Kevin M. Palardy, 28, of Marlborough, died on Friday, March 6, 2026, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Shrewsbury.

Born in Worcester, Kevin was raised in Marlborough and was the son of Ronald R. Palardy and Jacqueline Smith. He was a proud graduate of Assabet Valley Technical High School, Class of 2016. During his time at Assabet Valley, Kevin was instrumental in helping establish the school’s MCJROTC program. He was also a member of the MCJROTC Honor Guard and participated in Civil Air Patrol.

In 2018, Kevin enlisted in the United States Army. He served two tours at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and was a dedicated member of the United States Army Reserve, achieving the rank of Sergeant. An expert marksman, Kevin was highly respected within the Army community. He became well known for the colorful Hawaiian shirts he loved to wear, eventually starting a collection and often shipping shirts to fellow soldiers serving overseas to lift their spirits.

Kevin was outgoing, personable, and optimistic. Always eager to lend a hand to anyone in need. He had a natural ability to bring people together and was known for his kindness, compassion, and unwavering support for others. Kevin loved motorcycles, and having friends go on adventures, and he embraced life with enthusiasm wherever he went.

He had a bright smile, a quick wit, and a remarkable sense of humor that could lighten even the heaviest moments. A natural leader and problem solver, Kevin had a huge heart and never judged anyone. He was the kind of person who could lift your spirits on a difficult day, and if trouble arose, Kevin was the one you would want by your side, always “watching your six.”

Kevin lived life to the fullest and brought laughter and warmth to every room he entered. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow soldiers, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He leaves his father, Ronald R. Palardy and his mother Jacqueline Smith both of Marlborough; his brother SSgt. Eric M. Palardy and his wife Elizabeth of Marlborough and Texas; maternal grandmother, Pauline Smith of Marlborough/Hudson and paternal grandmother Millissa Patulak of Marlborough; three aunts, Julie Silva of Marlborough, Patricia “Patty” Munger and her husband Bob Kliewe of Falmouth and Michelle Palardy of Marlborough; one uncle Thomas Smith of Hudson; a nephew Timothy Palardy; four cousins, James and Kelly Munger, Nicholas Leoleis and Dakota Palardy of Marlborough . He was the nephew of the late Walter Smith, Jr.

Calling hours will be held Friday March 13 from 6-9 PM in the Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough. A funeral service will be held Saturday March 14 at 10 AM in Grace Church, 353 River Road, Hudson. Burial with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough. All are invited to sign Kevin’s online guestbook at collinsfuneral.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Collins Funeral Home.