Merdic J. McLeod Sr., 87, of Worcester, died peacefully Friday, January 28th, 2011 in the Autumn Village Nursing Home with his loving family by his side. His wife of 66 years, June M. (Aubin) McLeod died in July 2010. He leaves three sons, Merdic J. McLeod Jr. and his wife Nancy of West Chester, PA, Robert J. McLeod and his wife Kerry of Victoria, Australia, Ernest P. McLeod and his wife Ann of Worcester; his daughter, Karen M. Richards of Auburn; nine grandchildren, Jennifer A. Miller and her husband Christopher, Patrick and his fiancée Jill St. Thomas, Mark, M.J., Sarah and Robbie McLeod, and Nathan, Christopher, and Heather Richards; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Amelia M. Day and Elma A. Campbell, his granddaughter, Michele A. McLeod and his son-in-law, Michael W. Richards.

    Mac was born in Worcester, the son of Merdic J. McLeod and Alice (Lynch) McLeod. He was a graduate of North High School and Becker Junior College. Mac was a Superintendent at the Norton Company and traveled to England, France and Poland to help set up operations there. He was much admired at Norton Company and retired in 1985. He participated on many sports teams during his early life; bowling, golf, basketball, track, and baseball, where he was one of Worcester's finest pitchers. He pitched for Norton Co., North High School, Eddie O'Briens Spa and American Legion Post 5, to name a few. He loved telling the story of how he pitched a no hitter and lost 1 – 0. Mac was a decorated WWII veteran, serving in the U.S. Army Communications Unit in Guam. He enjoyed vacationing in Maine and was an avid sports fan, closely following his favorite sports teams.

    Mac had many friends that he met up with almost daily at various area breakfast spots. His greatest passion was his family, getting together for cookouts or enjoying the holidays. In recent years he very much enjoyed the time spent with his great grandchildren; Michelle, Rachel, Brody and Aidan Miller, and Jaycee McLeod. His great wisdom and wonderful spirit will be missed by his family and friends.

    The family extends a very special thank you to the staff of the Autumn Village Nursing Home and The Brookhaven Hospice for their loving care in his final days.

    There are no calling hours. Family members are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday, February 4th at 10:00 AM in O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mac's memory may be made to The Brookhaven Hospice, 6 Beech Street, Framingham, MA 01702.