08/23/2026
Peter Wasel Has Passed Away
Peter C. Wasel, 78, of Lunenburg, MA passed away peacefully with his family by his side at UMass Memorial Medical Center North Pavilion in Worcester on August 2, 2026, after a brief illness.
Peter is survived by his wife of 45 years, Maureen R. (McCarthy) Wasel; his children and their spouses, Charles P. Wasel and Janna Loureiro Wasel of Bowerbank, ME, Bernadette Progin Brown and Eric Brown of Lunenburg, and Joseph Progin and Kate Droney of Fitchburg; his siblings and their spouses, Paul and Leslie Wasel of Clinton and Marie Wasel Howard and Michael Howard of Millbury. He leaves behind three beloved grandchildren, Alex Blanchard, Ev Wasel, and Grace Wasel; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles P. Wasel and Evelyn T. (Silvestri), and his sister, Elizabeth E. Stockwell.
Born on September 28, 1947, Peter grew up on Elm Street in Clinton. As a young child, Peter loved exploring and going on adventures in his backyard. He enjoyed yearly family vacations to Sebago Lake in ME and Lake George in NY. A member of Troop 10 in Clinton, Peter was an avid Boy Scout, earning the rank of Life Scout. He was also a member of the Order of the Arrow.
Much of Peter’s career was spent working in various auto parts stores throughout central MA. He loved old cars and possessed a wealth of knowledge on the parts necessary to keep them running. He made many lifelong friends during his time at Wallace Automotive, M&M Automotive, DJs Auto Parts, Raps Auto Parts and many other stores.
Peter’s true passion was racing. He loved his time spent as a thoroughbred racehorse trainer, racing at tracks and agricultural fairs throughout New England and Florida, with countless trips to the winner’s circle. He spent many joyful years horseracing with his son, Charles, at Suffolk Downs. He was delighted to show his grandchildren the stables and introduce them to his friends and fellow horsemen. If he wasn’t with the horses, you could find him at any of the various stock car tracks throughout New England. Peter worked hard to help his friends be the first to the checkered flag. Whether it be thoroughbred or stockcar racing, Peter’s passion and drive was apparent to anyone who knew him. His family will treasure memories of these times.
Peter enjoyed spending his weekends at the Flea Market, buying and selling antiques. He was a natural salesman and could always be relied on to find a good deal. His family often enjoyed the benefits of this talent – All that was needed was to make a request; a bike, an antique ironing board, or bean pot; and Peter would find it for you!
Peter’s love for animals was shown through a lifetime of buying and selling livestock, as well as raising rabbits, pigeons and chickens. At home you could always find him out back, caring for his animals. He raised thousands of animals and readily shared his wealth of knowledge with anyone who asked. He especially enjoyed the time he spent sharing this passion with his children and grandchildren.
Above all, Peter had a gentle spirit and deep love for his family. He will be greatly missed.
Peter is survived by his wife of 45 years, Maureen R. (McCarthy) Wasel; his children and their spouses, Charles P. Wasel and Janna Loureiro Wasel of Bowerbank, ME, Bernadette Progin Brown and Eric Brown of Lunenburg, and Joseph Progin and Kate Droney of Fitchburg; his siblings and their spouses, Paul and Leslie Wasel of Clinton and Marie Wasel Howard and Michael Howard of Millbury. He leaves behind three beloved grandchildren, Alex Blanchard, Ev Wasel, and Grace Wasel; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles P. Wasel and Evelyn T. (Silvestri), and his sister, Elizabeth E. Stockwell.
Born on September 28, 1947, Peter grew up on Elm Street in Clinton. As a young child, Peter loved exploring and going on adventures in his backyard. He enjoyed yearly family vacations to Sebago Lake in ME and Lake George in NY. A member of Troop 10 in Clinton, Peter was an avid Boy Scout, earning the rank of Life Scout. He was also a member of the Order of the Arrow.
Much of Peter’s career was spent working in various auto parts stores throughout central MA. He loved old cars and possessed a wealth of knowledge on the parts necessary to keep them running. He made many lifelong friends during his time at Wallace Automotive, M&M Automotive, DJs Auto Parts, Raps Auto Parts and many other stores.
Peter’s true passion was racing. He loved his time spent as a thoroughbred racehorse trainer, racing at tracks and agricultural fairs throughout New England and Florida, with countless trips to the winner’s circle. He spent many joyful years horseracing with his son, Charles, at Suffolk Downs. He was delighted to show his grandchildren the stables and introduce them to his friends and fellow horsemen. If he wasn’t with the horses, you could find him at any of the various stock car tracks throughout New England. Peter worked hard to help his friends be the first to the checkered flag. Whether it be thoroughbred or stockcar racing, Peter’s passion and drive was apparent to anyone who knew him. His family will treasure memories of these times.
Peter enjoyed spending his weekends at the Flea Market, buying and selling antiques. He was a natural salesman and could always be relied on to find a good deal. His family often enjoyed the benefits of this talent – All that was needed was to make a request; a bike, an antique ironing board, or bean pot; and Peter would find it for you!
Peter’s love for animals was shown through a lifetime of buying and selling livestock, as well as raising rabbits, pigeons and chickens. At home you could always find him out back, caring for his animals. He raised thousands of animals and readily shared his wealth of knowledge with anyone who asked. He especially enjoyed the time he spent sharing this passion with his children and grandchildren.
Above all, Peter had a gentle spirit and deep love for his family. He will be greatly missed.
