Leonard "Lenny" Young Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Leonard “Lenny” Young, Jr., who left us peacefully on April 15, 2025, at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on February 2, 1957, to Leonard Sr. and Gloria (Mugni) Young, Lenny was a longtime Hamden resident. He grew up with an adventurous spirit and a heart for people. His warmth, humor, and kindness touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Lenny filled his days with the things he loved most: music, cooking, caring for animals – especially dogs – and helping people in need. His love of music, most notably the Grateful Dead, took him across the United States coordinating and attending concerts with fellow enthusiasts. He also reveled in many Mardi Gras celebrations. His kitchen was often filled with the delicious aromas of elaborate meals he was happily preparing to share with family and friends.

A lifelong animal lover, Lenny’s passion was to improve the lives of animals in need. He was instrumental in the creation of the Hamden Dog Park at Bassett Field and a proud founder of Gimme Shelter, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for the first ever animal shelter in Hamden. Through his compassion and tireless efforts, Gimme Shelter became a principal contributor to the town’s Animal Shelter Gift Fund. The Mayor recently proclaimed that the future shelter shall be co-named the Giannini – Young animal shelter, in his honor.

He is survived by his loving siblings, Joyce Young of Prospect, Michael Young (Karen) of Southington and Dean Young (Amy) of Cheshire, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as numerous extended family. He also leaves behind many long-time friends, and a community of grateful pet owners who entrusted their beloved animals to his care.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, Connecticut. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date, where friends and loved ones will be invited to gather and honor his life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to “GimmeShelterHamden.org” to help complete the animal shelter in Lenny’s memory.

Though cancer may have taken him from our sight, Lenny’s spirit will live on in the music he loved, the meals he cooked, the animals he saved, and the countless hearts he touched along the way.

To send condolences to Lenny’s family, please see his obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.