Peter C. Stearns

Peter C. Stearns, Sr., 87, formerly Fr. Peter Stearns, of Worcester, MA went to be with his beloved Susie on September 4, 2022, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.  He was born in Worcester on August 5, 1935, to the late Peter E. and Pauline N. (Cote) Stearns.

Peter was an ordained Roman Catholic Priest who served in the Diocese of Worcester as a teacher at, and Headmaster of, St. Peter’s Catholic High School.  He left the priesthood in 1970 and married his wife, Susan.

He remained in the field of education, most recently as the Head of Guidance at Worcester Vocational Technical High School, from which he retired in 2000.  Peter continued to volunteer his time anywhere he could.  He was a Justice of the Peace for 30 years, performing many weddings, which he loved doing.  Peter was a vital and long-term member of the St. Peter’s Church community.  Over the years he served as lector, Eucharistic Minister, and was a member of the choir.

Peter was predeceased by his wife of 32 years, Susan Ellen (McEvoy) Stearns, and his brother Gordon “Bud” Stearns.

He leaves his children Deirdre and her husband Joshua Wing ell, his son Peter Jr., and his wife Erica (Hendrickson) Stearns, and his grandchildren Libbey, Liam, and Elaina Stearns, and Micah Wingell.

Peter is survived by his brothers Alan Stearns, Joseph Stearns, and his sister Natalie Bryant, as well as his sisters-in-law Sharon Cahill, Margaret McEvoy-Ball, and Justine McEvoy-Snow, his brother-in-law Joseph McEvoy, and all his nieces, nephews, God children, and friends.

Peter loved music, traveling the world, the Red Sox, The Patriots, and his family.  He will be dearly missed.

His family would like to thank members of his care team at St. Francis RNC, especially Tom, Sue, Gina, and Larry

Visiting Hours are Thursday, September 8 from 9:00-10:30am in Callahan Fay Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle St. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11am in St. Peter’s Church, 931 Main St. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Peter’s Church.