Leonard “Lenny” Silver, 72, loving father, grandfather, brother and partner passed away peacefully after a hard fought and courageous battle with cancer on May 20 th in Claremont, NH.

Lenny was born in Newport, NH on June 18,1953 to the late Jack and Dorothy (Daimont) Silver.

Upon graduation from Newport High School in 1971 – Lenny went to work for Ruger where he retired after close to 40-years.

With a love for socializing and never one to sit still, Lenny continued working part-time at the Z & W Machine shop with his lifelong friend, Paul Spanos, until his passing.

Lenny was quite the athlete in his day – playing with the Miller Real Estate Softball team, shooting hoops, golfing and bowling in a league at the Claremont Bowling Alley. But his real passion was racing. Lenny started his racing career in 1979 at Claremont Speedway racing the blue and yellow number 3 which he co-owned with Donnie McGuire. His racing career spanned 25- years and he was affectionately known as Lenny “High Ho” Silver to the racing community. When he won the coveted title of Track Champion in 1991 – he received a letter from the Newport Police Chief letting him know that he was finally putting his speed to good use.

During the summer months, Lenny could always be found outside soaking in the sunshine. He and partner Debbie frequently traveled to Maine to enjoy the ocean, always making time for a stop at Lenny’s favorite spot, Mike’s Clam Shack. They also enjoyed cruises to the Caribbean.

Lenny was an incredible and supportive father to his two children, Melissa and Ryan, but he absolutely shined as a doting grandfather. Jack and Evan were always excited for their visits with Grandpa Lenny.  He kept up with their rambunctious energy amazingly well while staying true to his competitive spirit and never letting them win against him whether it be sports, board games or anything else!

Lenny is survived by his loving partner of 18-years, Debbie Harris, his daughter Melissa Watson (Branden) of Duxbury, MA, son Ryan Silver of Chicago, IL, sister Barbara Lord of Sun City West, AZ, Grandsons Jack and Evan Watson, Chris (Karen) Stanhope and Bobby (Dawn) Stanhope who were like sons to him and their children Tony, Felicia, Zach and Derrick and great- grandchildren all of whom he adored. Lenny is also survived by his closest childhood friends and their significant others – Paul and Terri Spanos, Brad Hemingway, Donnie Hemingway and Kim Richardson.

Lenny’s family would like to thank Dr. Brooks and his oncology team at Dartmouth Hospital and the Bayada Hospice team for their tender care and support.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center for continued research.

Calling hours at Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home, 42 Main St. in Newport, will be Friday, May 22nd from 4-6 PM. A graveside burial at the Meyer-David Cemetery on North St. in Claremont will be held Saturday, May 23rd at 11 AM.