CAPE CORAL, Fla. – Leonard “Lenny” Collet, 69, passed away peacefully Jan. 15, 2009, after a long illness. He was born in New Bedford, Mass., in 1939, the youngest of five children to George and Lillian Collet. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1962, from which he received a special commendation for his heroic actions that saved the aircraft and the lives of his entire aircrew during a flight mission. Afterwards Lenny had a long career as a maintenance supervisor at St. Regis Paper Co., Bucksport. During those years, he also served as a deputy sheriff of Penobscot County, a certified national ski patrol instructor and a Shriner with the Anah Temple. In 1987 he moved to Florida, where he was self-employed until his retirement in 2004. His four siblings include his brother, Normand Collet of New York; and his three sisters, Diane Allain and Jeanne Marshall, both of Florida and Louise L’Heureux, who predeceased him. His three children include Steven Collet of San Diego, Suzanne Payne of Bangor and Christopher Pattershall of Orrington. His five grandchildren include Katie Foster, Matt Foster, Sam Foster of Bangor as well as Kaden Pattershall and Lucas Pattershall of Orrington. His only great-grandchild is Jackson Foster of Bangor. He also had many nieces and nephews; and his two dogs, Frankie and Johnny. A poolside celebration of Lenny’s life will be held Thursday, Jan. 22, at his home in Florida. Burial services will take place summer 2009 in Massachusetts.
LEONARD ROGER COLLET
