Jeffrey Lyle Powers
Jeffrey Lyle Powers, 22, of Glenville, NY, died early Tuesday morning in Worcester, MA as a result of head trauma suffered during a tragic, accidental fall.
Jeffrey, beloved son of Barbara J. (Sleezer) and John R. Powers of Baldwin Rd., Glenville, NY, and wonderful brother to Matthew, 25, and Caitlin, 19, was born October 18, 1985 at Bellevue Hospital in Niskayuna, NY. Jeffrey attended Scotia-Glenville schools. From 2000-2004, he attended Scotia-Glenville High School, where he participated in the Advanced Placement English, Physics and Calculus programs. Jeff graduated from Scotia Glenville High School with Honors in June 2004 and was accepted at RPI, which he attended for two semesters.
Jeffrey was a spirited and aggressive competitor. He loved playing baseball and played in the Scotia-Glenville Little League and Babe Ruth. Jeff played for the Highland Soccer Club Travel Teams. At SGHS, Jeff received two varsity letters each for Soccer, Nordic Skiing and Lacrosse. He was twice named to the Foothills Council lacrosse all-star team.
A lover of the outdoors and camping, Jeff became a Boy Scout in 1997. Jeff was an accomplished Scout and winter camper. He was a member of Order of the Arrow and was proud to earn his Eagle Scout rank on October 12, 2003.
A hard worker, Jeff was a paperboy and worked at Aubuchon Hardware, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Hess while in school. In 2006 he joined his brother to work full time as a carpenter. In February Jeff moved to Worcester, MA and took a job with Darmann Abrasives, where he was responsible for machining custom abrasive products.
Jeffrey enjoyed letting his free spirit soar while “bombing the hill” on his downhill skis. He loved to collect baseball cards, knives and practice Jiu-Jitsu. Jeff spent hours drawing pencil sketches, and taking 35 mm photographs. Jeff was learning how to play the guitar. He was extremely proud of his electric guitar, a gift from his brother.
Most of all, Jeffrey enjoyed his many friends. Foremost were his “Best Bud” brother Matt, and “Little Sis“, Caitlin. Intensely loyal and protective, he made friends for life. Poking fun at everyone, and unbelievably mischievous, he loved to party and be happy. Everyone has a funny story about Jeff. When asked what he was good at, he replied, “I am good at life.”
Jeffrey’s generous spirit will live on. He donated his heart, kidneys, pancreas and liver to the New England Organ Bank so that other families would have hope, where none existed before.
Jeffrey is survived by his parents, Barbara and John of Glenville; his brother, Matthew of Troy; his sister, Caitlin of Glenville; and his maternal grandmother, Arlene Sleezer, of Johnstown, NY. Other surviving family members include his uncles, John Sleezer (Colleen) of Johnstown, NY, Mike Powers (Marcy) of Dover, DE and Bill Powers (Gilda) of Marion, VA; and his aunts, Linda Meyer (Hans) of Gaylord, MI, Lorraine Hohenforst (Dave) of Johnstown, NY and Sally Powers (Ray) of Canon City, CO. He is survived by many cousins and dear friends. Jeff has lit up so many lives with so much Love.
Calling hours are from 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 9, at the Glenville Funeral Home at 9 Glenridge Rd. A funeral service to celebrate Jeffrey’s life will be held at the Funeral Home at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10. Jeffrey’s family asks that friends and family honor Jeff by coming dressed for a happy time, not a funeral. He will be unhappy at any sadness. Cremation will follow the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Dear Jeffrey, Laughing and Loud, You’ve always made us proud.
Infectious with your grin, you get away with anything.
Intense in sport and school, your success is ever so cool.
As God beckons you away, we’ll miss you every day.
Love, Momma, Big Guy, Matt, Caitlin, your family and friends.
