Paul H. Anderson, Jr., 81, of Gardner, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in UMASS Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

Born in Gardner on September 19, 1944, he was the son of the late Paul H. and Dorothy (McCarthy) Anderson. He both attended Gardner High and Narragansett Regional High Schools. Paul was the longtime owner and operator of Anderson and Sons Excavating, and Templeton Machine, businesses he took great pride in.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gail A. Anderson, who died in 2023.

Paul was an active member of the Worcester County Sheriff's Department and the American Legion Post 129 in Gardner and Post 373 in Baldwinville. He enjoyed being a lead guitarist in many local bands, spending time with his family, and especially working on his farm-caring for his cows and tending to his gardens.

Paul is survived by his four sons, Keith Anderson and his wife Oksana of Gardner, Derek Anderson of Templeton, Wayne Anderson of Athol, and PJ Anderson of Gardner; a stepson, John Jellison of Baldwinville; step-daughter, Anne Baker and her husband George of Baldwinville; ten grandchildren, Brittany, Daniel, Michelle, Anna, Kyle, Diesel, Emilee, Allen, Natalya, and Nikolas; several great-grandchildren; and a brother, John Anderson of Indiana.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Paul was predeceased by a step-daughter, Cheryl Jellison, and two sisters, Elaine Anderson and Suzanne Anderson.

Calling Hours will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. A Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be at Green Bower Cemetery, Winter Street, Gardner, MA, 01440.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the MSPCA, Attn: Donations, 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, or on their website at www.mspca.org. Please reference in memory of Paul H. Anderson Jr.