Wilfred Uppstrom

SUTTON - Wilfred "Bill" H. Uppstrom Jr. 89, passed peacefully Nov. 7th at St. Camillus Health Center in Northbridge, after a long and fruitful life.

Bill was a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many. His smile, positive attitude, and kindness will be missed by his family and friends.

Bill leaves his loving wife of 69 years, Arlene (Erickson) Uppstrom: three beloved sons and two beloved daughters: Steve Uppstrom and wife, Harriet of Sutton, Raymond Uppstrom of Deerfield Beach, FL, James Uppstrom and his wife, Dawn of Sutton, Sheryl Bohanan and her husband, Austin of Sutton and Maureen Szczurko and her husband, David of Rutland. Bill was also a devoted grandfather of fourteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren with two more due in January! He was fondly known as 'Granddad' and 'Moofa' to his brood, and his legacy as a great storyteller and source of wisdom will never be forgotten. He is also survived by his sister Bette Oliver and his brother Russell Uppstrom.

Bill was born Worcester, the son of Wilfred H. Uppstrom Sr. and Helen (Smith) Uppstrom. He lived a lively boyhood around Worcester, and was known as a hard worker and faithful son in his youth. Bill took great pride in his service in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was honorably discharged July of 1946 and remained a proud veteran his whole life. Bill began an admirable career at Progressive Tool and Die, Westboro and went on to become a superintendent there. He retired at 62 as a Principal Engineer from Digital Equipment Corporation in Marlboro, after many years of dedicated service.

Bill was a pilot and loved to take his family and friends flying. He also liked tending to his yard and tinkering on small projects in his garage. The loss of the patriarch of this family is a great sorrow, and yet, the enduring example of a life so well-lived remains an inspiration to all those Bill leaves behind.

Bill's calling hours are 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10th at Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main St. in Millbury. His Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Nov. 11th at 11 a.m. in St. Mark's Church, 356 Boston Rd. in Sutton. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Arlene and Bill's great granddaughter, Ella Powers' Leukemia Fund at http://www.youcaring.com/ella-grace-powers-516163 # or to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.