Obituary of Leonard Filson

Leonard Filson, born July 21, 1928 in Troy, NY passed away on Saturday, February 21st, at the Hospice Inn, St. Peter's Hospital, Albany at the age of 80. He is survived by Vera (Blumberg) Filson of Albany, NY, his wife of 57 years, brother Robert Filson of Cohoes, NY, sister Lorraine Doctrow of Pittsfield, MA and 3 sons, Daniel (Hannah) of Lindenhurst, IL, Michael (Carolyn) of Bethlehem, NY, and Andrew (Polly) of Horseheads, NY; and 5 grandchildren, Brian, Joshua, Rachel, Brendan, and Melissa. In his younger days, Len was an avid violinist, golfer, member of B'nai B'rith Youth Organization and president of Chi Pi Phi fraternity. In 1940, he began what would be 68 years of active involvement in the Boy Scouts, including Governor Clinton Council commissioner, National Council and International representative, and President and Chairman of the Board for the Veteran Scouts Association. He was personally involved with over 14 units and earned over 39 awards and citations. He later became active in the Masons, as a member of the Apollo-King Solomon, Washington, and Van Rensselaer lodges F&AM, and at his Temple serving on many committees. After attending Siena College (and later coursework at RPI) he started his career working for the Waterveliet Arsenal and then Ford Motor Company, where he retired after 35 years as a Plant Industrial Engineer. He was presented with 7 Community Service awards and served as President and Regional Chairman of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers. In retirement, Len is best remembered for his jokes and endless supply of customized cards and flyers he volunteered to make for numerous organizations. Funeral Services will be Monday, February 23rd, 1:00pm at Levine's Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Ave., Albany, NY followed by his burial at Temple Israel Cemetery on Western Avenue, Guilderland (no flowers please). Memorial donations can be made to Temple Israel, 600 New Scotland Ave Albany, NY 12208 or Community Hospice Inn, 315 So. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208.