Leonard Carter Edwards

Leonard Carter Edwards

With gratitude for a life lived with joy, love and generosity we mourn the passing of Leonard Carter Edwards on September 10, 2024, at Westerly Hospital while in hospice care. Len was born on August 12, 1948, in Bridgeport, Ct and he was the son of Joseph Ambrose Edwards and Lea (DeMino) Edwards. He was lovingly raised by his mother in Milford, Ct along with his older brother Joseph and his sister Mary Lou. Len attended St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, Ct. where he met his wife Debbie (Bielen). Len received a BA in Broadcast Journalism from California State University in Los Angeles and a MA in Communication from Fairfield University.

He is survived by his wife Deborah, his son Paul and his fianc Meredith Greer, his daughter Lara and son in law Colin Krug and his sister Mary Lou von der Lancken. He also became a loving Papa to his grandchildren, Blake and Carter.

Throughout his career Len earned the respect and confidence of his colleagues, while always mentoring the success of others. Len's passion for the world of entertainment, film & music resulted in a spectacular career in the industry, ranging from video to the web, and from California to New York City. He had the spirit of a true entrepreneur, embraced progress wholeheartedly and as Bloomberg even noted, was never averse to wear

ing a well-cut blue suit while doing so. He held executive positions at American Express, Penguin Publishing and Avon, Inc, where he retired as General Manager and President of AVON.com, the platform he built in 2002.

For 40 years he commuted from Weston where he and Deb raised their children and spent summers in Watch Hill, RI. They built their dream home by the water in Avondale, and resided there following his retirement. Len had a deep love of cooking for his friends and family the more the better! The house was always filled with laughter and jazz music ,especially on the front porch where everyone enjoyed the best sunsets with a cocktail in hand!

His post retirement life was filled with adventures in traveling, boating, gardening, walking the beach and the Avondale Preserve.

He was active in the Westerly community, by serving on the board of the Westerly Hospital Foundation, and supporting the Westerly Land Trust.

Over the last 8 years of his life, Len fought the effects of Parkinsons. His strength and love for his wife, children, grandchildren and dear friends kept him going and inspired everyone around him to find the beauty in the small moments.

His last days mirrored his favorite ones, surrounded by his family and closest friends. He passed peacefully, while holding the hand of the girl he'd been in love with since they were teenagers. The day after their 52nd anniversary.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations to : The Westerly Land Trust (www.westerlylandtrust.org) or the Westerly Hospital Foundation (www.westerlyhospital.org)

For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com.