Rev. Leonard H. Warner

Rev. Leonard H. Warner, 84, a longtime resident of Norwood, MA and recently of Franklin, MA, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of the late Shelby (Parks) Warner and they were blessed with 56 years of marriage before her passing in 2015.

Born in Syracuse, NY, Len was the son of the late Edwin and Florence R. (Blue) Warner. Reverend Warner did his undergraduate work at Piedmont College, where he met his wife, Shelby. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological Seminary. He was the pastor of The First Congregational Church of Norwood for 28 years, retiring in 2001. He had previously served at Chaffins Congregational Church in Holden, MA from 1965-1973.

He will be forever missed and always loved by his Children, Pamela Rivers and her husband Mark of Mineral Wells, WV; Deborah Holleran and her husband Rich of Franklin, MA, with whom he recently made his home; Christopher Warner and his wife Julie of Franklin, MA; Scott Hnatowicz-Warner and his wife Carrianne of Salem, MA; Sisters, Ruth Roberts (Dave), Linda Young (Doug) and Joan Warner Farnsworth (John), and his Cousin Louise (Dan); Grandchildren, Sharaya Greathouse, Misha Dolpies, Jesse Rivers, Leah Cottle, Christoher Hantman, Jack, Sam and Josie Warner; and eight great grandchildren , and nieces and nephews.

Leonard played the guitar & piano, loved the ocean & sailing, and as a lifelong learner, loved reading, and watching educational programs, and discussing them with any willing ear (and some unwilling ones). He touched many people, in so many walks of life and will truly be missed by all those privileged enough to have known him.

Rev. Warner’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 23rd at 11:00am at The First Congregational Church in Norwood, 100 Winter St, Norwood, MA.

Relatives and Friends are invited to call on the family on Friday, July 22nd from 3-7pm at the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole St., Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The First Congregational Church in Norwood or Dana Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gilloolyfuneralhome.com for the Warner family.