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John William Powers, 79, of Pepperell, MA passed away on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. John was born to William and Betty Powers in Grimsby, England on November 15, 1945. He graduated Billerica Memorial H.S. class of ’63 and joined the U.S.A.F. where he served a 4-year enlistment. John moved to New Britain, CT in ’67 where he worked at the Fafnir Bearing Company in a management position. He also became interested in acting, and so joined the Hole in the Wall Theater. John developed deep and meaningful friendships with the ensemble that were lifelong, especially with his good friend Larry Spires. In 1977, he moved to New York City with some aspiration of an acting career. While that did not fully materialize, he made a good living as a sales manager, and later as vice president of a small tool & die company in Manhattan. He lived in a quiet Chelsea neighborhood for 30 years and traveled frequently to visit friends and family. He loved the big city life, and his escapes to the country where he enjoyed camping and attending music festivals. In 2007, he returned to Pepperell where he lived in retirement with brothers Robert and Paul. John’s retirement was filled with travel, reading, golfing, walks, cigars, Mexican food and margaritas. John loved crosswords, in pen of course, and enthusiastically watching his Patriots become a dynasty.
John is survived by his son Jeffrey (Teresa) Powers of Bow, NH, grandchildren Kyrsty (Colby) Thomas, Jonathan Powers, and Ryan Powers, along with his great-grandchildren Claire and Kane Thomas. His sister Ellen (Eddy) Lee of Lake Lure, NC. Brothers Robert Powers and Paul Powers of Pepperell, MA. Brother Tom (Cindy) Powers of New Ipswich, NH. His dear sister Barbara Murphy of West Townsend, MA, along with many nephews and nieces. John was preceded in death by his parents William and Betty Powers and his brother Billy Powers.
Family and friends will gather for visiting hours in the McGaffigan Family Funeral Home, 37 Main St., (Rte. 113) Pepperell, MA on Monday, February 10th from 3 – 6 pm. Burial in the Massachusetts National Cemetery with United States Air Force Funeral Honors will be held privately at a later date.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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