Jeffrey L. Williams

Jeffrey Laurence Williams, Sr., of Hubbardston, passed away at home in the early morning on Tuesday, June 2nd at the age of 83. The son of Laurence and Natalie (Batchelder) Williams, Jeff was born in Providence and raised in Lexington, Massachusetts, before relocating to Gardner and Hubbardston, where he lived for the past 60 years. 

Jeff dedicated his life to teaching and music and theater. He taught music, theater, history, and math at Gardner High School for 35 years until his retirement in 2001. Everywhere the family went, it seemed like they would run into a former student who always had kind words to say about Jeff because of the positive impact he had on their lives.  

Jeff was a founding member of both Theatre at the Mount at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner and the New Players Theatre Guild in Fitchburg, where he performed, directed, and music directed countless productions. He made many lifelong friends during his theater days. His favorite role was that of John Adams in the musical “1776”, a role he portrayed wonderfully on five occasions. In 1988, Jeff met his wife, Jennifer, when he directed “The Mikado” at Theatre at the Mount. He also delighted so many people playing piano both at home and at the Bull Run.  

Jeff was very proud to be a member of the Hubbardston Select Board since 2012 and was the current Chair having dedicated his last years to public service. During his retirement, he took up golf and drove limousines part time for Le Limo in Shrewsbury. He was an avid Boston sports fan and loved the Bruins. He passed on that passion for hockey to his son Gordon and his grandson Chase.

Jeff will be greatly missed by his wife of nearly 32 years, Jennifer (Chase); his son Gordon, currently an undergraduate student at Suffolk University in Boston; his son Jeffrey, Jr. from a previous marriage, of Arizona; and his stepson Emery Markles, his wife Heather, and their two children Chase & Lydia, all of Watertown, MA. He also leaves his beloved sister Judy and her husband Tom Bondurant, of Fredericksburg, VA; and his nephew and nieces, Mark, Donna, Karen, and Beth and their respective families. Jeff was predeceased by his parents.

Calling hours will be held at Mack Family Funeral Home, located at 105 Central Street,

Gardner, MA 01440, on Friday June 12, 2026 from 5PM - 8PM. All are welcome. A memorial service will be held at the discretion of the family. Donations may be made to the charity of one's choosing, or to Theatre at the Mount, or to the COPD Foundation, or to the American Lung Association, or to the Boston Bruins Foundation.

Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner is directing arrangements. To leave a message of condolence visit https://www.mackfamilyfh.com/gardner-chapel-obituaries.