Leonard D Heier

Len Heier, 88, a longtime resident of Newton, MA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Meryl Heier and leaves his three children, Shari Heier of Taos, NM, Michael Heier, spouse Chrystine Heier and children Zachary and Matthew of Needham, MA, and Lawrence Heier, partner Nicole Weiner and daughter Sadie of Cambridge, MA.

Len was preceded in death by his father, Frederick Heier, his mother, Alice (Heier) Winitt, his sister Janis Cohen, and his grandmother Sylvia Livowitz.

Born on November 24, 1936, in the Bronx, NY, Len graduated from NYU before earning a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. After an early role at Hughes Associates, Len considered pursuing an MBA and was accepted to both Harvard and MIT. During a visit to Boston to make his decision, a friend encouraged him to interview at MITRE Corporation. He accepted an offer there the next day, a choice that changed the course of his life, leading to meeting Meryl, who would become his wife and lifelong partner.

Len’s professional career spanned four decades, beginning in electrical engineering and evolving into software development, and network consulting. In the 1980s, he co-founded Synaxis Corporation, which grew to 35 employees and served clients across various industries. Len took pride in having the opportunity to work alongside each of his children at Synaxis over the years. He sold his business and retired in 1997, allowing him to travel extensively with Meryl, enjoy skiing and summers at his New Hampshire vacation home, and devote time to his cherished grandchildren.

A lifelong learner with a passion for technology, Len continued to share his knowledge by teaching computer skills to his peers and attending classes at BOLLI (Brandeis Osher Lifelong Learning Institute), where he developed new friendships and pursued new interests. He also enjoyed photography, his movie club, and attending musical performances.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 1:45 PM at Sharon Memorial Park Cemetery, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA 02067. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Len’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org)