DUXBURY, MA — Leonard Chin passed away unexpectedly on December 10th, surrounded by his loved ones. His dying wish was that his Christmas cards would be sent out on time. Born in Mission Hill to immigrant parents, Robert and Wai Sim Chin (Lee), he was raised in Boston and North Reading, MA. A self-proclaimed track legend, Lennie graduated from North Reading High School and often bored his children with tales of his 4×400 relay team. He attended numerous Massachusetts state colleges before finally earning a degree from Fitchburg State College and a Master’s degree from Simmons University.
An educator at heart, Lennie coached track and taught special education in the Wilmington Public Schools for almost a decade. He then moved his family to the “585” side of Duxbury and opened the Ming Dynasty restaurant in Plymouth, MA, where he fed way too many of his children’s friends and teammates. After his children finished college, Lennie returned to his passion for special education, teaching at the South Shore Charter School, where he impacted hundreds of “his kids” for nearly two decades.
Though he never stepped into the batter’s box, Lennie realized his dream of working for the Red Sox and proudly served as the Gate E security supervisor for over 15 seasons. His greatest highlight was riding a Duck Boat after the Sox won the 2013 World Series. Upon retirement, he devoted his time to watching his six grandchildren compete and perform, attending all their games, competitions, meets, recitals, plays, and other events, which brought him endless joy.
He is predeceased by his father and brother, Robert “Bolo” Chin. He is survived by his mother; his children and their spouses: Matthew Chin (Pamela), Jarrod Chin (Colleen), and Alyssa Ng (Mike); his grandchildren: Lucia, Luke, Summer, Rose, Dylan, and Aubree; his brother, Steven Chin; his nieces Kristy, Samantha, and Stephanie; his life partner, Gina Basler, and her three children: Derek, Samantha, and Michael; his hat collection; and all the other people he positively impacted with his jokes and stories. A celebration of life will be held on January 24th at the Duxbury Bay Maritime School from 4-7 pm.
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