Joseph Lena

Joseph A.S. Lena, Esq, of Boston, died on November 16, 2021. He was 87. He never married but was a constant support for his parents, Joseph and Teresina Lena, and his three sisters, Helen Palumbo, Frances Cannava and Concetta “Connie” Saccone, all of whom predeceased him.

He was a prodigious scholar, highly cultured, a devout Catholic and a loyal friend.

He was born, raised and spent most of his life in Boston’s “Old West End,” having grown up on Allen and Joy Streets.

He graduated from Boston College High School in 1951, coming in 31st out of 209 students. Then he attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. A lover of the Classics, he majored in Latin, Greek and English. He was a proud member of the Holy Cross Class of ’55, where he ranked 2nd in his Class of around 500 students. Then he attended Harvard Law School for his law degree, graduating in 1959.

He had a distinguished career in law, including as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1965 to 1970 and was the Chief of the Civil Division from 1969 to 1970.

For most of his career he maintained law offices at 3 Center Plaza in Boston from 1970 to 2005.

His last few years were spent contentedly in assisted living at Benchmark Waltham Crossings.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 23 at 10AM, in St. Michael Cemetery at 227 Walk Hill Street, Roslindale. Please meet procession at Walk Hill gate entrance.