Jacob Ryan “Jake” Gordon Obituary, WHately, Mass. — Jacob Ryan “Jake” Gordon, a beloved member of the Whately community, died following an accident on August 10, 2026, at the age of 30. His passing has left family members, friends, coworkers and others mourning a man remembered for his kindness, humor, generosity and ability to make people feel at ease.
Born on November 23, 1995, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Jake was raised in Whately and graduated from Frontier Regional High School in 2014. Those who knew him remembered him as big-hearted, caring and dependable, with a willingness to answer a call and help someone in need.
Jake’s life was marked by his strong connections with people. He was described as a social butterfly who listened without judgment, offered advice and looked for opportunities to help others. His quick wit and spontaneous sense of humor made ordinary encounters memorable, while his unforgettable laugh became one of the qualities most cherished by those who knew him.
Jake developed an interest in the landscape and horticulture trade at a young age, learning from his father beginning when he was 12. That experience eventually led him to become a partner in the family business, Summit Landscaping. He took pride in his work and developed lasting relationships with customers who came to appreciate both his work and the friendships he formed.
More recently, Jake started his own auto detailing business, Top Tier Auto Detailing. His family said he was extremely proud of what he was accomplishing and that his work lived up to the company’s name. His dedication to his work reflected the determination and effort he brought to the different parts of his life.
Outside of work, Jake enjoyed trucks, boats and outdoor activities. He learned to work on and rebuild trucks and boats alongside his father and was particularly proud of his Chevrolet truck. He also enjoyed spending time on the river, fishing, snowboarding and dirt biking, while family memories included bonfires, trips to Orchard Beach and his affection for “punkmin pie.” Music was another part of his everyday life, with loved ones remembering how enthusiastically he would sing along to songs while driving.
Jake’s family and friendships remained central to his life. He is survived by his mother, Tracy Fraziero; father, Brian Gordon;
