CATEGORY: Event TYPE: Obituary DATE: 22 Jan 2008 NOTE: Leon Joseph "Bud" McKinstry, 82, of 124 Old Southbridge Road, died at home Tuesday, January 22, surrounded by his family. His beloved wife of 56 years, Sophie (Borowski) McKinstry, died in 2006.
He leaves 2 sons: Bruce L. McKinstry and his wife Nancy of Charlton, and Gary S. McKinstry and his wife Virginia of Dudley; 4 grandchildren: Scott Leon McKinstry, Jessica J. Davis, Sean E. Davis, and Private Matthew R. Davis; and an adopted son and friend, Nighthawk Forestdere of Dudley. He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Redlitz.
He was born in Dudley, the son of Leon and Bernadette (Faford) McKinstry. He lived in Webster and Dudley all his life.
He was an Army Veteran of World War II, serving as a Staff Sergeant in the 10th Mountain Division from its inception. He saw action in the North Appennines and the Po Valley.
Mr. McKinstry was a supervisor at Cranston Print Works Company in Webster before retiring. Before that, he was the superintendent at Stevens Linen Associates. He also co-owned Bud's Country Store in Quinebaug, CT.
He was once a member and deacon at the First Congregational Church on Dudley Hill.
He was an ordained Universal Life Minister. He enjoyed woodworking, mechanics, and riding on the tractor with his grandson. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and a wonderful grandfather.
The family would like to thank the UMass Memorial Hospice for the excellent care he received since his illness.
Calling hours will be from 6:00 to 9:00 PM Thursday, January 24, in Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, Webster. A funeral service will be held Thursday at 8:30 PM. in the funeral home. His son, Rev. Gary S. McKinstry, will officiate. Donations in his name may be made to UMass Memorial Hospice, UMass Memorial Foundation, PO Box 2795, Worcester, MA 01613-9938.