Peter H. Aalto

Peter H. Aalto, 71, of Hubbardston, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, December 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after an illness.

Born in Gardner on April 16, 1953, Peter was the son of the late Tauno H. and Joan E. (Dora) Aalto. He graduated from Quabbin Regional High School with the class of 1971 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1975. Peter proudly served as a United States Merchant Marine, traveled the world, and later built a fulfilling career as a stationary engineer at UMass Memorial Medical Center—Hahnemann Campus, where he worked for 36 years until his retirement.

Peter was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish in Gardner, practicing at its Holy Spirit Chapel. He was also a proud member of the Hubbardston Lions Club and the Hubbardston Old Tractor Society (HOTS).

The head of a fifth-generation family farm, Peter cherished the lifelong connection to his family’s land, which he called home for his entire life. He most loved being a gentleman farmer, working on the land, tending to his gardens, caring for the herd of sheep and chickens, baling the hay. Hubbardston locals would know him for his annual crop of pumpkins in the fall. 

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking, and birdwatching. He had a great love for all New England sports teams. Known for his artistic talents, Peter was an exceptional artist who brought joy to many through his artwork. He was a wonderful guitarist and had a deep appreciation for all things music. Above all, Peter found his greatest joy in his family, treasuring the moments spent together and the memories they created. His grandchildren learned countless skills, appreciation for his special sense of humor, and how to drive a tractor from their Grampy.

Peter is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Margaret “Peggy” A. (Lesneski) Aalto of Hubbardston; two daughters, Meredith A. Lord and her husband David, and Rebecca M. Tervo and her husband Peter, all of Hubbardston; three grandchildren, Evelyn Lord, Liam Tervo, and Charlotte Tervo, who were the light of his life; four sisters, Kathleen Bogaard and her husband Hugo of Hubbardston, Karen Lesneski and her husband David of Gardner, Sandra Sisco and her husband Thomas of Hubbardston, and Laurie Drouin and her husband Thomas of Winchendon; and a sister-in-law, Louise Aalto of Gardner. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. Peter was predeceased by his brother, Steven T. Aalto, and his sister, Penny M. Aalto.

Calling Hours will be held Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Funeral Services will be held Monday, December 30, 2024, from the funeral home with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Reception to follow. Burial will be held in the spring at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hubbardston Lions Club, P.O. Box 108, Hubbardston, MA 01452, or to the Burncoat High School Music Program, 179 Burncoat Street, Worcester, MA 01606. Please reference in memory of Peter H. Aalto.