For many years I have encountered Lenny Verville of Chapman Cole and Gleason Funeral Home at various funerals for my large and extended family. But four months ago I got to know him in a more direct way when my brother PJ died. Lenny arrived at the house late at night, and as we processed the magnitude of the moment I remember my brother, Barry, gently remarking: “That is very impressive he is dressed in a coat and tie at 1:30 in the morning.”

From the instant Lenny became involved with our family, he was always available. He was kind and caring, staying close to us and giving us the space that we needed too. He gave me his cell phone number and he answered his phone when I called. At the time I wanted to tell the community how wonderful Lenny treated our family during our tremendous loss, and how he does this service for so many families. But the summer came and went and I did not write anything down. Then, a few weeks ago, at a family gathering for my brother in law Ed Jerome, Lenny and I met again. Clearly, I did not want to engage with him again so soon. And yet when my family arrived at the door of the funeral home and Lenny opened it, I knew that they and our beloved Ed would be in caring hands.

Thank you Lenny, you are a blessing to our community.

Lisa Brown Langley

Edgartown