Henry J. "Little Joe" Lambert Sr

ASHBURNHAM - Henry J. “Little Joe” Lambert Sr., 69, of 13 Puffer Street, died peacefully Wednesday afternoon, June 11th in UMASS Memorial Medical Center, University Campus, Worcester, with his family at his side.

He was born in Gardner on May 9, 1945, son of the late Henry and Elizabeth “Bette” (Lawrence) Lambert and was a lifelong resident of Ashburnham.  In 1963 Joe graduated from Oakmont Regional High School, where he played on its baseball, basketball and soccer teams.

Joe had been an employee of the Town of Ashburnham for many years until his retirement.  He was a member of the Ashburnham Fire Department for almost 30 years where he was a lieutenant.  He also was on the Board of Assessors, Park and Recreation Department, where he coached little league, Junior Babe Ruth and Senior Babe Ruth Leagues.  Joe later worked for both the Ashburnham Highway Department and School Department until his retirement in 1995.  Joe was an avid golfer and had shot two holes-in-one.  One of the first Eagle Scouts in Ashburnham, Joe was a Scoutmaster for many years.

Joe was a member of the Ashburnham Lions Club for over 25 years and had served as President for a couple of terms.  He became heavily involved in District 33 A and had served as its Governor.  He was awarded many awards, among which were the Joseph Camarda Fellowship Award and Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest award given to an individual Lion.  He devoted his work in seeing that others shared his visions of making this world a better place for all people.

He will be most remembered for his role as both father and papa.  He was Santa Claus to all who knew him.  He would do anything for anyone.  He shared his world with his wife of 43 years, Bea; his children, Jennie and her husband Alex; Joe Jr and his wife Michelle and the apples of his eyes, his grandchildren Jasmine, AJ, Bianca, Jose, Gavin, Giselle and Cynthia.  He also leaves two sisters, Carole E. Lambert and her husband Edward of Leominster and Harriett L. Bundza of Port Orange, FL, as well as nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 15th at 5 P.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.  The Rev. John Horgan will officiate.

Calling hours in the funeral home are Sunday, June 15th from 2 PM to 5 PM preceding the service.

Memorial donations may be made to District 33A Sight and Hearing Fund, care of Jean Landry, 32 Clark Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or to Ashburnham Lions Club, PO Box 813, Ashburnham, MA 01430.

www.stone-ladeau.com

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