Neil R. Gunstead, 76, of Grafton, died peacefully Friday, August 2, 2024 at home.

He leaves his closest friends and the staff at the Seven Hills Group Home who were his family:  Moira Shea, Jonathan Rosen, Evelyn Tirado, Diana West, Tammy Chase, Alex Bahnan, Kwame Sarkodieh, Stephen Manu, Elliot Nettey, Vida Antwi, Heather Young, Laben Ngen, Emmanuel Agyemang and Sranny Guehi. He has lived there for the last 18 years.  He also leaves an aunt, Helen Deignan of Worcester.   He was predeceased by two brothers, Daniel and David Gunstead, and his uncle Richard Deignan.  He was born in Boston, son of the late Warren W. and Mary (Deignan) Gunstead.

Neil was semi-retired. Wednesday to Friday he attended Aspire Adult Day Health where he had many friends and staff whom he enjoyed spending time with throughout his day.  He enjoyed doing needle point, woodworking and latch hook and made many items throughout the years for himself, his house and his friends. Neil enjoyed bowling, shopping and his special day trips throughout the year.  Neil was a die-hard New England sports fan.  He attended many Red Sox and Woo Sox games and enjoyed watching basketball and baseball on TV.  Neil enjoyed spending time in the afternoons and weekends with his friends/housemates.  Decorating his home for the holidays brought him immense joy and he was the first to remind staff that it was time to decorate.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at St. Peter’s Church, 929 Main St, Worcester.  Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park.  Calling hours are Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 am at Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Seven Hills Foundation, 81 Hope Avenue, Worcester, MA 01603 (sevenhills.org).