Leonard “Lenny” Fishman

On Thursday, September 16, 2021, Leonard “Lenny” Fishman, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 77. Lenny was born on April 7, 1944, in New York. He married Gloria Fishman on July 16, 1979, and they celebrated forty-two years of marriage. Together, Lenny and Gloria raised two daughters, Kathryn and Kelsey, and ran an antiques business. They loved discovering treasures at auctions and estate sales and were fierce scrabble players.

Lenny loved the sciences, arts, sports, and animals. Above all, he loved his family. His whole face lit up whenever he bragged about his children and grandchildren, which he did daily. He taught his grandson, James, to drive too fast, to shout at sporting games, and to always put your family first. He taught his granddaughter, Lilah, to win at checkers and cards, to be generous with hugs, and that there is always room for a little dessert.

Lenny brought joy to everyone he met. He delighted in finding the perfect greeting card and was especially fond of the ones that played music. He loved to surprise children with stuffed animals (especially bunnies at Easter), and he frequently showed up for celebrations with a large bouquet of balloons and a huge grin.

A devoted family man, neighbor, and friend, Lenny was known for his humor, his thick Brooklyn accent, and his warm, welcoming demeanor. He offered everyone who dropped by—including those who were delivering the mail or simply walking near the house—a hot cup of coffee and something sweet to eat. He believed there was always room for one (or several) more at the dinner table, and this philosophy extended well beyond meal time.

Lenny was preceded in death by his father Arthur, his mother Sophie, and his sister Edie. He is survived by his wife Gloria, his daughter Kathryn and son-in-law Christopher, his daughter Kelsey, his grandchildren James (and Kristen) and Lilah, several nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

The family will host a celebration of life later this fall. For those who wish to make remembrances, the family suggests making a memorial donation to either the Daniel Boone Regional Library or the Buddy Pack program at the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri.

Condolences

  1. Karla Malaney on September 17, 2021 at 4:05 pm

    Gloria and family: I am so sorry to hear of Lenny’s passing. Loved reading this remembrance, he did always have a smile on his face when I saw him around the neighborhood! Prayers for you and yours,
    Karla Malaney



  2. Katie Lammers on September 17, 2021 at 4:10 pm

    Gloria, Kelsey, and Kathryn,
    We are sorry to hear about Lenny’s passing. He was a great neighbor, and we always enjoyed talking to him over the last nine years. Our thoughts are with you all.
    Sincerely,
    The Lammers family



  3. Larry & Mary Colgin on September 17, 2021 at 5:47 pm

    So hard to believe Lenny is gone. He was so full of life…loved chatting with him over the past 28 years. Gloria you two made a fun couple. Larry joins me in sending love to all of you. Lenny will be dearly missed.



  4. Rachel MIller on September 17, 2021 at 6:11 pm

    God Bless you Gloria I enjoyed reading about your husband and your lives together. My empathy is for you as you transition without him. I have found God to be my everything without Lowell. Give me a call if want to talk sometime. I would love to hear more about your life. Lots os Love to you



  5. Randal Post on September 17, 2021 at 8:15 pm

    Sorry for your loss Gloria, sending prayers your way !!!!



  6. Kate and Peter Markie on September 17, 2021 at 10:02 pm

    Lenny had a voice from home for us two northeasterners! But mostly he was just such a kind, straightforward man, honest and warm. We will miss him on our corner of the neighborhood. Hugs to you, Gloria, Kathy, Kelsey, James and family. You all have been great neighbors.



  7. justin harter on September 18, 2021 at 11:45 am

    He was a friend of mine and I’ll be keeping keeping all of you in my thoughts.



  8. Scherrie Goettsch on September 18, 2021 at 12:44 pm

    For many years, I enjoyed seeing Lenny at antique auctions. I often would seek his advice on an item that I was unfamiliar with and, of course, he would know a lot. He was a gentle soul and will be missed by many. Sending our deepest sympathy to you, Gloria, and your family.



  9. Felicia Thewlis on September 20, 2021 at 2:18 pm

    Gloria, what a pleasure it was to care for Lenny during his last days. I’ve had you all on my heart and will be praying for you in the upcoming days.



  10. Steve Kroner (Columbia Mall post office) on September 22, 2021 at 10:44 am

    So sorry to learn of Lenny’s passing. He was never at a loss for words and we enjoyed many a conversation at the mall over the years. Now he is rooting for the pinstripes to make the playoffs! I’m sure he will be missed by family and friends. Prayers and condolences for Gloria and kids.



  11. Sherry Denney on September 23, 2021 at 9:37 am

    Thinking of you and your entire family.



  12. Larry Atterberry, Jr on October 1, 2021 at 9:19 am

    Gloria and family, I am so sorry to hear about Lenny. I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with you both. He will be greatly missed.

    We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.



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