Leonard Edward Forrence

Leonard Edward Forrence passed peacefully on January 18, 2024. Born on November 6, 1929 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he was the son of the late Stanislaw and Stefania Forencewicz. Like so many young men of his era, he joined the Merchant Marine and spent a few summers seeing the world from the deck of a freighter.

Len later served with the US Army in Korea, keeping the supply lines open for the materials of war, which he said consisted mostly of ammunition and beer. After serving in the military he went on to graduate from King's College in Wilkes-Barre. As part of his studies he took a summer class at Harvard where he met Betsey Johnson. Betsey would become his wife of 55 years until her passing in 2012. After a short stint in New Jersey, they settled into Frederick County for the rest of their lives.

Len spent the majority of his career as a researcher for the USDA at Ft. Detrick. After retirement, he volunteered for a variety of organizations including building houses with Habitat for Humanity and serving food at a local soup kitchen. As a Third Order Carmelite, Len’s religious life was very important to him.

Len was brother to Stanley, Stella, Lillian and Ted, and was the last of his immediate family. His children include the late Margaret Forrence (who predeceased him in 1987), Sharon Forrence, Jennifer Forrence and husband Louis, Michael Forrence and wife Sharon, and Catherine Forrence. He is also survived by grandchildren Christopher Forrence, Alexander Forrence and wife Anjali, Adam Leverette, and Shepherd Leverette, and by great-grandchild Lily Forrence.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Wednesday, January 24th at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 100 North Seton Ave, Emmitsburg, followed by interment at Emmitsburg Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Tuesday January 23rd at the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, 210 W. Main St in Emmitsburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you instead consider a donation to Seton Center Inc. or Mother Seton School, both in Emmitsburg, or to the charity of your choice.