Patrick Lento

1931 - 2018

Patrick W. Lento, 87

SHREWSBURY - Patrick "Pat" W. Lento, a U.S. Navy veteran and former sales and marketing executive, passed peacefully November 21, 2018 at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester, MA after a year long battle with cancer. He was the husband of the late Mary H. (Hogan) Lento.

Pat was born Pasquale Lento on April 25, 1931 in East Boston MA, the eldest son of Salvatore "Sam" and Adelaide "Ida" Lento. He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 58 years, Mary Helen (nee Hogan) in September, 2011, his parents, Salvatore "Sam" and Adelaide "Ida" Lento of Middletown, NJ, and his sisters, Mary Van Zandt, and Adelaide Loew; his dearest sister in law, Dorothy, and her husband Simone Cardinale, and his nephews Steven Cardinale, and Adam Sterling.

Pat graduated Watertown High School and Northeastern University, where he received a BA in Business Administration on the GI bill. While on active duty leave from the U.S Navy he met the love of his life, Mary Helen Hogan, of Brighton, MA. They married, appropriately, on February 14, 1953, and remained devoted to each other for 58 years until her death.

Pat worked in sales and marketing for most of his career. He was a sales and marketing rep for RC (Royal Crown) Cola shortly after graduating college and was part of the team that coined the national tagline "RC … so good!"

In 1958 Pat left RC Cola to work for Victor Comptometer as New England District Manager, a position he held for 20 years. Pat then became the Boston District Manager for Data Terminal Systems, where he maximized district sales to 2.6 million dollars and doubled the staff within his first four years. Pat took his first retirement job in 1993 at ABS (Advanced Business Systems) as a part time salesperson. Although Pat was retired, he never kicked back. In addition to his position at ABS, he held a variety of part time jobs. Pat loved to drive. He and his brother in law, Si Cardinale, worked briefly as courtesy drivers for Enterprise Rent A Car and was a valet at Nicholas Michael's Salon in Northboro, MA. Pat eventually went to work as the courtesy van driver for the Embassy Suites Hotel in Marlboro, MA. He held that position for more than 20 years, only stopping when he began cancer treatment in December of 2017.

Pat and Mary were avid fans of everything their children, extended family and friends participated in, whether it was sports, dance, music, visual or performing arts. They were also diehard Boston sports team fans. An active athlete during his time at Watertown High, Pat was more of a fervent fan as an adult. When he reached his sixties, he became active in Shrewsbury Senior Softball. The bonds created with that team and the entire Senior Softball league were life changing for him.

Whether enjoying an at home barbecue, playing softball, or vacationing on Cape Cod, Pat relished his time with family and friends. He loved enjoying a Manhattan and a bite at his favorite pub, JPs in Westboro, MA. Both he and Mary were known as amazing dancers and loved "cutting up a slice of rug." He was also a humorist, entertaining folks with hilarious, animated stories, particularly of growing up in East Boston. No one was "safe" from Pat's stories.

One of Pat's most important relationships was with his youngest son, Darren, who is autistic. The relationships forged with Darren as the crucible are indescribable and meant so much to him. Darren was Pat's heart.

The family would like to thank all of the staff and clinicians at The Saint Vincent Cancer and Wellness Center, Reliant Health Care Hematology and Oncology, Saint Vincent Radiation Oncology, The Jewish Center, Salmon VNA; Quality Community Acupuncture, the VA, Beaumont Rehabilitation, and Beacon Hospice. Everyone who treated or interacted with Pat and his family made this very difficult year a precious, compassionate time. The family particularly thanks Doctor Tony Samaha, Clovis Padilha Jr., Lic AC., the entire staff of St. Vincent's Radiation Oncology Department, and the extraordinary team at Saint Vincent's Cancer and Wellness Infusion Center. Most especially the family wishes to thank Lisa Gibbs, RD MS, his dietician and most profound new friend.

Pat is survived by his siblings, Anne Sterling of Stuart, FL; and Salvatore Lento and wife Ella of Meriden, CT; his children, Sandra Lento and Sean Warren of Cayce, SC; William and wife Lina of West Barnstable, MA; Laurann Lento Black and Wesley Hicks of Waltham, MA; Denise Lento and Curtis Claymont of NYC; Darren Lento of Worcester, MA; Grandson Mykel Carton of Falmouth, MA; and granddaughters Cathy Lask and husband Ryan of Dallas TX; and Angela Baardson of Tampa, FL. Pat also leaves behind beloved godchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Pat's family at BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main St, Shrewsbury between the hours of 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Sunday, December 9, 2018 during which time words of remembrance will be shared. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 10 at 11:00 AM in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. To leave a message of condolence or view his "Book of Memories" visit www.brittonfuneralhomes.com