Jay Christopher Akers, known to the community as Bear, died suddenly on March 15, 2025. He was 66.
Born in Marlboro Hospital on April 11,1958 to Guy and Regina Akers of Southborough, MA. Jay graduated from Algonquin High School in 1976 and was a member of the school’s football team. After graduating, Jay began a career at the Digital Equipment Corporation, where he worked for almost 45 years. There, he met his future wife, Patricia (Patti) Gilfoy, and they were married on May 20th, 1979. They welcomed their only child Michael on October 31,1980. While an active member of the Southborough community, Jay re-located to Milford in 1985. Jay’s employment allowed him to travel abroad, giving him the ability to experience life and cultures outside of the United States. His experiences traveling to Europe and Japan for Digital, Compaq, and HP brought him much joy, and inspired his love of lifelong learning and different cuisines. He also visited Disney World every year with Patti. Jay retired from Hewlett Packard Enterprises in 2019. After retirement, Jay enjoyed golfing with his many friends, and joined the team at Juniper Hill Country Club as a ranger for several years.
Jay’s ability to make friendships was almost uncanny. He was a hospitable host who loved to cook for guests in his home. Everyone who met Jay immediately felt his warmth, kindness, and generosity. He was deeply beloved by so many, and he leaves a void that will never be filled.
Jay is survived by his wife of 46 years, Patricia A. Akers; his son and daughter-in-law Michael Akers and Maruta Vitols; his brother Stephen Akers, and his niece Kate Akers. He’s also survived by many other relatives and friends who mourn his passing.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025, from 12:00pm to 3pm at Morris-Johnston Funeral Home, 40 Main Street, Southborough, MA 01772. Following visiting hours, there will be a reception and celebration of Jay’s life at the Clubhouse at Edgemere Crossing located at 100 Flint Pond Circle, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Please park at the Market Basket lot next door.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations are made in Jay Akers’ name to either the Andover Educational Fund, Inc. P.O. Box 32, Andover, ME 04216 (https://www.andoveredfund.org/ ) or to the First Tee of Massachusetts, 300 Arnold Palmer Boulevard, Norton, MA 02766 (www.massgolf.org/donate).
(Photo and Obituary via Morris-Johnston Funeral Home)
