David “Pete” Kobel, 78, of Ward Street, passed away Saturday January 6 in his home surrounded by his family.

He will be lovingly missed and remembered by his wife and best friend of 58 years, Gail M. (Blomquist) Kobel; his sons Brian H. Kobel and his wife Jane of Spencer; Daniel F. Kobel and his wife Natalee of Myrtle Beach; and his daughter Karen J. Guinee and her husband Kevin of Leicester. He also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Billy Kobel and sister Marilyn Stevens.

Pete was born in Worcester, the son of Frank and Mary (Cronin) Kobel and later graduated from North High School in Worcester. Pete was a longtime oil burner repairman and owner of Dave’s Oil Burner Service before retiring in 2007. He also spent time as a former Leicester Little league and softball coach.

Pete was a devoted father and loved to spend time with his children. He enjoyed ice skating, swimming with his daughter, and golfing with his sons. Pete was a dedicated husband, and loved spending time with his wife whether it was hosting cookouts in the rain or taking trips to the casino. He also loved to make his grandchildren laugh and had many inside jokes with all of them. Pete was an avid pool, darts and poker player. In his spare time, he enjoyed learning about history and reading the daily newspaper.

The family would like to thank the ICU nurses at Harrington Hospital in Southbridge and the loving hospice team at Compassus.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13th at 11 a.m. in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leicester Little League Association,  P.O. Box 393, Leicester, MA 01524. The MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester is assisting the family arrangements.