Leonard "Lenny" Hayden

Leonard “Lenny” Hayden, of Middletown, NY, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, after a prolonged illness. He was 68. Born on November 11, 1957, in Middletown, NY, Lenny was the son of Margaret Jeffries and Jerrill Cuffee.Lenny was a lifelong musician and an accomplished guitarist who found his greatest joy with a guitar in his hands. Music was a constant in his life; whether playing at home, performing, or simply sharing a song with friends. He loved to play and perform and spent much of his life surrounded by music and the people who enjoyed it with him. Lenny never met a stranger and had more friends than he knew what to do with, many of whom became like family. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Hayden; his son, LJ Hayden, and LJ’s mother, Cindy Groseclose; Ellen’s daughters, Shawn and Brooke; his brother, Lawrence Hayden; and his sisters, Elizabeth Martinez Cuffee, Yvonne Cuffee Johnson, Christy Barrantes-Chaves, Yvette Cuffee, and Dee Cuffee Washington. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as many close friends who were like family.Lenny will be remembered for his music, his personality, and the many friendships he built throughout his life. His presence and his guitar will be deeply missed.A celebration of Lenny’s life will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at The Church at Ridgebury, 671 Ridgebury Rd, Slate Hill, NY. Friends and family are invited to gather from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a service from 12:00–12:30 PM.