Harry Stead Jr.

Harry Stead Jr, of Leominster, formerly of North Conway, NH and Marblehead, MA passed away peacefully on April 7, 2024. Harry was born in Smithfield, Rhode Island on February 7, 1931 the second son of the late Harry and Mabel Stead. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in Providence, Rhode Island and continued his education at the University of Rhode Island in their ROTC program receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following college, Harry worked for General Electric Power Generation Group in Schenectady, NY for before serving the United States during the Korean conflict as a 2nd lieutenant in the US Army. Harry was very proud of his service to his country and, after an honorable discharge, returned to work for GE holding sales and marketing managerial roles in Schenectady, NY, Fitchburg, MA and Lynn, MA retiring in 1988.

Growing up around boats on the shores of southern Rhode Island, one of Harry’s life goals was to own a sailboat which he and Roberta, his wife of 71 years, purchased in 1974. Family, friends, and many business customers/clients enjoyed sailing on the Wassail out of Marblehead harbor.

Following retirement, Harry and Roberta moved full time to North Conway, NH where they gave back to the community volunteering and holding leadership positions in Angels and Elves, a local nonprofit that helps provide holiday gifts to underserved children. It was during the 25 years Harry and Roberta lived in the North Conway area that Harry pursued another of his life’s passions, downhill skiing. He helped teach his grandchildren to ski and he raced competitively with the Cranmore Mountain Used2Bees before hanging up his skis and boots at 80 years old.

In addition to his wife Roberta (Wilde) Stead, Harry is survived by his twin sister, Barbara Capaldi of Rhode Island, daughters Wendy Kaminske and husband Matt, Susanne Stead and Caryl L’Ecuyer and husband Richard. Grandchildren, Jason DelleChiaie and his wife Crystal, Dani DelleChiaie, Tracey DelleChiaie, Keith L’Ecuyer and his wife Nicole, Kevin L’Ecuyer, Brian Kaminske, Christine Kaminske, Kimberly Kemble and her husband Colin, Thomas Kaminske, and eight great grandchildren. Harry’s brother, Dexter Stead, predeceased him as did his sister, Margaret Procter, and grandson, Kenneth L’Ecuyer.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 19 at 11:00 AM at Saint Anna Church, 213 Lancaster St, Leominster, MA. Interment will follow at Saint Leo’s Cemetery in Leominster. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

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