Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Former Somerville Police Captain Leo J. Letendre on his passing.
Police Captain Leo J. Letendre was the most wonderful person. A true gentleman in every sense of the word. The world has lost one of the best.
Obituary:
Leo J. Letendre, passed away on April 20th at the age of 93. He is predeceased by Elizabeth (DeRocher), his beloved wife of 67 years; his brother, Richard Letendre; and his daughter, Karen Raboin. He leaves his daughter, Michele Granger; sons, Kenneth and Gerard Letendre; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Leo attended Medford High School and served in the US Navy submarine service and was proud to be known as a ‘Bubblehead’. He was a state and national lifetime member of the U.S. Submarine Veterans of WWII.
After 33 years of dedicated and honorable service, Leo retired with the rank of captain from the Somerville Police Department. As a police officer, he was chosen for a number of leadership positions including: Director of the Somerville Police Academy and Police Prosecutor at the Somerville District Court.
Leo also served as a member of the Mass. Police Association Board of Directors, the Mass. Criminal Justice Council and the Executive Board of the Somerville Y.M.C.A.
Following his retirement, he assumed the Directorship of Training for First Security Services in Boston.
Leo took pleasure in helping others. He volunteered at The Stone Zoo, Friends of The Fells, and Hallmark Oncology Clinic in Stoneham.
He loved music and sang in a barbershop quartet and chorus for many years. He was a friend to all animals, especially dogs for whom he always had a pocketful of biscuits.
Leo was an avid reader, landscape oil painter, and photographer. He embraced life fully and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
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hose who would like to make a donation in Leo’s name should do so to The American Cancer Society 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701
A memorial mass will be celebrating Leo’s Eternal Life will be held in St. Raphael’s Church 514 High St. Medford on Saturday April 27th, 2019 at 11 am. Burial will be private.
I remember when he was police prosecutor at the court house, he had a black and white picture of himself riding a camel . I was fascinated by his tales. A classy and intelligent man. If I had a court case, I would get there early just to talk to him.
Rest In Peace Captain Letendre. It was an Honor to work and learn from you. A true Gentleman and Cop’s Cop.
I met Leo for the first time many years ago right after I joined the Somerville Fire Department. He was a consummate gentleman and a fine Police Officer. My condolences go out to his family and the men and women of the SPD.
Rest in peace, Leo.
I played basketball with Leo at the YMCA
during lunchtime for many years, a truly
great person. Sorry to his family for your loss.
He had class, knowledge, integrity and was a true gentleman in every way. He was a submarine sailor in WW11 and I think he said, went on four wartime patrols in the Pacific. He was a leader we could all respect and try to emulate. Well done Captain Letendre.
John o connor
A tremendous leader, he was a mentor and advisor to me which allowed me to be a police officer, to serve the citizens of Somerville for 40 years. Goodbye Captain my Captain.
Capt. was a wonderful Police Officer always professional.
A combination of professionalism and caring that is rare to find, but should be emulated always. Rest Easy Leo.
I remember you as a wonderful leader of the Somerville Auxiliary Police. You taught me how to be compassionate and understanding to those I worked with. Retired Somerville Auxiliary Police Chief Jerry Carvalho
An Officer & a gentleman in every sense of the word.
Rest In Peace Captain.
Leo was one of the finest and most honorable people to ever wear the Somerville Police uniform. He was admired and respected by everyone who ever met him. A man with great knowledge that he willingly shared with others. Rest in Peace my friend.