Leonard Edward Pajula

Leonard Edward Pajula, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, at Talbot Hospice House in Easton, Maryland. He was 84. Born on November 28, 1940, in Ironwood, Michigan, Lenny—known for his wit, warmth, and adventurous spirit—was the first child of Leonard and Marcella Pajula. The family moved to Chicago during his early childhood and later settled in Oak Lawn, Illinois, where Lenny graduated from Oak Lawn High School in 1958. He continued his studies at Lewis College of Technology and Chicago Junior College, majoring in accounting. Lenny began his working life as a baker for Nabisco and then as a butcher for the Jewel Tea Company. Though he never made candlesticks, he had a knack for mastering whatever he set his mind to accomplish. In 1963, he entered the trucking industry, a career that would span decades and take him from Chicago to South Bend, Indiana, and eventually to Maryland. Along the way, he served in leadership roles at Safeway Trucking, Shippers Dispatch, and Preston Trucking. He was also proud to serve as president of the South Bend Lions Club and the Shippers Dispatch Credit Union. In 1976, Lenny moved his family to Maryland, continuing his work with Preston Trucking and later running Preston Salvage. Lenny was an artist, photographer, and antiques collector, and eventually, his lifelong passion for art and antiques became his full-time calling. A man of many interests, Lenny was a sailor and boardman on the Billie P. Hall log canoe, an IRONMAN race participant, a devoted card player, and a lover of National Geographic, donuts, and a good cup of coffee. He found joy in the outdoors, in quiet creativity, and in time spent with the people he loved. In 1960, Lenny married his first wife Dee Lilley, with whom he raised three children, and he later married Jane Secrist, who preceded him in death and with whom he gained two stepchildren. Lenny cherished his family deeply and was happiest when surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Lenny is survived by his children Laura Heikes (Ed), Leonard “Mark” Pajula, and Dan Pajula (Amy); his stepchildren Carl Secrist (Peggy) and Angie Blades (Tommy); grandchildren Stephanie, Katie, Jennifer, Jason, Jed, and Danielle; and eight and a half great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Tom Pajula (MaryAnn) and sister Linette McTeague (Michael). He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Carolyn Bart. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 200 South Harrison Street in Easton. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your local Hospice House or Volunteer Fire Department—organizations close to Lenny’s heart.

Leonard Edward Pajula

November 20, 1940 - July 7, 2025