Howard F Barrell Sr

SPENCER Howard "Howie" F. Barrell, 88, of Spencer formerly of Grafton, passed away on Wednesday, March 20th in Florida after an illness. Howie was predeceased by his son James, a brother, Robert and wife of 60 years Shirley F. (Smith) Barrell. He is survived by five children: Beverly A. Jennings and her husband Ernest of Colorado, Howard F. Barrell, Jr. and his wife Mary of Spencer, Susan L. Guertin and her husband Dennis in Florida, Judith M. Mills and her husband Thomas of Millbury, Philip E. Barrell and his wife Gail of Worcester; a brother, John Barrell and his wife Beverly of Webster; 10 adored grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and a host of extended family and friends. Howie was born in Worcester, Massachusetts the son of Amos and Mary (Froggatt) Barrell. Howie attended Commerce High School and served as a PFC in the 110th infantry regiment, 28th division of the U.S. Army during WWII and spent his three-year tour throughout Europe. He graduated from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst on the G.I. Bill and graduated in 1951 with a degree in Animal Husbandry. Howie worked as head herdsman at the Grafton State Hospital until it closed and retired as a locksmith in the carpentry shop at Westboro State Hospital He had his own herd of cattle and tested milk for other local farmers. He loved working outside, cows, gardening, golfing, woodworking, watching sports on TV and putting "the whammy" on opposing teams. Howie lived for many years in Grafton, before moving to Spencer 35 years ago, he was a member of Mary Queen of the Rosary Church. He could make anyone laugh and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A funeral Mass will be held Monday, March 25th at 10:30 in Mary Queen of the Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer. Burial will follow in the family lot in St. Philip Cemetery, Grafton. Friends and family are invited to visit with the family, Sunday, March 24th from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Common Ground Land Trust, PO Box 400, Leicester MA 01524