John L. (Lenny) Stenroth of Oak Bluffs died on Wednesday, June 8 at the Henrietta Brewer House in Vineyard Haven. He was 72.

Lenny was born on August 4, 1944 in Finland, the son of Dag E. Stenroth and Signe O. (Gabrielson) Stenroth. When he was 10 his family immigrated to the United States, where his father found work as a machinist in Worcester. Lenny graduated from Worcester Tech in 1962 and later joined the Coast Guard. He was stationed in Rhode Island, Florida and Hawaii during his four years in the Coast Guard from 1962 to 1969.

In 1969 he moved to the Vineyard to join his brother, who had already settled on the Island. Lenny worked as a licensed electrician on the Vineyard. His favorite pastime was engaging in his ham radio interactions. When cancer made it impossible for him to speak, he adapted to a digital system of Morse code to communicate on the radio.

Lenny was most proud of his 30 years of sobriety, which allowed him to successfully establish himself on the Vineyard and live a comfortable, independent life.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Burt Stenroth. Lenny leaves behind his trusted friend Chris Heidt and his wife Lesley.A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 14 at 10 a.m. at the Oak Grove Cemetery on State Road in Vineyard Haven.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, Vineyard, Haven MA 02568.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at ccgfuneralhome.com.