Theodore "Ted" A. Underwood, 77, a former resident of Sterling, Mass., died peacefully in his home in South Bristol, on April 29. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Frances M. (Wilder) Underwood; son, J. Scott Underwood and wife Louise of Carrabassett Valley; and daughter, Lori A. Underwood of Sterling, Mass. He was born in Leominster, Mass., son of Wyman A. and Alta H. (Reed) Underwood and lived in Sterling for 38 years before moving to Maine 11 years ago. He was a graduate of Worcester Boys Trade and became a draftsman for Standard Tool and Die Co. in Leominster. He then became an active co-owner and president of Verily Plastics in Long Island, N.Y. In 1968 he founded Sterling Manufacturing Company, Inc. With his wife Fran by his side they owned and operated Sterling Mfg. until retirement in 1995. He was a member of the First Church in Sterling, the Leominster Lodge of Masons, and the Society for Plastics Engineers. He was featured in several plastic industry trade magazines. He was a recipient of the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year Award. During his early years at Sterling he served on several boards for the town of Sterling. He enjoyed many outdoor activities including skiing, boating, gardening and landscaping, tending his orchard and being with his wife and family. He particularly loved the home he built and shared with Fran on the coast of Maine for the past 20 years. Funeral service 11 a.m., Thurs., May 4 in the First Church in Sterling, 6 Meeting Hill House Rd., Sterling, Mass. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Sterling. Calling hours 5-8 p.m., Wed., May 3 in the Miles-Sterling Funeral Home, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling, Mass. Memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimers Associations, Mass. Chapter, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472 or to a charity of one’s choice. Please visit online at www.milesfuneralhome.com for more information.
