Alan R. Gustafson

WEST BOYLSTON- NORTHBOROUGH

Alan R. Gustafson, 90, of West Boylston, formerly of Northborough passed away at home unexpectedly on August 18, 2025.

Alan was born in Ware, Mass. and raised in North Brookfield, Mass., son of the late Carl J. and Evelyn (Lyman) Gustafson. Alan was a 1953 graduate of North Brookfield H.S. prior to earning his degree in mechanical engineering with honors from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. While on campus he was involved in a number of organizations, including the Sigma Xi honor society. He was also a member of the Army ROTC and served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 11 years, including as a Captain in the Army Signal Corps.

After graduation, Alan began working at Norton Company in Worcester, where he spent his entire 41-year career. He started as an engineer before moving into management. He held several roles throughout his career, including a five-year stint as Area Director of East Asia Operations and Vice President of Norton's joint venture with Mitsubishi in Tokyo, Japan.

Alan also met the love of his life, Judith R. (Peaslee) while both were employed at Norton. They married in 1960 and, after returning from Japan, made Northborough their home for 41 years. They shared a love for serving the community and spent countless hours of volunteering at the Northborough Historical Society, Applefest, the Northborough Senior Center, and at Trinity Church of Northborough where they were longtime members. He served as a Director and Chair of the Board at the Historical Society, and was also a member of Northborough's Council on Aging.

In 2016, Alan and Judie moved to Rutland, where they would reside for three years before relocating to his current home at the Briarwood Community in West Boylston and Worcester. Alan was an avid woodworker and enjoyed making furniture, toys, and birdhouses for friends and family. He and Judie were avid travelers throughout their marriage and also loved spending time along the southern Maine coast.

In 2020, after 60 years of marriage, the couple was separated by Judie's own passing. Alan continued to enjoy friendships made and the many activities Briarwood offered, particularly playing Cribbage and Pitch. In earlier years, Alan enjoyed working the antique shingle mill he restored with his brothers, which they exhibited annually during the Straw Hollow Engine Works and other yearly vintage machinery shows. Above all, Alan was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and loved spending time with his family and friends.

Surviving Alan is his son, Eric P. Gustafson, a daughter-in-law Maleah F. (Thorpe) Gustafson, and a grandson, Nathaniel E. Gustafson, all who reside in Holden, MA . Alan was most proud of the young man Nate has grown to be and looked forward to seeing him begin college next week. Alan is also survived by his four siblings, Carl Gustafson of North Brookfield, Theodore Gustafson and his wife Maureen of Worcester, Kent Gustafson and his wife Elaine of Athens, GA, Christine (Gustafson) Thompson and her husband James of Holden, many nieces and nephews, cousins and his close friend Betsy Engvall. Alan was preceded in death by a grandson, Ethan Gustafson.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 25, between the hours of 5pm and 7pm, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, August 26 at 11am at The Briarwood Community, 65 Briarwood Circle, Worcester. Alan will be laid to rest privately beside Judie in Hope Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Northborough Senior Center, 119 Bearfoot Road, Northborough, MA 01532, or the Briarwood Residents Assistance Fund, 65 Briarwood Cir., Worcester, MA 01606. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.