Pastor Elder Astley Gordon, aged 94, of Worcester, passed away peacefully, Saturday, December 21, 2024, in Leicester, MA.

Born in Chester Castle, Jamaica, on August 10, 1930, he was the beloved son of the late, Ida Anglin of Jamaica.

Sadly, in addition to his mother, Astley was predeceased in death by his oldest son, Anthony Gordon of Jamaica.

Mr. Gordon came to the United States from Jamaica in the 1960s as a seasonal migrant worker in the orange fields of Florida. However, it wasn’t until President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, dismantled the centuries-long, racist immigration laws of the United States that blocked legal immigration and a path to citizenship for tens of millions of people from African, Caribbean, Latino and Asian countries, that Astley finally got his chance at the American Dream. Astley made his way to Massachusetts, again as a migrant worker at various apple orchards in Northern Worcester County. He eventually emigrated to the city of Worcester, worked at Norton Company for a number of years before starting A.G. Construction and Material Recycling, in the late 1960s. This highly successful business, at its peak, employed hundreds of people, especially numerous youths and young adults, who were seeking their first job.

Not only did he create and run a successful business, but he also raised and educated his kids, was a mentor to many, supported numerous charities and was a traveling Christian Minister for 50 plus years. Not bad for a poor kid from the hills of Jamaica, who had to start working at the age six.

Astley is survived by his loving children, Mr. David Fort of Worcester, Mr. Howard Lucas of Worcester and Ms. Veronica Gordon of Jamaica. Astley leaves behind his cherished sister Ms. Pearline Dalrymple and brother Mr. George Dalrymple. He also leaves behind many of his adored grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Additionally, Astley served as a life-long father figure for Ms. Janice Bull and Mrs. Dionne Mercado, both of Worcester.

Public calling hours will be held January 11, 2025, between 9:30 – 10:45 a.m at Mercadante’s Home and Chapel in Worcester, Massachusetts, followed by a private funeral service and burial.

A public Celebration of Life/Memorial get together will take place in Worcester on June 21, 2025. This event is free to all and will include Astley’s favorite foods and provide any one an opportunity to share their favorite stories of Mr. Gordon with Astley’s friends and family. If you are interested in attending, please send an email to AstleyCelebrationofLife@gmail.com with a message saying, “I’m interested in attending.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Astley’s memory to Saint Jude Hospital (https://www.stjude.org), World Vision Humanitarian Organization (https://www.worldvision.org) or to Astley’s Celebration of Life Get Together in June by sending an email to AstleyCelebrationofLife@gmail with a message saying, “I am interested in donating to Astley’s Celebration of Life Get Together.”

Mr. Gordon’s family extends their sincerest gratitude to all of the medical providers, CNAs and staff members who helped with his care at UMASS Memorial Medical Center and all of the care facilities that he was a patient at. “Your care of our father is appreciated more than we can express. Thank you.”