Leonard Paul Keirstead, 96, of Gloucester, MA, formerly of Lowell and Chelmsford, MA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Seacoast Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester. He was the beloved husband of the late Jean B. (Caddell) Keirstead, who predeceased him on September 25, 2016.
Born in Lowell, MA, Leonard was the son of the late Harvey and Ethel (Tucker) Keirstead. A proud graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1946, Leonard dedicated much of his professional career to Sears in Lexington, MA, where he excelled as a sales manager in the Commercial Sales Division.
Leonard was deeply involved in his community, particularly through his lifelong commitment to the Masonic Order. A Grandmaster and soloist for the William North Lodge, he began his Masonic journey as a young man in DeMolay. Leonard’s passion for music extended beyond the Lodge; he was a gifted tenor and performed as a soloist with the Christ Church United in Lowell and the Lowell Opera Company. He also sang for many years in the Paint and Powder shows. He brightened many family holidays with his voice. His mother once wrote “age 5 – Leonard will sing for anyone, anytime, anyplace”.
Leonard enjoyed his annual family vacations to Ocean Park, Maine where he could be seen riding the waves into his eighties. An avid sportsman, Leonard embraced competition with enthusiasm and skill, excelling in softball and bowling. At 85, he achieved an impressive bowling score of 280, a testament to his enduring athleticism.
Leonard was a longtime member of Eliot Presbyterian Church in Lowell, MA, where he often sang in the choir and cherished the fellowship of his church family
His neighbors on Norcross Street in Lowell were accustomed to seeing Mr. Keirstead’s feet sticking out from under a car. He was a self-taught mechanic who maintained the family cars and could always be counted on by his kids for a road rescue and repair.
Prior to moving out of Chelmsford, Leonard enjoyed attending the Table of Plenty community meals program where he and his wife felt welcome and made friends.
The family wishes to thank Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester. The staff and residents became a beloved community for Leonard and his family. He particularly enjoyed playing Black Jack and Bingo and attending the many concerts. The family often played Scrabble when visiting and learned that he was a fierce competitor.
Leonard leaves behind a loving family, including his son, David Keirstead, and his wife, Valerie, of Stafford, VA; his daughters, Judith Goodwin and her husband, Mark, of Palmer, MA, Carol Keirstead of Lowell, MA, and Joyce Johnston and her husband, Gregory, of Beverly, MA. He was proud grandfather to Michael, Philip, Brett, Chelsea, Jamieson, Erica, Emily, Sophea, and Charlie and is survived by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Jean, Leonard was predeceased by his brothers, Russell, Lloyd, and Donald Keirstead, as well as his great-grandson, Bodhi.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Leonard’s services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Fri., Jan. 3, 2025 at Christ Church United, 180 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852. Burial will take place at Westlawn Cemetery, Lowell, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Eliot Presbyterian Church, 273 Summer Street, Lowell, MA or to The Friends of Seacoast, Inc, P.O. Box 1578, Gloucester, MA 01930. ARRANGEMENTS BY MORSE-BAYLISS FUNERAL HOME 978-458-6841. Guestbook at www.morsebaylissfuneralhome.com
9 responses to “Leonard P. Keirstead, Formerly of Lowell and Chelmsford, MA”
A true gentleman with a beautiful voice, he blessed our Eliot Church with his wonderful soul. Our condolences to his family with recognition for his beautiful heart.
With sadness, Dale and Cathy Burdt
The choirs in heaven have another fine tenor! I remember that, even as a young girl, I appreciated Leonard’s solos at Eliot. My mother (Mary Doole Amiot Bennett) told us she used to sing with Leonard when they were both in elementary school. She and others from the church must be having one grand heavenly reunion!
May the Spirit comfort you at this tender time.
My condolences to his family on the loss of this fine man. I grew up going to Eliot Presbyterian and attended Eliot Club for teens along with his son, David. When I think of David’s father, I remember his wonderful singing voice and his constant smile. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.
Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father. His faith and kindness were a blessing to all who knew him. May God’s peace comfort you and your family during this time
My condolences to the Keirstead Family
We loved Leonard. He was such a lovely well-dressed gentleman. We’ve missed his presence and voice. May he rest in peace.
Sending deepest condolences and prayers, Len was such a gentleman through and through and his love of Jesus was evident in everything he did. His voice truly soared to Heaven!
Sincere sympathy to Len’s Family from the Barnes Family of Lowell . Close friend of Richard -Lenny sang at Richard and Jean’s Wedding and also at Richard’s Retirement Party at the Officer’s Club in Lexington. They shared DeMolay and Mason lives for years.. I remember all of us attending the University of Life Series… snd all the fun and laughs at the DeMolay Shows in the 60’s that Dick was the MC! All of us can still hear Lenny’s magical voice.
Our Family is richer for having known him.
He is at Peace and in a better place- God Bless
I met my Brother Len during a Scottish Rite degree as he was the soloist during the degree work. I learned later that my wife Donna (Clark) McCarthy and I were classmates of daughter Judy’s High School graduation class of 1973 from Lowell High School. The Grand Architect of the Universe has called Len to reunite with his wife, brothers, grandson, as well as the rest of his Masonic Brethren who have been called before him. Amen good and faithful servant.