Sven Earl Helmer Borglund

‘99 years old, that is unbelievable’ was a daily quote from Sven, often followed by, ‘Why am I still here?’

Sven passed peacefully in his home, which was his wish, surrounded by family. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Maddie, and his four children, Brett Borglund and his wife Linda, of Westborough, MA, Clay Borglund and his partner Kerrie, of Westborough, MA, Todd Borglund and his wife Ruth, of Worcester, MA, and Sterling Fitzgibbons and her husband Shawn, of Westborough, MA. His loving granddaughters, Amanda, Melanie, and Cora, and his two great-grandchildren, Penelope and Edward. He also leaves behind his caring stepdaughters, Lynn Lewis and Denise Hessen of Michigan, and their extended family. He was predeceased by his first wife, Coralyn, and his two brothers, Harry and Walter.

Sven was born in Worcester, MA, and grew up in the tight-knit Swedish community of College Hill. He treasured memories of his youth—walking to school so he could pocket his trolley money for double features at the movies and hot dogs at George’s Coney Island. Guided by a deep sense of duty, Sven put his education on hold during World War II to answer the call, serving his country in the Pacific aboard the attack transport USS Westmoreland.

After returning home, he embraced the simple joys of life, running a party and fishing boat off Cape Cod with his best friend, Henry, and cousin, Bunky. Sven went on to earn his GED and Journeyman’s license, beginning a lifelong career as a skilled electrician. His personal life took a heartwarming turn at a local square dance: attending with his cousin Harold (“Happy”), Sven met Coralyn, who had arrived with her twin sister, Charlene. Soon the two cousins married the twin sisters. Sven and Coralyn raised four beautiful children in Westborough, MA, where Sven earned his Master Electrician license and proudly served as the town’s very first wiring inspector before joining the Gilbane Building Company.

While at Gilbane, Sven was blessed to find love again when he met Maddie. Together, they built 38 wonderful, laughter-filled years of memories—living in Yarmouth, Maine, before moving to the Cape. Their days were filled with sweet harmonies: boating along the coast, singing in church choirs, cooking for church gatherings, watching the backyard birds, and making music together, with Maddie on the violin and Sven strumming along on his ukulele. Their door was always open, welcoming endless visits from dear family and friends.

An eternal optimist with a playful spirit, Sven loved golfing with his cherished friends, the “Back Niners,” or taking in a peaceful round at Barnstable Country Club. In his golden years, he discovered a passion for painting, filling canvases with color, and never missed a morning crossword puzzle to keep his mind as bright as his heart.

The family would love everyone who knew Sven to join them for a Celebration of Life for him on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church of Cape Cod, 1663 Main Street (6A), West Barnstable, MA 02668.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center, which provides housing support, transportation, food distribution, and counseling services for veterans on Cape Cod.