Kris Eberlin

Kris Charles Eberlin passed away peacefully, in the company of his family, on July 11, 2026, following a battle with cancer. He was 72.

Kris was born in Mount Holly, New Jersey, to Donald and Jean Eberlin, and was one of six children in the tight-knit, rambunctious Eberlin clan, later raised in Hopkinton. Following high school, Kris worked at Data General and later studied computer engineering at Bentley College, where he built a foundation of skill that informed a robust career developing computer and battery systems at companies like Stratus, NEC, LG and more. He brought this keen eye for detail into all areas of his life and made lifelong friendships through his work, including a beloved crew of hiking buddies whom he considered family.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Anna, with whom he had just celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary by sharing their traditional annual meal at the Wayside Inn. Together, they raised their children, grandchildren and many pets on Assabet Drive in Northborough, in a home partially built with the collaboration of dear friends and filled with love.

Kris was a devoted husband and father who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He did everything in his power to see that his family was cared for, even in his final days. Supporting his children and grandchildren in their education and athletic pursuits, as well as their varied interests, hobbies and travels brought him great joy. He cherished many summer visits to a beloved cottage in Wells, Maine, with his family — enjoying days spent in the sand and sun, board games on the back deck, boating with friends and simply slowing down. He knew how to treasure each moment, finding joy in simple pleasures like a backyard fire with his family, a rousing game of Uno, rooting for one of his many beloved sports teams, racing slot cars every Friday night with his grandson or delighting with an unexpected joke.

Kris’ passionate involvement in his children’s sports grew into decades of involvement in recreational and professional soccer leagues. Following many seasons as a youth referee and coach, he began organizing local tournaments. After an invitation to offer volunteer support to the nascent Major League Soccer at Gillette Stadium, Kris spent 30 years volunteering with the New England Revolution, initially serving in many varied roles before settling into his position as referee liaison. His love for the game was only surpassed by his love for the friends and community he made on the sidelines.

We will forever remember him for his integrity, devotion to family, service to community and quick wit. He faced his cancer diagnosis with courage, dignity and humor — and the grace with which he faced his final days were admired by loved ones and caretakers alike. While we will miss Kris immensely, our family takes solace in knowing that he is at peace and welcomed into heaven by the many loved ones who await him there.

Kris is survived by his wife, Anna, children Donald, Jessica and Karissa, and grandchildren Lacey and Tommy. He also is survived by his siblings, Donna Van Der Waal, Terri Dommings, Gail Catanese, Jill Eberlin and Brian Eberlin, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who he considered family.

Calling hours will be held between 6-8 p.m. on Friday, July 24, at Hays Funeral Home in Northborough. Kris’ funeral will be held from the funeral home on Saturday, July 25, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough.

In lieu of flowers, the Eberlin family requests that those wishing to offer condolences would instead commit a meaningful act of service and love as a means of honoring Kris’ legacy.

Obituaries are submissions, typically from funeral homes, that are not subject to the same level of editorial oversight as the rest of the Hopkinton Independent. Obituaries may be edited for grammatical and factual mistakes and clarifications and shortened for space considerations.