Len was born in Schenectady, New York, on October 18, 1935, to Stanley and Regina Kilian. He was a beloved brother to Raymond Kilian and stepson to Joseph Bonczyk. He attended Draper High School where he was on the varsity basketball team, and graduated in the class of 1953. His love of books, trains, and fishing began during these formative years.
Through a mutual love of jazz music, Len met the love of his life in Mary Kilian née Ferguson. On March 30, 1959, they were married in Schenectady, New York. They began their marriage with the purchase of their land in the Glenville Hills, where they soon built their home and started a family. He loved the view of the Mohawk Valley from the deck of their home of over fifty years.
Known for his love of the outdoors, Len particularly enjoyed fly-fishing in their Waters Road pond and various special spots in upstate New York. His annual trips to fish in his favorite trout waters in the Adirondaks for over sixty years led to the founding of the Split Rock Fly-Fishers. This became a group of family and friends that will continue to enjoy the places he loved and carry on his legacy.
Len was an avid learner and was known for his repartee, expressive vocabulary, and turn-of-phrase. His love of language eventually led to him becoming a published author; he wrote, co-wrote, and contributed to multiple books that were centered around railroad history and touched on local communities, geographic features, and industry. The railroad was one of the great passions of Len’s life. He could be regularly found viewing the railroads and chasing trains all around the Capital District and beyond. He spent countless hours over decades along the Delaware and Hudson railroad and the historic New York Central line through the Mohawk River Valley. Len’s love of railroads led to deep friendships and connections with many beloved companions.
Along with his love for family, Len loved single-malt Scotch whiskey, UConn women’s basketball, flora and fauna of New York State, the Farmer’s Almanac, a good blueberry pie, conversation and companionship, New York Central steam power, muddlers and montanas, campfires and watching the night sky, Stewart’s decaf coffee with nine sugars, extra thick vanilla milkshakes, time spent with family and friends at the green bridge, farmstand flowers, fruits, and vegetables, fresh-baked Italian bread, jazz music, and a good pair of suspenders. And BOOKS!
Len will be lovingly remembered as an amazing friend; he was both interesting and interested in any and all people who crossed his path. He was a gentle giant known for his legendary hugs and handshakes who was generous with his time and resources. He was incredibly loved and will be deeply missed.
Survivors include:
Children: Saralyn Cohen, Christopher Kilian (Stephanie Hurley), Gina Brown (Peter).
Grandchildren: Emanuel and Danielle Cohen, Rebecca, Jonathan, Avery, and Ferguson Kilian, and Christy and Packy Brown.
And many nieces and nephews.
Services will be private and held at a later date. If you would like to honor Len, please consider donating to the Grassland Bird Trust (https://www.grasslandbirdtrust.org/) or a charity of your choice. A random act of kindness or a smile and conversation with a stranger while keeping Len in mind would be a tribute to his legacy.
Published by The Daily Gazette Co. on May 20, 2022.
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