Kevin R. Power

Worcester - Kevin Power will be lovingly remembered as a great husband, proud father, doting grandfather and a gentle man. He died unexpectedly on Friday, February 7, 2025 after being stricken ill at home. He was 79. 

He was born on September 9, 1945, in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was the second son of the late Thomas Frances and Mary Elizabeth (Foudy) Power. A graduate from North High School with the class of 1963, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in education at Worcester State University in 1967, and later his Master’s degree in education from Anna Maria College.

During his freshman year at Worcester State, Kevin met Ellen C. Stoebel. Alphabetical seating afforded the stars to easily align and their journey together for 56 years began. They married on August 24th 1968 in St. Denis Church in Islington, Massachusetts. 

Kevin was a well-respected teacher and colleague at North Brookfield High School where he inspired countless students with the same passion he had for the sciences and included his curiosities with frogs. Having taught at the high school for 33 years, he retired in 2001. 

Retirement afforded Kevin endless hours to work in and around his home. With his green thumb his house was filled with lush plants and he loved working in the gardens. His passion for reading was evident in the scores of books he had and was seldom without a book at hand for a good read. He kept his mind active as well with a daily crossword. Kevin and Ellen shared an interest in antiquing and often spent their weekends traveling around New England and looking for a good buy. 

Kevin welcomed and cherished the role of Grampa and was often (always) present on the sidelines of a game or a dance recital for his four grandchildren. His presence in their lives was a gift and as they grew into young adults he beamed with pride. 

In addition to his wife, Ellen, of 56 years, he leaves his son, The Honorable Steven D. Power and his wife, Maureen of Shrewsbury; four grandchildren, Margaret, Patrick, Kathleen, and Matthew Power; his brother, Robert E. Power of Paxton; in-laws, Stanley McClure of Worcester and Thomas Markley of Holden, Sharon and Joseph Spellman of Shrewsbury; Ruthanne Stoebel of Yarmouth, James and Judith Stoebel of Simpsonville, South Carolina, Jeffrey and Kelly Stoebel of Norwood and Jay and Eve Stoebel of Mattapoisett; brother of the late Margaret 'Pen' McClure and Patricia Markley; also survived by many nieces & nephews. Kevin is also predeceased by his brother-in-law John (David) Stoebel III and his sister-in-law Karen Reynolds.

Family and friends will honor and remember Kevin's life by gathering for an Evening Wake on Friday, February 28th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 1st in the church at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made to St. John’s High School | Attn: Pioneer Care Program, 378 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or https://www.stjohnshigh.org/giving/giving-at-saint-johns

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.