Natick Honors Joe Everett For Work In Everett & Sons Funeral Home

NATICK, MA — Natick's Board of Selectmen honored local business owner and community fixture, Joe Everett, at last week's meeting. Everett served as director of Natick's John Everett and Sons Funeral Home for over 20 years, and is retiring. Everett was completely surprised by the ceremony and proclamation.

The funeral home has been in the Everett family since its inception in 1861, when it was known as Everett Undertakers. Natick official Donna McKenzie highlighted the history the funeral home has in the community, opening during the Civil War when over 700 Natick soldiers left town to fight.

"The history of Natick is entwined with the history of the Everett family," McKenzie said. She added her own personal thank you for Everett's care in the handling of her parent's funeral. "His vision broadened the funeral home to serve all people regardless of their faith," McKenzie said, referencing Everett's addition of a nondenominational chapel to the funeral home.

The board's proclamation included mention of Everett being a Natick native, graduating from Natick High School in 1971 and being named 'Best Dressed' in his senior class. It thanked Everett for his work to make the funerals of first responders respectful and praised his guidance in the funerals of youth in the town, to bring the community together to heal. The proclamation brought laughs and humble smiles to Everett, who sat surprised in the audience.

Everett's business was called a "Anchor and stronghold of Natick's downtown," in the proclamation. Everett was also recognized for helping those who didn't have the financial means to pay for a funeral and for his donations to local groups including Natick Visiting Nurses Association and the Natick Service Council.

Everett told the board he was completely surprised by the honor — he thought he might've been called to the meeting for an unpaid water bill. "I am honored and humbled," he said, "I am very honored to have earned the trust of this community."