William F. Mayer, Jr.

William F. “Bill” Mayer, Jr., age 84, a resident of Westford, died on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at home with his beloved wife of 60 years by his side. Bill and Barbara (Kelly) exchanged vows in 1966 and from that day lived a full life of love and happiness.

He was born on July 7, 1942 in Jersey City, New Jersey and was the son of the late Frances (Heubel) and William Mayer. He was raised and educated in New Jersey but found his way to Boston when attending Boston College and MIT, earning his PhD in astrophysics.

Bill worked as the Associate Director at MIT for 41 years and was a member of the American Physical Society and always fostered the advancement in physics in anyway he could. Devoted to his field he was also involved with many NASA projects. In 2000, he was presented the Distinguished Public Service Medal, which is the highest honor NASA confers to a non-government individual.

Outside of his work, Bill was avid gear-head, especially when it came to his collection of cars. He valued the hands-on problem-solving, quiet dedication and the beauty of them all. It was his balance of the mind.

Bill and Barbara enjoyed their time together, whether it was skiing in the winter or their annual stays down at the Chatham Bar Inn in the summer. Their time spent was never wasted and will forever be cherished and remembered. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Catherine’s Church.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, Bill is survived and will be deeply missed by his siblings and his sister-in-law, Beth Barone.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bill’s visitation on Monday, July 20, 2026 from 5 until 7 PM at BLESSED TRINITY PARISH - ST CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA CHURCH, 107 N Main Street, Westford. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the church on Tuesday at 10 AM. Burial will be held privately.