Winter Club. In 2014, he moved to Essex Meadows, where he enjoyed a vibrant social life and exceptional care during his final years.
Mr. Lonnegren is survived by his son, Mark; daughter-in-law, Lisa; and grandchildren, Abby and Eric, all of Rye, New York; as well as his stepdaughter, Ingela Dunger, of Vingåker, Sweden. To share a memory of Len or leave a condolence for his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com Arrangements were in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.