Obituary of Leonard Wolfenson

March 10, 2026

Leni Wolfenson was born in Brazil on October 16, 1955 to Lili Stern and Jose Wolfenson.

Before coming to America he formed a close bond with his grandparents Zalman and Anita Sternin. 

Leni loved to cook and was as an incredibly creative chef as he was in all areas of his life. 

Leni attended Oberlin College in Ohio and New York University. He started a Newspaper called “Brazil Today” with his friend Hugo Estenssoro, which was featured on Varig Airlines and led to his career in printing. 

Living in the heart of the printing industry in Greenwich Village in the 1980s, he started a pre-press printing business with his life and love partner Dolores Cotten. They opened a shop called Smudge Printing on Carmine St. where they worked for 15 years. 

Leni was extremely admired by his clients who appreciated his ability to design, execute and enhance their projects. 

He loved music from opera to jazz and of course Bossa Nova and would sing while making delicious meals for family and friends.

Leni is survived by Dolores as well as his cousins Sonia Sternin in Uruguay,  Sergio in Sweden,  Stephen, Joanne and Erica Schipani, and dear cherished friends including Shawn Cunningham and Valdir Cruz. Leni was predeceased by his mother Lili Sternin Pfeiffer and his nephew Vincent Schipani. 

A viewing will be held on 

Friday, March 13 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 9 PM at The  Greenwich Village Funeral Home,

199 Bleecker St. in New York City.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Leni’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be appreciated.

Funeral Services