Gordon O. Stearns

ATHOL
Gordon O. "Bud" Stearns, 72, died Friday, June 12 in UMASS Medical Center.
He leaves his daughter, Jodi Lavallee of Worcester and her children, Ryan and Brandon; his son, Mark Stearns of Worcester; three brothers, Peter C. Stearns of Worcester and his children, Peter, Jr. and Deirdre and her husband Josh Wingell, Alan Stearns and his wife Joanne of East Falmouth and their children, Jeffrey and his wife Colleen and Alan and his wife Debbie; Father Joe Stearns, Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church of Siesta Key, FL and his sister, Natalie Bryant and her husband Gene of Pomona Park, FL. He was born in Worcester son of the late Peter E. and Pauline (Cote) Stearns and graduated from the Plumbing Department of Worcester Boys Trade School in 1954.
Bud served in the US Army and worked as a bartender at Polly's in Shrewsbury and as a mechanical engineer for the Hebert Candy Mansion in Shrewsbury until he started his business as "Bud the Tile Man" in Athol. He will be remembered there not only for his service to the community, but also as an avid fisherman, which was part of his personality. Children in the area will remember him for his efforts in encouraging them to continue their education and letting them know how important they will be to others in their future lives.
A Funeral will be held Wednesday, June 17 from CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St. Worcester, with a Mass of Christian Burial Celebrated by his brother, Father Joe Stearns at 11:30 AM in St. Peter's Church, 931 Main St. Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. A Visiting Time will be held Wednesday, June 17 from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Telegram & Gazette Santa Fund, c/o Commerce Bank, PO Box 15204, Worcester, 01615. To place an on-line condolence, please visit. www.calllahanfay.com