
Earl Storey had the fields near Lake Chauncy named in his honor in the spring of 2024. (Photo/Maureen Sullivan)
WESTBOROUGH – He was best known for his work maintaining the athletic fields around Lake Chauncy, and his decades of service to the town’s Department of Public Works.
After battling leukemia, Earl Storey passed away on Thursday, Jan. 16, surrounded by his family.
“Earl’s deep pride in the community was evident in every aspect of his work for the town,” said Town Manager Kristi Williams. “His extensive knowledge of the area made him an invaluable resource for every project, offering insight and guidance that helped shape the community for the better. Earl’s dedication and contributions were a true gift to Westborough, leaving a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come.”
Born in Worcester, Storey was raised in Westborough, and was a 1966 graduate of Westborough High School.
Storey began his career with E.L. Harvey and Sons before owning and operating Tidy Town and Storey Landscaping. He worked for the DPW for more than 20 years before retiring.
“The entire DPW mourns the passing of Earl Storey,” said DPW Director Chris Payant. “His contributions to the town as a member of the Department of Public Works are well known. Even after his retirement, Earl continued to provide input and advice to help positively influence ongoing and future efforts of the department. The love he had for the community he served for so long was evident every day and was an inspiration for all of us.”
The park at Lake Chauncy was named in his honor in the spring of 2024.
At the time of his death, Storey was a member of the town’s Municipal Building Committee.
“Earl was a dedicated and valued member of the municipal building committee for many years,” said MBC Chair Alan Gordon. “Earl‘s knowledge of the building trade and also his general knowledge of the town were a great asset for our committee. Earl will be sorely missed.”
He was also an avid member of Central Mass. Drag Racing.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen M. (Colby) Storey; his three children, Jessica M. Padula of Grafton, Matthew W. Storey and his wife, Joni, of Upton, and Katherine M. Rossi and her husband, Jeffrey, of Southborough; two sisters, Judy Mickelson of Westborough and Kim Roche of Westborough; and three grandchildren, Bella Padula, Violet Padula and Connor Henry Storey.
He was predeceased by his son, Earl Storey III, and his sisters, Diane Millet, Jo-Anne Johnston and Jane Mickelson.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, Jan. 27, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery will be private.
Calling hours at the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough, are Sunday, Jan. 26, from 2 to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress at MDSC.org/donate.