Keijo K. Saarinen

GARDNER – Keijo K. Saarinen, 82, of 125 Connors Street, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, July 12th in Golden Living Center, Fitchburg, with his family at his side.

He was born in West Paris, ME on September 25, 1933, son of the late Svante and Anna (Antonen) Saarinen and was a resident of Gardner for many years.

Keijo worked at Fort Devens and Hanscomb Air Force Base as a groundskeeper for many years until his retirement.  He previously worked at Marlboro Manufacturing and Troy Mills and Simplex Time Recorder.  Keijo proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War.

Keijo was a long time member and former deacon of Mission Street Congregational Church.  He enjoyed playing softball, basketball and volleyball and was a member of Worcester Senior Softball League.  He was also a participant in the PACE program (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly at Summit Elder Care in Leominster).

He leaves his wife of 55 years, Rosalyn (Howard) Saarinen; a brother, Alpo Saarinen and his wife Paula of Troy, NH; two nieces, Lucy Clark of Rindge, NH and Jennifer Mancinelli of Newton, NH and four nephews, John Flinkstrom of Clinton, Robert Flinkstrom of NH, David Saarinen of Bedford, NH and Mark Saarinen of Troy, NH.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 25, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. in Mission Street Congregational Church, 15 Mission Street.  Burial will follow in Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon.

There are no calling hours.

Memorial donations may be made to Mission Street Congregational Church, 15 Mission Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or to American Bible Society, 101 North Independence Mall East FL8, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2155.

www.stone-ladeau.com