Dr. Hugh Francis Lena, lll

Dr. Hugh Francis Lena, lll, 76, of Providence, Sociology Professor, Emeritus and the longest serving Provost of Providence College, passed away on January 4th, 2025, following a brief illness. Born on June 20th, 1948, in Denver Colorado, he was a son of the late Hugh Francis, Jr., and Edith Jeanne (Bennett) Lena, he leaves behind his spouse, Susan (Humphrey) Lena and their daughter, Dr. Jennifer C. Lena of New York. He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Cole and her spouse Sessions of St Louis MO, and Susan Bellerose and her spouse Steve of Newton, MA., He was predeceased by three siblings: Carol Kiel, Barbara Kosheff, and Peter Lena.

Dr. Lena was a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame, later earning his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Connecticut. Upon his retirement, he was the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate in Education from Providence College, a community he joined as an Assistant Professor in 1974. An avid marathon runner, he completed dozens of races, including both the Marine Corps and Boston Marathons. He enjoyed tennis, hiking, and travel: in the months preceding his death, he completed a nine-country cruise on the Danube with his wife and daughter, and a trip to the Canary Islands, Spain, and Morocco with his beloved wife, Susan. He adored his family and friends, had a great personality, and a big heart. He was known and admired for his advocacy and support for AIDS patients and his service as a board member of the Providence Community Health Center

Service arrangements for Dr. Lena have been entrusted to the Berarducci Funeral Home in Providence. The family is planning a celebration of his life at a later date with details to be announced upon completion.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hugh Francis Lena, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.