Leonard N. Persson

Leonard N. Persson of Woodbury, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 86 years old.

Born in October 1939 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Len was the son of Leonard D. Persson and Doris A. Persson. Known to many as “Len” or “Skip,” he lived a long and full life marked by intellectual curiosity, dedication, and a deep love for family. All who knew him will remember his thoughtful nature and the steady presence he brought to the lives of those around him.

Len graduated from Milford High School in 1957, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961 and a Master of Science degree in 1966 from the University of Bridgeport, and achieved a lifelong milestone in 1976 when he received his Doctorate in Education from Columbia University. He enjoyed a distinguished career in human resources, holding senior roles in the 1960s at Bullard Company, Norden Inc., and Universal Manufacturing. From 1972 to 1986, he served as Professor of Management at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, where he founded the university’s Master of Business Administration program and taught both graduate and undergraduate courses. In 1980, he established Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC, which he owned and operated for more than three decades. He authored the widely used publication What to Do about Personnel Problems in Connecticut and wrote numerous articles on human resources, wage and salary administration, and computer-assisted education.

Outside of his professional life, Len cherished the outdoors, a passion that began in his youth as an Eagle Scout. He enjoyed fishing, boating, skeet and target shooting, and racing his vintage cars. He took great pride in earning his USCG Captain’s License and sharing his love of fishing with family on Long Island Sound and in Islamorada, Florida. He also loved music and the arts, singing professional opera, and playing guitar with the Possum Glory String Band on the Milford Green and at Newman family reunions. Proud of his heritage, he was a member of the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America, the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and the National Order of the Magna Charta.

Len is survived by his three loving children, Christopher (Leslie) Persson of Woodbury, Connecticut, Deborah Persson of Milford, Connecticut, and Rebecca (Robert) Chesson of Clermont, Florida; five cherished grandchildren, Zachary (Abigail), Caroline, and Michael Chesson, and Sophia and Christianne Persson; and his first wife, Lynn Persson of Milford, Connecticut. He was predeceased by his second wife, Caryl Stratton. The family is deeply grateful for the years of caring devotion provided by Betsey Blaisdell.