James H. Lloyd Sr.

My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. - Clarence B. Kelland James H. Lloyd, 82, of Worcester, died peacefully on Friday, February 10 at Saint Vincent Hospital Medical Center, surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his wife Margaret (Mastromatteo) Lloyd in January 2011. He leaves his seven children, Peggie Clen and husband Terry of Harwichport, Patty Martin and husband Scott of Dennisport, Doreen DeSimone and husband Dan of South Windsor, CT, Lisa Smith and husband John of Worcester, James Lloyd Jr. and wife Sharon of Worcester, Joseph Lloyd and wife Molly of Auburn and John Lloyd of Holden. He is also survived by his 16 grandchildren, Joshua and Meghan Smith of Worcester, Ashley Martin of Boston, Kayla and Nick Lloyd of Worcester, Jenna, Hannah and Abby Lloyd of Auburn, Danny and Dillon DeSimone of South Windsor CT, and Jonathan, McKenzie, Kiana, Keegan, Camdyn and Hayden Lloyd of Holden, as well as his great-granddaughter, Tiana Smith of Worcester. Jimmy also leaves behind his sister-in-law Josephine Rafferty, brother-in-law Nicholas Mastromatteo and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother Tom Lloyd, and sisters Evelyn, Mary and Theresa. Jimmy was born in Worcester on May 3rd, 1929. His father Thomas, died 12 years later and Jimmy quit school to work to support his mother, Mary and his four siblings. Jimmy found work as a shoeshine boy and later as a baker's assistant, working whatever shifts he could find at various Worcester bakeries to support his family. Jimmy was a self made man and believed that anything was attainable with hard work and effort and was a great provider for his family from a very young age. But Jimmy also had a playful side. A sense of humor is an understatement. Jimmy was funny, charming and could get a laugh out of anyone. He especially loved family gatherings, card games, sports and music, especially country music. He shared all his passions and gifts with his children and always kept family first, teaching them how to sing and play musical instruments. He was also an advisor, confidante and mentor to all of his children and he was extremely proud of each and every one of them. Jimmy served in our country's armed forces, enlisting in the Army during the Korean War with the 109th Trucking Company as a cook for the troops, before being promoted and traveling throughout Europe with his commanding officer. After getting married, Jimmy started the family business, United Baking Company. The business was not only successful, but also became a social center where many of Jimmy's friends stopped by for a fresh morning roll and a cup of coffee or a cold glass of beer, depending on your taste. Jimmy was also very generous and knew when somebody needed a lift and many, many people benefited by his kindness. Growing up in the Lloyd household there was a warm, inviting feeling with plenty of laughter and music, usually with Jimmy right there in the middle of it all. He was a self-taught musician who could play several instruments including the guitar, piano and harmonica and loved to jam during family events and impromptu singing sessions with his Irish mates down the Cape. He was also an avid gardener, a fantastic cook and forever loyal when it came to New England sports teams. He loved to fish the waters of Cape Cod. His guiding hand will remain with his family always. Family and friends may call from 4-7PM on Monday at Mercadante Funeral Home, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. A Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10AM at Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Road, Worcester. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street, Worcester. Donations in Jimmy's memory may be made to the charity that means the most to you or surprise someone with an unexpected handshake, smile or both. (Mercadantefuneral.com)