Leonard J. Ortins
August 5, 1953 ~ April 14, 2024
Leonard J. “Lenny” Ortins, 70, of Danvers, passed away suddenly on April 14, 2024, while doing what he loved most, cycling. He was the loving husband of Susan (Pelletier) Ortins with whom he shared 42 adventurous and fun-loving years of marriage.
Born in Salem on August 5, 1953, exactly 7 years to the day of his older sister’s birth. He was the son of the late Leon and Dorothy (Bettencourt) Ortins. Lenny graduated from Peabody High School in 1971. He had a successful career with Stop & Shop as a manager, retiring after 52 years. Not many people can say that!
If you knew him, you might not consider him a passionate guy, but Lenny’s heart and soul was cycling. He had been a member of the North Shore Cyclists for over thirty years and was currently the vice president. Over these past 10 months, he has been very involved in the day-to-day operations of the club, and he so looked forward to his first club ride on April 13th. He enjoyed raising money through numerous charity rides, as well as the social aspect of the club. He was active within his community, having served as a former Town Meeting Member. Lenny was a member of the Danvers Historical Society, Elks Lodge #892 Gloucester, the Trustees of Reservations, and was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Veragua Council #76 Knights of Columbus in Salem for over 50 years.
Most of all, family came first. He was a hard-working, generous, and well-loved man. He loved our porch where many a gathering has been held over the years. He loved all holidays which were heartily celebrated, especially with light displays which he did because of Susan! Lenny’s social calendar was full of special events with his wife and son, Michael. He loved traveling, near and far, and he cherished the memories that came along with it.
He is survived by his wife, Susan, his son Michael Ortins and his longtime partner, Sarah Anders of Beverly, his sister Judy Renaud and her husband, Jack, many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and his cycling family.
His funeral service will be held at 12:30PM on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. Visitation will be held that morning prior to the service from 10AM-12:15PM in the funeral home. Burial is private. Please omit flowers. Instead, please consider donations to the Friends of the Danvers Rail Trail, P.O. Box 211, Danvers, MA 01923. Please indicate the donation is made in memory of Lenny Ortins.
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2023 Was my first year actively riding with the NSCC. I met Lenny a couple of times and true to a community that respects and cherishes it’s own, I know Lenny will be sorely missed by his fellow cyclist. My deepest condolences to the Ortins family.
Truly,
Marc Gaudette
I met Lenny when I joined the North Shore Cyclists in 2021. He was a pleasure to ride with and attentive to new comers. In 2022, my spouse Ardys and I became much closer to Lenny thru our participation in the NSC FUN Committee. Lenny was the nominal leader of the group, and as such he inspired the cordiality between group members, as well as ambitious and effective service to the club: in the space of two years the club picnics envisioned by Lenny and facilitated by FUNcom became an integral part of the club’s social mission. And the friendship between Lenny, Ardys, and I flourished. We will miss him greatly and in the days ahead we will strive “to raise grief to music” in delightful memory of Lenny’s presence in our lives.
I worked with Lenny many many years ago at the Stop and Shop in Lynn as well as played softball against him. He was quick with a joke and quicker with a smile. RIP my old friend.
I met Lenny purely by chance on a solo bike ride in 2017. We met up on a trail (in Marblehead, I think), and rode together for a couple of hours. He took me through Nahant and we had some very nice conversations. I tried to email him a couple of times after that, but unfortunately it never worked out. I remember him as a pleasant soul and a true gentleman. RIP Lenny.
Lenny was the first person I met at North Shore Striders cycling club. It wasn’t long before we became not only riding friends but just friends. Very recently four of us journeyed to a large Trek dealer in NH in heavy rain the whole time. We didn’t care. Lenny wanted to see the e-bikes there. After, a stop, over lunch, in Haverhill brought many laughs and even plans for riding.
One quick story of Len’s personality and persistence: he called me me one winter night a year ago and asked me to join what we term the Fun Committee. I sheepishly said sure, now explain this committee’s purpose. He did (picnic planners). Then Len rings me again 3/4 days later and says, “Now that you’ve been on the Fun Committee awhile, we want you to head it up.” Until his last days we laugh at this. But that’s Lenny. He was North Shore Striders. You are already greatly missed good friend. Rest well and may the wind always be at your back.