Leonard “Lenny” Tabs, 82, a West Stockbridge resident, passed peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
Lenny was born in 1941 to parents Louis and Pauline. He spent his childhood in Paterson, N.J., where he met and fell in love with Ellen Solomon, his adoring wife and high school sweetheart. Ellen and Lenny shared a 55-year-long marriage before her passing in 2020, filled with mutual admiration, a true partnership, and vibrant celebration. After graduating high school at an accelerated pace, Lenny enlisted in the military, where he aided in protecting civil rights demonstrators. Lenny graduated from Rutgers University and earned an MBA from Farleigh Dickinson University, launching a long and successful financial career as the CFO of Fortunoff, and later as a financial consultant for Premier Benefit Plans Inc. After enjoying a long life in New York City, Ellen and Lenny retired to the Berkshires in 2008, where they had lived part time since 1998.
For many years, Lenny led “Today’s Headlines,” a current events class at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) that amassed a loyal fan following. His passion for politics was contagious. In every conversation, Lenny met you with a keen listening ear, always saving a little room for levity. Lenny also loved his New York sports teams—Giants, Rangers, Knicks, and Yankees—and the Wisconsin Badgers. “In the Still of the Night” by the Five Satins often played at home, where Lenny loved to spend time with family and friends. Most importantly, Lenny was a very special man. He was loved by all and left a positive impact on everyone he met.
Lenny is survived by his two children, Nancy Tabs and her husband Zach Young of New York City and Mark Tabs and his wife Lisa Tabs of Katonah, N.Y.. He also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren: Halle Young, 25; Emily Young, 25; Sam Tabs, 23; Jacob Tabs, 23; and Jordan Tabs, 15. Lenny is also survived by his brother Ben Tabs of North Caldwell, N.J. He will be missed terribly by his friends and family, who cherished him.
A memorial service will be held in Lenny’s honor this Sunday, at 1:30 p.m., at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA. For those who wish, memorial donations in Lenny’s name may be made to The People’s Pantry in the Berkshires. To send remembrances to his family, please visit the funeral home’s website.
