Paul Ferrier Jr. 22, of Ashland passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday Dec. 15th after a long courageous journey with cancer. Born in Framingham, he was the son of Paul and Carol (Collins) Ferrier and brother to Kayla Ferrier.

PJ was a 2014 graduate of Ashland High School where he played football and lacrosse and was a member of the National Honor Society. He continued as a Dean's List physical therapy student at UMass Lowell. He remained active with Ashland High School, serving as the freshmen football Coach and a trainer in the fitness center. He was a friend and mentor to numerous students and athletes over the years. He lived his life to the fullest and often spread words of hope and encouragement to others including one of his favorite quotes, "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain."

In addition to his parents, PJ is survived by his maternal grandmother, Mary Spaulding, grandfather, Lee Spaulding, maternal grandfather, Wesley Collins and wife Marilyn Collins, and paternal grandmother, Rita M. Ferrier. He also leaves his Godson, Parker Reed, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family. All of these he loved and touched deeply through his strength and inspiration. He will be forever missed but never forgotten.

A funeral service will be held Sat. Dec. 22 ^nd at 11:00am in Connect Community Church, 280 Pleasant St. Ashland, MA with burial to follow in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland. Calling hours will be held Friday from 2:00-7:00 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. Ashland.

In lieu of flowers, PJ requested donations be made to Child Life Services on the Hematology/Oncology Unit at Boston Children's Hospital. To make your donation, please visit http://www.bostonchildrens.org/givenow and specify, "Oncology Child Life Services." Checks can also be made payable to Boston Children's Hospital Oncology Child Life Services and sent to the Boston Children's Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215-5301.  Please include "In honor of Paul Ferrier" in the memo line of your check.