Leonard J. “Lenny” Matzdorff, 82, of Gales Ferry, passed away Tuesday at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
He was born in Groton on June 6, 1928 the son of Richard and Aldea Courchaine Matzdorff. After receiving his education, he proudly served as a Staff Sgt. in the US Army in Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Prior to his retirement, he owned and operated Lenny’s Donut Hole bake shop. Active in the community, he was a member of the Lions Club where he had served as Past President. He was also a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. He enjoyed woodworking, travelling, coin collecting, baseball (except the Yankees), and spending his mornings with the McDonalds 8am Coffee Club.
He is survived by his wife, Inge Wachtler Matzdorff whom he married in Frankfort A Main, Germany on October 16, 1948. They were to have celebrated their 62nd Anniversary next week. He is also survived by his children, Karen Hollingsworth (James), Steven Matzdorff (Machelle), and David Matzdorff; 4 grandchildren, Jaclyn Marks, Jordan Matzdorff, Kyndra Matzdorff, and Jacob Matzdorff. He was predeceased by a daughter, Linda and a grandson Joshua.
His family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Friday from 6-8pm. A Graveside Service with presentation of military honors will be conducted at Avery-Stoddard Cemetery, Ledyard on Saturday at 10am.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Lions Eye Research Foundation (clerf.lionwap.org), PO Box 9268, New Haven, CT 06533.
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