PALMER/DUDLEY – Gary B. Jackson, 52, of the Bondsville section of Palmer, died Sunday, July 10, 2016 in UMass/Memorial University Campus, Worcester, after an illness.
He leaves his wife of 26 years, Kristin A. Astukiewicz; his brother, Gilbert L. Jackson and his wife Gail of Webster; 2 nephews, Erik Jackson and Matthew Bard; and many friends. He also leaves behind his dog Dizzy and his cat Leela.
He was born in Webster and raised in Dudley, the son of Albert S. “Big Al” Jackson, Jr. and Dorothy B. “Dot” (Brush) Jackson. He graduated from Shepherd Hill Regional High School in 1981, where he belonged to the marching and jazz bands and the orchestra. He attended Westfield State University and was the musical director for such shows as “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “West Side Story.” He lived in Worcester before moving to Bondsville in 2003.
Gary was a musician all his life, playing bass and classical guitar. He was associated with various bands, most recently the Skeletones. His most creative musical endeavor was a flute and guitar duo with Chris Granville called Contempaissance – Music Throughout The Ages. It involved classical music going back to Renaissance times; he would give descriptive information about how music has changed through the ages. He enjoyed creating and building things for his home, walks in the woods, and building and launching model rockets. He had a special fondness for animals. His favorite pastime was spending quiet evenings at home around the fire pit.
Visitation will be held privately. Donations in his name may be made to either the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or to Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School St., Webster, MA.