Allison "Al" A. Hackett Sr., 83, of Holden, Mass., passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 12, 2017, after an extended illness. Born in Caribou, Al was the son of the late Atwood H. and Viola (Jacobson) Hackett. He was raised in New Sweden, and in 1956 moved to Worcester, Mass., then to Holden, Mass., where he lived for the remainder of his years.

He will be affectionately remembered and missed by his wife of 18 years, Patricia A. (Braley) Hackett; two sons, Allison A. Hackett Jr. of Princeton, Mass., and David R. Hackett and his wife, Wendy, of Madison, Conn.; a daughter, Carla A. Brooks of Rutland, Mass.; a sister, Francine Anderson of Florida; his brother-in-law, Chester Carlson of Florida; 11 treasured grandchildren, Anna, Alissa, Arianne, Aislinn, Abby, Karlee, Jacob, Tucker, James, Michael and Holly; and 10 great-grandchildren. He also leaves several close nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends. His first wife, Hazel (Carlson) Hackett of 43 years, predeceased him in 1996; he was also predeceased by his son-in-law, Richard E. Brooks in 2011.

Al was a graduate of Caribou High School in Caribou. He worked at Stone and Berg Lumber Co. in Worcester, Mass., for 43 years, retiring in 1999. He was a faithful and active member of the Greenville Baptist Church in Rochdale, Mass. He was also a member of the Retired Greendale Men's Club and the Holden Senior Center. Al was known for his great faith in the Lord and enjoyed reading his Bible, as well as gardening, puzzles, woodworking, playing the piano and spending time with his family. He was a kind and gentle man who was easy to talk to and made all feel welcome. His smile and bright blue eyes drew people to him and he was always willing to give a hug.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Summit Elder Care on East Mountain Street in Worcester, Mass., for their loving care during the time he spent with them. Also, we appreciate the excellent care he received during his short stay at the Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in Worcester, Mass.

Lastly, we would like to give very special thanks to Kasia, Sam and Sam whose dedicated home care and friendship made it possible for him to spend his final years in the home he loved.

Calling hours were held on February 18, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden, Mass., followed by a funeral service celebrating his life. Interment will be held privately at New Sweden Cemetery, New Sweden, in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts-New Hampshire Chapter, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472, or Greenville Baptist Church, 674 Pleasant St., Rochdale, MA 01542. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com.