Leonard J. Redfern

Leonard J. Redfern, Jr. of Atkinson NH, formerly of Reading MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the age of 87, with his loving family by his side.

Len was born in Woburn, the son of the late Leonard and Ella (Erwin) Redfern. As a child he lived in Woburn in an extended family household that included his parents, paternal grandparents, Richard and Anna, and his uncle Edwin. In 1951 the family moved to Reading where Len (at age 16) got his first job, as did many high schoolers, at the Atlantic Food Mart. After high school graduation, other jobs followed until he was told about an opening in the Reading Fire Department, and he was hired. He had also enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962, and he and the family had some tense moments as he was on active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Fortunately, war was averted.

In 1963, he married the love of his life, Ellen Carter. They lived in Reading where they raised their two daughters Linda and Laura. In 2004 they moved to Atkinson NH to be nearer their adored grandchildren Rebecca and Jeff. There was never a family dinner or holiday without Rebecca insisting on the “seat next to Papa.” As for Jeff, what’s Christmas without a Hess Truck from Papa?

Through hard work and determination, Len advanced through the ranks of the Reading Fire Department — from Lieutenant to Captain, and ultimately to the pinnacle of his career as Chief, a role he served with pride and distinction. His proudest achievement during his tenure was seeing through the planning and construction of Reading’s Main Street Fire Station, which was dedicated in 1990. Prior to becoming Chief, he also had his own painting and wallpapering business, and was well known throughout Reading for his meticulous craftsmanship. Always, his number one priority was to provide for his family, including trips to Disney World, annual summer holidays at Wells Beach, ME, dinners at the Hilltop Steak House, and pool parties in their own backyard.

After his retirement, Len and Ellen enjoyed spending time at their two favorite vacation spots—Ireland and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida—where they made many wonderful, lifelong friends. In recent years, Len stayed closer to home, but he never lost his sharp intellect, keen interest in news and politics, or his love for the Boston Red Sox. He took great joy in watching his grandchildren grow and thrive and remained deeply grateful for the countless blessings in his life. Having come of age in the 1950s, Len often said he had lived in the best of times. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him dearly.

Len was the beloved husband of Ellen (Carter) Redfern for 52 years until her passing in 2015. Cherished father of Linda Redfern and Laura MacRae and her husband Tom. Loving grandfather of Rebecca and her husband Andrew, and Jeff. Dear brother of Janis Newcomb and her husband, the late David Newcomb, and of the late Brenda Norton and her husband Ed.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org), an organization dedicated to supporting injured veterans and their families. Your generosity in honoring their memory will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much.