Henry B. Stidsen, Jr.

PAXTON - Henry B. Stidsen, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, April 20, 2024, after a period of illness. Born and raised in Worcester, Hank spent 61 vibrant years living in Paxton.

Hank was a proud graduate of Classical High School in Worcester, Class of 1956. His academic journey took him through Worcester Junior College and to the University of Miami, where he shined brightly as a star athlete on the football field. Hank wasn't just a star on the football field; his athleticism spanned across multiple sports. Whether he was dribbling a basketball or swinging a baseball bat, Hank approached every game with the same tenacity and passion. His competitive spirit and natural talent made him a standout athlete in every arena he entered.

In a story straight out of a novel, Hank met the love of his life, Barbara A. (Johnson), and they remained high school sweethearts forever. They tied the knot on January 3, 1959, at Grace Baptist Church in Worcester. After a brief stint in Worcester, they made Paxton their home in 1963, where they raised their growing family.

Henry was a man of many talents. Henry was part of the Bricklayer Union from an early age and then ventured out and founded and ran HB Stidsen Masonry in Paxton for several years before venturing into Stidsen Construction Company with his sons in 1982, a venture that lasted until 2000. Not one to rest on his laurels, Hank also owned Days Lodge in Worcester from 1971 to 2000 as well as the South Plaza Holden Laundromat. Deeply rooted in the Paxton community, Hank dedicated countless hours to serving on the Planning Board and the Advisory Board at Bay Path Technical Vocational High School. He even spearheaded the Pop Warner football league, leaving an indelible mark on the community he cherished.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Hank found solace in fishing, a passion he inherited from his father and passed down to his sons. Whether casting lines on Lake Winnipesaukee or cruising the waters at the Cape with his family, Hank found joy in every ripple. His zest for life extended to snowmobiling across New England, where he clinched several racing awards. Politics piqued his interest, and as a self-proclaimed "Trumpster," he wasn't one to shy away from spirited discussions. Hank's humor was infectious, his presence larger than life, and his compassion boundless.

Hank will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Barbara, his six children, Gary, Gregg and wife Viveca, Sharon, Henry III, Scott, Michelle and husband John, daughter in laws, Suzanne and Michelle, his brother Richard and wife Karen; his twelve grandchildren, Lauren, Bo, Andrew, Chantal, Kayla, Daniel, Eric, Courtney, Chloe, Everett, Trevor and Cameron; and his three great grandchildren Olivia, Henry, and Kate. Hank was predeceased by his son, Glenn in 2020.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Hank's family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A funeral service honoring and celebrating his life will be held privately at the funeral home with burial at Mooreland Cemetery in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.