Leonard Paul "Lenny, Big Len, Big Papa" Maynard

Dayville - Leonard Paul Maynard, 70, of Dayville, died Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011, at home surrounded by his family.

Len was born in Middletown, on March 5, 1941, son of Alice Maynard and the late Marvin Maynard. He was the husband of Barbara (Codding) Maynard. They were married in Foxboro, Mass., Nov. 7, 1964.

Len graduated from Bacon Academy of Colchester in 1959, and the University of Connecticut, college of Agriculture in 1964, where he served in the army reserves for six years. He was also president of his fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho.

He worked for over thirty years in the restaurant industry, beginning with Brock Hill Dairy 1964 to 1970, owner of Bosworth Farm Dairy and owner of Maygold Farms Ice Cream plant, and six restaurants throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts.

After his retirement from the restaurant business, he began working at Nissan of Norwich in 2004, where he received multiple accolades including "salesman of the century".

He was involved with the Elks Club of Danielson, Past Exhaulted Ruler 1978 to 1979, and chairman of various charities relating to the Elks. He also served as president of New England Ice Cream Restaurant Association, chairman and host of the annual Maynard 4th of July celebration.

He is survived by his mother, Alice Maynard; wife, Barbara; and four children, Amanda Zadora, Samantha Maloney, Leonard "Patrick" Maynard and Megan Crescimanno; special daughter, Katie Quigley; son-in-laws, Shawn Zadora and Steven Crescimanno; and daughter-in-law, Naomi Carretta. He is also survived by grandchildren, Jacob and Riley Zadora, Caden and Landen Maloney and Bryce Maynard; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by son, Kevin Thomas Maynard; father, Marvin Maynard; sister, Jean Moroch; and foster brother, Paul Sarrette.

Lenny loved to say "Go Big or Go Home", and that is exactly how he lived his life. The lives he touched are insurmountable. He and his wife Barbara "Babs" had a standing open door policy for all friends and family. He will be missed tremendously.

Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, 2011 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson. The Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, from the Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. James Church, 12 Franklin St., Danielson, burial following in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson, and a celebration of his life will be held at the Elks Club of Danielson immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alexander's Lake Home Owners Association, P.O. Box 764, Dayville, CT 06241.

To share a Memory with his family "Light a Candle" at www.gagnonandcostellofh.com