Obituary of Leonard A. Willett

Leonard A Willett 1934-2017 Leonard Arthur Willett, 83, passed away on July 3, 2017 at his home in Bath, Maine, surrounded by family. He was born on January 2, 1934 in Brockton, Massachusetts to Joseph and Gertrude Ash Willett. Len grew up in Pembroke, Massachusetts He graduated from Pembroke High School in 1952. After high school he attended Boston University where he received his degree in Physical Education in 1956. After college, He joined the US Army in 1957 and served for 2 years in Korea as part of the Signal Corps. He then entered the US Army Reserves, serving until 1963. He began his professional career with the YMCA in 1960 at The Boston YMCA, where he served as physical director. From there he held positions at the Quincy Y and Providence YMCA, before leaving New England for the Golden Triangle YMCA in Pittsburgh, PA. From 1970 until 1977 he served as Executive Director of the Boothbay Region YMCA in Boothbay Harbor, ME. His Y career then took him to the South County YMCA in Venice, Florida and the Nazareth Y in Nazareth, PA. He returned to Maine in the mid1980s and served in various capacities at Bath YMCA in Bath, Me. until his first retirement in 1995. He completed his career as Executive Director of the Piscataquis YMCA in Dover-Foxcroft, ME in 2006 after 42 years of service to the YMCA movement. Len enjoyed many hobbies and interests, most of which began in childhood.He played all sports at his small high school and at BU he had the distinction of being the only American on the men’s soccer team. He played baseball in the Cape Cod Baseball league and was invited to try out for the New York Yankees, turning down a minor league contract in favor of a college scholarship to BU. Len’s love of sports was evidenced not only by his career choice, but his involvement in men’s basketball leagues and racquetball leagues throughout his life in addition to other fitness activities. He was a recreational clammer. He loved canoeing, camping and outdoor pursuits. In later years he collected antique tools and enjoyed woodworking. Len was a lifelong Democrat and supporter of liberal causes. He believed in service to others and practiced that belief throughout his long, productive life. Len was a long time member of the Masons and belonged to Rotary clubs in many cities and towns during his career. His last years were enriched by a sweet friendship with Gene Moll, who he lost in 2016. Len was preceded in death by his wife Cathryn Willett and his parents. Leonard is survived by his daughters Diane (Charles), Hicks of Bath, Maine; Samantha (Mark) Readinger of Oak Island, NC. His Brothers, Joseph(Ruth) Willett of New Hampshire and William (Patricia) Willett of Indiana.; Four grandchildren Ted Daniels, Zachariah, Stephanie, and Madeleine Hicks; and his nieces, nephews and other relatives. At Len’s request, memorial services will be private and he will be interred with his late wife at Oak Grove cemetery in Bath. In lieu of flowers the family asks memorial donations be made to the Bath Area Family YMCA, 303 Centre St. Bath, Me 04530.