LEONARD BABCOCK JOHNSON, age 88 years, died at his Hingham residence on Saturday, October 16th, 2010. Loving husband for 64 years of Louise (Didlake). Devoted father of Stephen W. Johnson and his wife Lynne O'Brien of Cohasset, Cynthia J. Vatter and her husband Forrest of Bedford, Philip H. Johnson and his wife Nancy of Union, Maine and Beatrice J. Handy and her husband Huck of Hingham. Also survived by 7 grandchildren and 3 nieces and nephews.
Born in Willimantic, CT, Len graduated from the Loomis School in Windsor, CT, followed by Bowdoin College and M.I.T. He was a WW II Army Signal Corps veteran. During his career as an electrical engineer Len worked at Draper Laboratory in Cambridge on the Apollo project. While there he led the team of engineers that developed the radar allowing the astronauts in the lunar module to land on the moon and successfully return to the command module. After retiring he was able to combine two lifelong interests, the American Southwest, an area of the country he loved to visit and explore, and photography. A pipe organ enthusiast, Len restored and installed in his home a Wurlitzer theater pipe organ which he later donated to the Strand Theater in Plattsburg, NY.
A Memorial Service will be conducted on Friday, Oct. 29th at 2 PM at the New North Church, One Lincoln St., Hingham. Visiting hours and flowers omitted by request. In lieu of flowers, donations in Len's memory may be made to the Norwell VNA & Hospice, 91 Longwater Circle, Norwell, MA 02061. The interment is to be private.