Anthony James Congdon

OXFORD – Anthony James “AJ” Congdon, 8, of Old Webster Road, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Boston Children’s Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.  He is survived by his parents, James “JJ” and Jamie (Gwosch) Congdon of Oxford; his sister, Isabella Congdon of Oxford; his maternal grandparents, Tony and Donna Gwosch of Southampton; his paternal grandfather, Paul Congdon and his wife Paula of Webster; his paternal grandmother, Kathy Hanson and her husband Rick of Florida; two aunts, Shannon (Gwosch) Demers and her husband Christopher of Granby, and Angela Congdon and her partner Joel of Sutton; and several cousins.  

AJ came into the world fast and fearless on September 24, 2015.  He could light up any room with his bright smile, infectious laugh, and unmatched energy.  AJ loved to live life to the extreme, always pushing the limits. He would leave everyone breathless as he raced his ATV or biked around the yard and sailed down snowy ski mountains. Filled with curiosity and an adventurous spirit, AJ was always ready to discover new hiking trails, challenging ski mountains, and local swimming spots.  

He was a vibrant, second-grade student at Dudley Elementary School in Dudley.  AJ played football for the Charlton-Dudley Youth Football Program and baseball for the Dudley Little League with fierce enthusiasm and excitement for competition.  A game day or a weekday practice, AJ always enjoyed spending time with his teammates and coaches.  His summers were filled with beach vacations from Cape Cod to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  When he wasn't swimming in the water, you could catch him casting a line out on Webster Lake, Lake George, or any of the local streams throughout Massachusetts.  AJ’s free spirit made him the life of the party wherever he went.  He enjoyed making his family and friends laugh with his crazy dance moves, hilarious jokes, and goofy expressions. Despite his wild exterior, AJ had a kind and gentle soul.  Whether it was yard work at home, cleaning up in the classroom, or stacking wood for family friends, AJ loved to help anyone in need. 

While his diagnosis limited his physical ability, his energy, strength, and passion for life remained unmatched.  Throughout his treatment, AJ continued to attend school, thriving on the support, encouragement, and kind words from his classmates and teachers.  AJ continued to attend his football games, scoring a touchdown with the help of his coaches and teammates.  He visited the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard base in Westfield and became a Fighter Pilot for the day.  AJ cheered on Boston College at the Fenway Bowl in Boston, he traveled with his family to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, and was granted a trip to Florida through Make-A-Wish Foundation to ride all of the roller coasters at Disney World.  Wherever he went, AJ showed the world what it meant to be “AJ Strong”.  His courage and perseverance became the standard which all strived to achieve. The love he gave was more than reciprocated by our local communities. Their generous and profound support, through a difficult journey, is another example of how AJ’s dynamic personality touched so many.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Louis Church, 15 Lake Street, Webster.  Burial will follow at North Cemetery in Oxford.  Calling hours are Monday, June 17, 2024, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at St. Louis Church in Webster.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the AJ Congdon Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o bankHometown, 31 Sutton Ave., Oxford, MA 01540.

Paradis-Givner Funeral Home in Oxford is directing the arrangements.