Jeffrey Jay Stanett

“Let me tell you a story…” was how Jeffrey Jay Stanett of Marblehead, MA – who passed away at the age of 81 on the morning of August 30, 2024 – often began his conversations. Known for his immense loquaciousness and generosity, Jeff had a story for every occasion. Born in Boston to parents Lewis and Dorothy Stanett, he spent his early years in Dorchester before moving to Brookline. He attended Worcester Academy and later Boston University, where he studied biology with a particular focus on parasites in swordfish—a study that led him to never eat swordfish again.

Jeff joined the Air Force Reserves in 1964 and served as Staff Sergeant. He frequently shared stories of his missions, which affected him deeply and helped shape his future interests, work-ethic and mindset. He was deeply proud of his service to his Country.

He also had a thirst for knowledge, notably regarding biology, physics and history. He was proud of his Jewish background, and taught both history and yiddish phrases to friends. He was also always happy to entertain thought experiments regarding anything from complicated mechanical systems to the nature of the universe.

Jeff had an extraordinary talent for understanding and designing mechanical systems in his head, without the need for drawings, and became a master refrigeration mechanic. He helped out at his father’s company, New England Store Fixtures in the North End (later in Chelsea, MA), before running the company with his mother after his father’s passing. He married his nextdoor neighbor, Cynthia Hertz, faithfully and lovingly caring for her for nearly 50 years.

Many of Jeff’s favorite stories revolved around his time running New England Store Fixtures, where he met many interesting and influential people. One of his most cherished tales was about the filming of Ron Howard's Backdraft in his warehouse, where he told us he was the one who suggested that the cinematographer push the lens closer to the flames.

Two of his most well-known projects included his contributions to building the Bread & Circus Markets (later Whole Foods) and Steve’s Ice Cream in Davis Square. In 1982, Jeff partnered with Jessica Leahy while she was starting a Herrell’s franchise in a former Harvard Square bank; together they created one of Cambridge’s most cherished institutions, developing a friendship that lasted over 40 years. Herrell’s became a favored spot for celebrities, vice presidents, students and locals, all eager to enjoy ice cream in the iconic underwater-themed bank vault. Herrell’s also provided first jobs to generations of young people, many of whom went on to launch other successful ventures and pursue a wide range of exciting careers.

After closing New England Store Fixtures and achieving success in real estate development, Jeff designed and built the fine dining restaurant First Printer (named due to its history as the site of the first print shop in America) with the help of Jessica Leahy, Ryan Sheaparé, Lexie Comeau, and many other friends. Jeff proudly wore either a Herrell’s or a First Printer T-shirt every day for 40 years, reflecting his deep pride in these businesses.

Jeff was also an avid boater, purchasing his first boat at the age of 20. His multiple boats often spent more time in the boatyard than at sea; he took immense joy in problem solving and customizing boat features, as well as assembling motley crews of former ice cream scoopers, transforming them into fiberglass fabricators, mechanics, and boatbuilders to bring his innovative ideas to life.

Jeff had a deep love for animals. He shared tales of how, in the 1970s, he befriended a keeper at the Franklin Park Zoo and helped train and socialize big cats, especially lions. Jeff had a special bond with four-legged creatures, referring to his friends' pets as "grand-dogs" and "grand-cats." In his later years, he adopted two cats of his own, Socks and Snickers, aka his “incredible feline friends.”

Jeff helped many people over the years as well, both financially and through his specific knowledge. He covered tuition, assisted with rent, fixed boilers and air conditioners, and provided interest-free loans. He was dedicated to ensuring employment for those who needed it. Having dined out for every meal of his adult life, he made friends with restaurant staff everywhere. If he heard that a friend of a friend couldn’t afford brakes on their car, he would arrange for them to be fixed. Jeff worked to help people see in themselves the potential he saw in them; he considered himself an “eyeball to eyeball philanthropist”.

Though he never had biological children, he built a family of his own. This is Jeff’s legacy: the lives he changed through small and large acts of kindness and altruism. Jeffrey was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia Stanett, in 2016. He is survived by his hand-chosen family, including (but not limited to): Lexie Comeau, Jessica Leahy, Taylor Thrift, Ryan Sheaparé, and Sarah Letendre, to name a few. If Jeff were here, he would raise his hand and say, “Well, let me tell you,” and add many more names to that list.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 4th at 10:45am at Sharon Memorial Park, 120 Canton St, Sharon, MA 02067.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeff’s name may be made by check to “The Home for Little Wanderers” at 72 East Dedham Street, Boston, MA 02118 or online at www.thehome.org.