Leonard Walter Glass

Lenny's journey throughout his life was a testament to his insatiable thirst for knowledge, his unwavering work ethic and his boundless love for his family and friends. A person of extraordinary talents, he was a true Renaissance man - a masterful surgeon, a captivating storyteller, a resilient entrepreneur, a gracious host and a gifted artist.

Born on June 28,1935 in Baltimore, Maryland, to Dr. Louis Joseph Glass and Frieda Friedlander Glass, Lenny and his older brother Barry were raised by their hard-working mother after their parents' divorce. From humble beginnings, Lenny possessed an unyielding determination to carve out a path to success.

After graduating from Franklin and Marshall College in 1956, he earned a master's degree at Rutgers University. Lenny's pursuit of medicine led him to the University of Maryland School of Medicine where he graduated in 1961 and completed his surgical residency in 1966.

The call to serve his country took Lenny to Vietnam, where he bravely served as a trauma surgeon at the 45th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (M.A.S.H.) in Tay Ninh. With a rank of Captain, Lenny earned a Combat Medic Badge for his tour of duty. His life-changing experience in Vietnam and identity as a veteran would continue to profoundly shape his worldview throughout his life.

Returning from Vietnam, Lenny completed his medical training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Michigan where he formed lifelong bonds with his fellow residents. This circle of friends remained closed over the years despite time and distance, meeting for sailing, skiing and countless life events for decades.

In search of new horizons, Lenny ventured to California with his first wife, Catherine Rogers, where he established himself as a pioneering plastic surgeon in San Diego. He built a thriving practice in the 1970’s and 1980’s, touching countless lives through his surgical skill and compassion. Though the couple eventually ended the marriage, they welcomed three daughters during their time together, and San Diego became a permanent home. In his spare time Lenny volunteered in several community organizations, including lending his expertise to perform reconstructive surgeries for children in need.

Along with Lenny’s sharp intellect and wit, his constant hunger to learn and seek new challenges were undeniable. Soon after his first retirement from medicine in the mid 1980’s, Lenny pursued an entirely new career in hotel development. During that time, he explored a variety of ventures, learning many new businesses and always leading with his ability to connect with people and build trusted relationships.

Lenny was lucky to find love again with Susan Ramey; they married in 1994 after several years of dating. Together they embarked on countless adventures, always with unwavering support, affection and joy for one another for the next thirty years. Their travels included destinations foreign and domestic - from Italy and Israel to Maui and Maryland. Susan has remained Lenny’s strongest supporter and confidante and his foremost caretaker during his later illness.

Despite his entrepreneurial interests, Lenny’s passion for medicine led him back to the profession. He served as a Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at UC San Diego for much of the 1990’s and received the UCSD Residents’ Annual Teaching Award. According to the department chair at that time, Lenny would have received that award every year had there not been university limits prohibiting it. Lenny clearly left an indelible impact on future generations of medical professionals. Following his time at UCSD, he returned to private practice until his retirement in 2005.

Retirement was merely a new chapter for Lenny, who continued to embrace life with boundless enthusiasm. From founding an innovative organization to address national medical provider shortages, to indulging in his hobbies of oil painting, playing bridge with Susan, and completing the daily crossword puzzle, he approached each day with the same zest for learning and exploration. Lenny was just as much a master teacher as he was an eternal student, and in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s, he joyfully led an outdoor painting class for his grandchildren, circling their stations and offering gentle guidance on technique and color.

Lenny’s legacy lives on through his loving wife Susan; his beloved daughters Julie Cameron (Scott), Amy Mischler (Bob) and Holly DuBois (Josh), and his eight precious grandchildren: Katie Cameron, Lauren Cameron, Christopher Cameron, Willa Mischler, Callan Mischler, Matthew DuBois, Sarah DuBois and James DuBois.

He is reunited with his brother Barry in spirit and is survived by Barry’s children: Randi Murray (David Meckel), Ira Glass and Karen Glass along with Barry’s wife, Sandy Glass. In addition, he's survived by his brothers-in-law, Phil Ramey (Valerie), David Ramey and sisters-in-law Rose Ramey and Margaret Stratton.

A funeral service to honor Lenny's remarkable life will take place on Monday, April 15, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm at El Camino Memorial, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA followed by a presentation of Military Honors at Miramar National Cemetery from 2:15 pm to 2:45 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

As we bid farewell to our beloved Lenny, let us carry forward his spirit of compassion, curiosity, and determination, ensuring that his memory shines brightly in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, dear Lenny. Your light will never fade and your spirit will live on in the lives you touched.