John L. “Lenny” Stenroth of Oak Bluffs died on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at the Henrietta Brewer House in Vineyard Haven. He was 72.
Lenny was born on August 4, 1944, in Finland, the son of Dag E. Stenroth and Signe O. (Gabrielson) Stenroth. At the age of 10, Lenny and his family immigrated to the United States, where his father found work as a machinist in Worcester. Lenny graduated from Worcester Tech in 1962 and later joined the Coast Guard. He was stationed in Rhode Island, Florida, and Hawaii during his years in the Coast Guard from 1962 to 1969.
In 1969 Lenny moved to the Vineyard to join his brother, who had already settled on the Island. Lenny worked as a licensed electrician on the Vineyard. His favorite pastime was engaging in ham radio interactions. When cancer made it impossible for him to speak, he adapted to a digital system of Morse code to communicate on the radio. Lenny was most proud of his 30 years of sobriety, which allowed him to successfully establish himself on the Vineyard and live a comfortable, independent life.
Lenny was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Burt Stenroth. He leaves behind his trusted friend Chris Heidt and his wife Lesley. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
A graveside burial will be held on Tuesday, June 14, at 10am in the Oak Grove Cemetery, State Road, Vineyard Haven.
Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.