Herbert Paul "Sonny" Stearns

Herbert "Sonny" Stearns, 97, of Windsor Locks, beloved husband of 65 years to the late Doris Stearns, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Bickford Health Care Center. Born on December 17, 1927, in Arlington, MA, he was the son of the late Herbert and Clara Stearns. Herbert grew up in Arlington and attended school there through the sixth grade. He then enrolled at the Farm and Tractor School, a private boys' school on Thompson Island in South Boston, where he studied and worked-attending classes for four hours and working for four hours each day-from grades seven through eleven. He returned to Arlington for his senior year and graduated in 1946. After high school, Herbert worked at a men's clothing store in Arlington until he was drafted into the U.S. Army out of Fort Devens, MA in September 1950. He met Doris during his final three days before deploying and asked her to wait for him while he served overseas. Originally assigned to the infantry, his orders were changed en route to Korean to the Signal Corps. He served honorably until his discharge in September 1952. Following his military service, Herbert began a career with refrigeration and air conditioning wholesalers. He and Doris were married on October 10, 1954, and enjoyed a honeymoon through Canada-marking the beginning of a long and joyful marriage. Herbert developed a passion for candlepin and duckpin bowling while working in Hartford. He became an accomplished bowler, winning numerous tournaments and was inducted into the Duckpin Bowling Hall of Fame in 1988. He and Doris made Windsor Locks their home for 65 years, sharing a life filled with travel, including many trips to Canada, the islands, and a memorable journey to Ireland for their 50th wedding anniversary. Doris, the love of his life, passed away in May 2020, and Herbert looked forward to being reunited with her once again. Herbert is survived by many loving nieces and nephews. His family will receive friends on Thursday, August 14, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Windsor Locks Funeral Home, 441 Spring Street, Windsor Locks. A graveside service with Military Honors will follow at 12:00 p.m. in St. Mary's Cemetery, Windsor Locks. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For online condolences, please visit www.windsorlocksfuneralhome.com.