J. Lionel "Len" Hebert, Jr.

EAST BROOKFIELD - J. Lionel "Len" Hebert, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at The Willows in Worcester after an illness. He was born in 1945 in Southbridge, the son of J. Lionel, Sr., and Agnes (Fletcher) Hebert.

He met his devoted and loving wife Mary (Stetson) Hebert while teaching at Crotched Mountain, a school for the deaf and disabled in Greenfield, New Hampshire. Len and his family moved to East Brookfield in 1989, and spent time enjoying Lake Lashaway, swimming or canoeing in the summer, and skating and ice fishing in the winter. Len also enjoyed exploring with Mary and his son Ben on motorcycles, often taking the scenic routes throughout New England.

An incredible teacher, Len taught Technical Education, learning new skills as the technology evolved and insistent that it should be embraced across disciplines. He shared his knowledge and passion with his students, having them construct sets and record and edit video for school musicals. He was one of the first people to host a FIRST National Robotics Team and founded E.O. Smith's Tech-Camp, where children spent summers building solar-powered RC cars and learning computer-aided design. He retired from E.O. Smith in Storrs, CT after teaching for 20 years and being named Teacher of the Year.

Len enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, teaching them to cook and including them in creative projects. His faith was a large part of his life and he was a parishioner at St. John the Baptist in East Brookfield where he lectored for many years.

He leaves his loving wife of 46 years, Mary (Stetson) Hebert; his son, Benjamin Hebert and his wife, Alyssa of Holden; his daughters, Katharine England and her husband, Paul of Dedham, ME and Molly Vye and her husband, Gerry of Andover; seven grandchildren, Madilyn, Jocelyn, Alice, Eleanor, Paul, Evelyn, and Adeline; his brother, Thomas Hebert and his wife Eleanor of Southbridge; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers, James and George Hebert and his sister, Alice Cove.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 26th in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Funeral services for Len will be held on Monday, February 27th with a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. John the Baptist Church, 131 Blaine Ave., East Brookfield. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to FIRST Robotics by visiting https://www.nefirst.org/donate . To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.