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WORTHINGTON - Cullen S. "Pete" Packard, 80, died on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at his home.

Born in Worthington, Pete was a lifelong resident and active community member. He had been the Worthington postmaster for 25 years, retiring in 1991. He was one of the few postmasters who were assigned their post through a presidential appointment. Pete owned and operated the family business, Corners Grocery, for many years. He had been golf pro and manager of the Worthington Golf Club's Pro Shop for 11 years along with his late wife, Shirley (Sanderson) Packard, and also was a professional ski instructor at both Brodie Mountain and Bousquet Mountain.

Shirley predeceased him in 1992. Pete is survived by his three children, Sharon Rust and her husband Brian of Easthampton, Toni Packard and her husband Clifford Smart of Shrewsbury, and Bruce Packard and his wife Cynthia of Lee; a brother, Warren "Bam" Packard of Suffield, Conn.; two sisters, Phyllis Eddy Colajezzi of Melbourne, Fla., and Shirley P. Palmer of Westfield; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Pete's life will be held in May. A full obituary with time and details of the Celebration of Pete's Life will be published when scheduled.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Worthington, P.O. Box 536, Worthington, MA 01098. www.peaseandgay.com