Leonard V. Konarski

Leonard Vincent Konarski, 58, a director of career services and internships of UMass Boston, died on his favorite holiday, Thursday, November 24, 2011, surrounded by his family in South Shore Hospital after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. Born in Fall River, Jan. 20, 1953, Mr. Konarski graduated from Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River, before earning a bachelor's degree in psychology from UMass Dartmouth. He then worked as director of a Taunton area mental health clinic, where he developed a crisis service center, before continuing his education at Northeastern University, Boston, earning a master's degree in business administration. For the next 27 years of his life, Mr. Konarski worked as a career services counselor for UMASS Boston where he became a director. Mr. Konarski enjoyed reading an eclectic range of literature, playing the guitar, listening to contemporary and classic rock and roll and blues, attending book club meetings, being an active member of fellowship meetings, taking the scenic route when driving, and spending time with friends and family. He was well known for being dependable, organized, understanding, humble, and armed with a unique sense of humor and charm. Son of Helen (Madden) Konarski of Fall River and the late Leonard Louis Konarski, he is survived by a son, Curran Konarski of Plympton, a daughter, Zara (Konarski) Rudenaur of Belmont, and two brothers; Daniel Konarski of Westport, and Andrew Konarski of Fall River. His funeral will be held Tuesday at 10:00 AM from the AUCLAIR FUNERAL HOME, 690 So. Main St., Fall River, with a funeral mass in Good Shepherd Church, 1598 So. Main St., Fall River, at 11:00 AM. Burial, St. Patrick Cemetery, followed by a reception at Bittersweet Farm Restaurant, 438 Main Rd., Westport. Visitation, Monday 4:00 to 9:00 PM. LARGE PARKING AREA and BARRIER-FREE ENTRANCE at the rear of funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boston Rescue Mission, PO Box 120069, Boston MA 02112 or the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham MA 01701.