Howard A. Hackett Obituary
Gloucester, MA. On the morning of September 24, 2022, Howard "Buddy" Hackett, 77, (formerly of Tyngsboro, MA) passed away at home after an extended illness with his family by his side. Buddy was born in Chelsea, MA and raised by his late mother, Edith Hackett, and aunts, Geraldine McCarthy and Alice O'Donnell. At age 11, his extended family moved to Winchester where he was educated through the Winchester School system, graduating in 1962. The Hackett, McCarthy and O'Donnell clan lived directly across the street from the Immaculate Conception Church. It was during these years that Buddy learned the importance of dedication to his church and community, as well as the importance of giving. Buddy was a devoted altar boy, member of the church's Drum and Bugle Corp, and enjoyed Little League Baseball. His enterprising work ethic evolved at an early age with a paper route and working as a bagger at the First National Store which he often talked about. After high school, Buddy worked for several different companies and eventually ended up with a career in the job placement industry. With this experience, he and a coworker formed a business partnership and established a successful contract engineering firm. Buddy retired in 1996 and went on to pursue his passions for antique cars, racehorses, and was an avid sports enthusiast. In 2000, his horse trainer encouraged him to attend the Royal Ascot as his guest. During that trip, a casual walk through the paddock led to a formal introduction to Queen Elizabeth II.
Buddy and Laurette, his wife and best friend of 43 years, enjoyed traveling, sailing, cooking and spending meaningful time together. Treasured memories include the many vacations in St. Maarten, several trips to Ireland, the UK and France, weekends sailing off the coast of Cape Cod and winters in Boca Raton, FL. Upon his retirement, he treated his extended family with a trip to Prince Edward Island, where they were able to meet distant relatives and learn about their ancestry. In recent years they enjoyed time spent with friends & family at Wingaersheek Beach.
To say that Buddy loved and enjoyed life is an understatement. He worked hard and played hard. He will always be fondly remembered for a larger-than-life personality and for his kind, honest and generous heart.
In addition to his wife, Laurette (Bunzel) Hackett, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Rebecca Hackett of Townsend, MA, his son, Matthew Hackett of Nashua, NH, four grandchildren, Jameson, Caitlin, Isabelle and Abigail Hackett, sisters Geraldine Davidson and Roberta Strange, brother Denis O'Donnell, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
His funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Good Voyage, 142 Prospect Street, Gloucester at 10 AM on Friday, September 30, 2022. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please pass along his kindness and love, and pay it forward by doing a random act of kindness in Buddy's memory. Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.
