Leonard Cancel
September 20, 1962 - January 19, 2019
Lenny’s light filled every space he occupied, and that light was suddenly extinguished by unexplained heart failure on a snowy Friday morning, January 19, 2019.
Leonard Cancel was born in Manhattan, New York on September 20, 1962. He was a local track star in high school. He attended Rutgers University on a track scholarship, and went on to complete a Masters in Psychology from the University of Utah. Lenny was working as the Director of Product Support for Optum.
Lenny maintained himself in amazing physical condition throughout his life—he had just finished a mile an a half on the treadmill before he sat down and passed quickly.
He is survived by his parents, Leonardo and Awilda Cancel of Toms River, NJ; sister and brother-in-law Maritza & Albin Goetze and their daughters, Brittany and Devon, of Mays Landing, NJ; and brother Edward Cancel & partner, Sean Dempsey, of Worcester, MA.
Lenny is also survived by devoted “family” members from New York, New Jersey and Salt Lake City, including Andy Borden, Michael and Chris Benson, Keith Stout, Steve Koerner, Dave Maroukis, Raymond King, Ron Godwin, Alan Hebertson & Dieter Sellmair, Bonnie Coburn, Michele Corigliano, Billy Stern and far too many more to mention.
While Lenny loved flowers, he would be far more interested in seeing donations made in his name to Equality Utah, whose mission is to secure equal rights for LGBTQ Utahns and their families. Lenny was honored to be a host for the 2018 Allies Banquet.
Private services will be held for family and friends after which his remains will return to New Jersey with his parents to be
placed in a family mausoleum. A public Celebration of Lenny’s Life will be announced.
Our hearts are broken…
In Loving Memory
Lenny was a wonderful brother-in-law. His laughter and smile will be sorely missed by all. He welcomed me with open arms and love into his family. Lenny's love for his family and friends was evident in everything he said and did. Although Lenny may be gone our love for him will never die. God speed my friend, you will be in our hearts and minds forever.
Lenny was wonderful. He could make anyone feel comfortable as soon as you talked to him. When I became a manager here he was so supportive and most of all we had some good laughs together. My heart hurts to know the next time we meet in Salt Lake he won't be there. He was an angel on earth and now is watching over us as one in heaven. I am so, so sorry for your loss. I know his family was so important to him. Anytime I was with him or on the phone with him he talked about each of you!
I had the pleasure of working on Lenny's team for about a year and was able to meet him once while training in Utah. I found him to be very fair manager (at the time) and always a happy soul - i'll miss hearing his voice on our Optum calls. My condolences to his family and his large "family" of friends.
My his memory be eternal!!
My deepest Sympathies. I had known Lenny since the 7th great. Always a sweet kind and smiling guy. Such an example of how people should be. He was regal and I loved him just for being 100% Lenny. RIP my friend.
My heartfelt prayers and sympathy to Lenny’s families. What an honorable description of Lenny, he surely did fill every space with light. I hope it brings you comfort knowing that this world is a better place because of the love for life he shared with everyone. He will be sadly missed. RIP Lenny.
My condolences to Lenny's family and friends. I've worked with Lenny off and on for several years and had some fun times at the Optum conferences. When he talked about his family, the love and affection was obvious. I'm sorry you've lost him way too soon. In sympathy.
Sending my deepest condolences to friends and family. I worked with Lenny for many years at Optum. He was such a bright light. You could always count on having a good laugh and him leaving smiles on our faces. He will be missed. RIP Lenny.
My deepest condolences to Lennyâ€s family. Lenny was a light in my life for 23 years. He was a true friend and brought joy to all who crossed his path. He is surely an angelic spirt.
Oh Lenny, our hearts are broken.
My deepest sympathies to your whole family. I was fortunate enough to work on a project with Lenny almost daily for the past year and was introduced to the larger than life personality that matched his larger than life smile. He always brought positive energy, encouragement and that infectious laugh to every interaction. He will be missed so much by so many.
My heart is broken for you all. I had the pleasure of working with Lenny over the last 3 years at Optum. Lenny could create laughter in a split second. His professionalism and dedication to our clients is unparalleled. While I didn't know Lenny other than through work I can only imagine how passionate he is about his tribe.
I had the honor and privilege of working closely with Lenny the past few years. His laughter made me smile on the hardest of days. I absolutely adored his personality and how he made me feel like we had known each other our entire lives! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family as I know he will be dearly missed by all.
My heart is broken. Lenny was such a wonderful light in this world. He was always so quick to laugh. I will treasure my memories of him. Condolences to family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss.
My condolences to Willie and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the your family.
Condolences to the family and to all who knew Lenny. My prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
In Loving Memory
