Hector J. Stacy,

Hector J. Stacy, Jr. Athol – Hector J. “Blackie” Stacy, Jr., 62, of 545 Main Street died Wednesday, January 1, 2014.      Blackie was born in Leominster, Massachusetts, May 14, 1951, the son of Hector J. and Anna  (Icaobone) Stacy, Sr.  He grew up in Leominster, moving to Athol in the late 1960’s to live with Anita B. True of Royalston also attending Athol High School.  The Athol Area YMCA was his home for over 40 years.      Blackie would always greet members with his smile as he held the door for them and the other residents who could always count on him for any help they needed.  He volunteered each summer during the YMCA’s maintenance week, working 40 hours or more cleaning, painting, and refreshing the gym floor.  He also helped keep the outside grounds weeded and clean and shoveled snow in the winter.  He loved to go to Camp Wiyaka in Richmond, NH and help get it ready for the summer season.  He also had attended the camp and had worked there as a teen.      Blackie was a well-known fixture in the community, involved in several downtown businesses and organizations including working at the former Lee’s Athol Lobster House and the Pequoig Lounge for Lee and Betty Chauvette.  He was a volunteer for the North Quabbin Community Coalition and graduate and active member of the Active Community Education Program of Valuing our Children.  He loved to spend time at Valuing our Children, attending special events and fundraisers and would always lend a helping hand when asked.  Blackie also volunteered at For You and For Me, on Main Street, helping with cleaning, maintenance and organizing of the store.  He loved sports and could carry on long conversations with anyone interested on the ups and downs of the Boston sports teams.  He especially loved his Celtics jacket, given to him by his good friend Alex Richards.  He will be missed by many in the community.      Blackie leaves a brother Michael and two sisters, Linda and Elizabeth, his mother Anna and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas and William.         A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Athol Four Squares Church, 498 Main Street, Athol with Pastor Nicholas Morin officiating.  Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to:  www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });