THE VILLAGES, Fla. — Larry Burtchell, 57, formerly of Cherry Valley, Mass., died from pancreatic cancer, Aug. 11, at The Villages Regional Hospital.

He was the proud and loving father and grandfather to Jason Burtchell and his wife, Sarah, of Auburn; Michelle Burtchell and her husband, Adam Spector of Northborough, Mass.; and three grandchildren, Leah and Conor Burtchell and Jack Spector; he also leaves his life partner and loving wife of 25 years, Susan (Day) Burtchell of Charlton, Mass.

Mr. Burtchell was born in March 1955, in Worcester, Mass., to loving parents, Roscoe Burtchell of The Villages, Fla., and Justine (Stoddard) Burtchell. He was the adored brother to five siblings, Mary Burtchell of The Villages, Fla., Dianne Wood of Keller, Texas, Donna Resner, Roscoe Burtchell of Red River, N.M., and John Burtchell of Tennessee Colony, Texas.

He was predeceased by his mother, Justine; sister, Donna Resner; and her husband, John Resner.

Larry was blessed with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends from around the country.

He went to grammar school in Worcester, moved to Leicester, Mass., graduating from Leicester High School and continued his education, graduating from Nichols College, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1989. He was a member of the Zeta Alpha Phi Honor Society.  

He lived in Central Massachusetts for many years, before moving to the Berkshires, Texas, and Florida. He was employed by Norton Co. in Worcester, Mass., The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Mass., and the City of Denton, Texas. While he lived throughout the country, he remained an avid New England sports fan of the Patriots, Red Sox and Celtics.  

Larry would brighten a room when he walked in, had a smile that could melt a thousand hearts and an infectious sense of humor that stayed with him even through his last days. For those who knew him, when life plays its next practical joke on you, look up and thank Larry for continuing to remind us not to take ourselves too seriously.