Athol – Northborough

It is with both love and sadness the family of Leon N. Charest announce his death which occurred in Saint Vincent Hospital on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 1pm. Leon was 67 years old. Born in Holden and raised in Worcester, Leon valiantly navigated the lifelong challenges of schizophrenia and ultimately succumbed to a short peaceful passing with cancer. Fortunately, his siblings were blessed to provide comfort to him in his final days. Despite Leon’s health struggles, he had a loving soul. and a healthy sense of humor often intentional and sometimes not.

As a child Leon enjoyed the many camping trips he took with his family packed tightly into their RV traveling throughout New England.

He was a loyal friend to a tight knit group of buddies and spent his time exploring the woodlands of North Worcester in the summer and sliding snow covered hills throughout the winter. Throughout his adult years Leon resided with his parents, Armand and Dorothy Charest of Northborough, helping them with the chores and taking walks with his Dad and the many dogs they raised throughout the years. More recently, he was a resident of Athol. While navigating severe mental illness is a significant journey, we find peace in knowing Leon is finally at rest.

Leon is survived by his four siblings, Gerard Charest and (Marcia) of Escondido, CA; Cynthia D’Appolonia and (Vincent) of Carmel, NY; Karen Mekjian and (Warren) of Mashpee; Mark Charest and (Sally) of Princeton and 25 nieces and nephews. Leon also leaves his friends, group home’s residents as well as his support team through Open Sky Community Services which were instrumental to his quality of life.

Following private funeral services, Leon will be laid to rest beside his parents in Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough, Mass. The Charest family is being assisted by Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. To leave Leon’s family a condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com. In Leon’s memory, please consider a donation to Open Sky Community Services ( www.openskycs.org )