Jeffrey Powers Obituary

Jeffrey C. Powers, 77, of Gloucester, passed away on September 20, 2025.

A lifelong resident of Gloucester, MA, Jeff leaves behind his cherished wife of fifty-five years, Patricia M. Powers; sons, Shaun Powers and his wife Debbie, and Jason Powers and his wife Melissa; grandchildren, Caitlin Doyle and her husband Corey MacIntyre-Doyle, Briana Powers and her partner Michael Cordair, Cali Powers, and Cameron Powers. He is also mourned by his sister, Charlene Peterson and her husband Pete, and his sister Gail Vicari; brother-in-law, Joseph C. Ellis; sister-in-law, Donna Pumphrey and her partner John Harding; and his special nephew, William J. Ellis and his wife Leane. He will be remembered by three generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Truly one of the most affable, authentic, and dependable human beings to grace our planet, Jeff, even though he was shy by nature, was always open to both entertaining and meaningful conversation, told a great story, did spot-on Donald Duck voice, and was a patient and sly Whist player. One of his great pleasures in life was his time spent at Disney and vacationing in Florida with his family. He found contentment at Old Key West that allowed him and Pat to relax at their well-earned timeshare, sneaking bread to the ducks, and also appreciating the beauty of nature. He was endlessly curious about animals, always watching documentaries and well-fed birds in his yard. After earlier jobs working for Mighty Mac and Benny the Florist, his twenty-five year employment at Home Depot allowed him to channel his passion for and share a lifetime's knowledge of plants and flowers. Jeff's ability to get his customers talking and his coworkers laughing always made everyone's day a bit brighter.

Of all his many jobs and roles in his life, the ones that he devoted himself to and gave him his greatest joy was that of husband to his best friends Pat, supportive father to his two sons, Shaun and Jason, and to their wives, Debbie and Melissa, and doting grandfather to Caitlin, Briana, Cali, and Cameron. Whether it was quietly coloring with them, carving pumpkins, creating pressed pennies or competing with them on the Buzz Lightyear Ride at Disney, he was always a warm presence who listened, cheered them on, and supported them.

Jeff was an encouraging mentor to a multitude of younger people from relatives to his children's friends who were all accepted and treated warmly as family. Chief among them were his chosen son, Jason Brown, and chosen daughter, Andrea Merluzzo.

Jeff's calm, steady company along with his wicked sense of humor made him the rare, good friend who laughed with you and supported you through both challenging and good times. An excellent judge of character, Jeff was very intuitive about how to push your buttons and got a real charge out of pranking his friends who rarely saw it coming. He was as open to good-natured exchanges of ideas as he was to teasing you about your personal quirks, always ready with a good-natured quip or understanding eye roll and graciously accepted anyone's teasing in return. Special friends Paul Bruno, Gerald MacKillop, Dennis MacKillop, and Bill and Leane Ellis are among those who will keenly miss his comic assaults and attentive ear.

Jeff was predeceased by his infant daughter, Kimberly Ann Powers; parents, Robert K. and Geneva Powers; parents-in-law, Charles J. And Dora Ellis; and sister-in-law, Regina Ellis.

The family feels extremely blessed to have had the best team of healthcare professionals caring for Jeff; and thank them for both their expertise and compassion.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, 142 Prospect Street in Gloucester. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Gloucester. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Jeff's memory to the Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930.