William H. Kierstead, 87, 52-Year Resident of Tewksbury

TEWKSBURY, MA — William H. Kierstead, age 87, a former 52 year resident of Tewksbury, passed away at the Quabbin Valley Healthcare Center in Athol on Tuesday, January 17, 2017.

He was the beloved husband of Marie L. (Sparks) Kierstead who passed away on August 17, 2001.

Born in Malden on February 6, 1929, he was the son of the late Fred Kierstead and the late Florence (Manning) Kierstread.

Bill was raised in Malden and attended Malden schools.

In 1964, he moved to Tewksbury where he resided until moving to Athol in 2016.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed as an inspector in the tool manufacturing industry.

He is survived by two daughters, Patricia Russell of Athol and Debra Kierstead of Orange; two grandchildren, Jason Gabrenas and his wife Sarah, and Blair Clifford and her husband Josh; two great grandchildren, Ella Gabrenas and Draven Clifford; also numerous extended family members.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 23, at the Tewksbury Cemetery, 172 East St., Tewksbury for his graveside service. Please Omit Flowers. Donations in his memory may be made to Athol Animal Control, 280 Exchange Street, Athol, MA 01331. Arrangements entrusted to Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, Tewksbury.

Obituary and photo courtesy of the Farmer and Dee Funeral Home.