Philip Todd Hakala

Philip Todd Hakala, 65, of Wheelwright, MA passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, MA

Philip was born April 6, 1959 in Gardner, MA to Uuno and Irene (Juvonen) Hakala. He attended Hubbardston Center School and then Montachusett Regional Technical School in Fitchburg, MA, where he graduated in 1977 and studied Graphic Communications. Shortly after graduating, he moved to live with his sister in Illinois for a year and worked at George Press in Litchfield, Ill. He then returned to Massachusetts after his father's death and went to work at Arrow Printing and Signs in West Boylston and then later at Frost Manufacturing in Worcester for 20+ years until the company closed. 

Philip was a kind and loving soul. His friendship with people developed because he was a great listener, soft spoken, and non-judgmental. His attentiveness to his mother Irene after his father died was a testament to his kind and loving heart. He truly loved his nieces and nephews even though large family gatherings made him anxious. He was content living a simple life the last 5-6 years, just sitting outside under the pine trees having a cigarette, and visiting with his neighbors. Phil will be truly missed by his family and friends.

Philip is survived by his sister Gail Cole (Roger) of Witt, Illinois, his brother Jeffrey Hakala (Melonie) of Hubbardston; nephews Chris Cole (Kristy) of Sherman, Illinois, Chad Hakala (Victoria) of Henderson, Nevada, and Jacob Hakala (Shyanne) of Hubbardston; nieces Amanda Schuster, Samantha Whaland (Jerry) and Brittany Berger (Thomas) of Hubbardston and Lindsay Rogowski (Robert) of Barre. Also surviving are great nieces and nephews Hayden Edwards (Hannah Atwood), Carson and Wyatt Cole, Michael and Kailynn Schuster, Memphis Whaland, Abigail, Ava and Audrey Rogowski, Fiona, Finn and Farrah Berger, Charlotte Hakala, Hensley Edwards, and several cousins.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Gary Hakala and Russell Hakala, nephew Shane Cole, and niece Shona Cole Edwards.

Philip's wish was to be cremated. No formal services are planned. Graveside services at a date to be determined by the family. A Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends to share memories and condolences will take place at the Hubbardston Rod and Gun Club, 55 Williamsville Road, Hubbardston, MA on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 4-7 pm. Refreshments will be provided. The family suggests memorials be directed to the Hubbardston Scholarship Committee, PO Box 375, Hubbardston, Ma. 01452.

To leave an online condolence please visit, www.mackfamiilyfh.com

Mack Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440 has been entrusted with Philip’s care.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors.