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John Falla Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Falla
David Leaf
September 9, 2020
While we were on opposite sides of the rink, after all, I grew up in New York, when it came to how to live a life, Jack was an all-star, a Hall of Famer. Nothing, not even a Stanley Cup ring, meant more to him than his family. He was so proud of all of you. RIP...xo
David Leaf
September 9, 2020
While we were on opposite sides of the rink, after all, I grew up in New York, when it came to how to live a life, Jack was an all-star, a Hall of Famer. Nothing, not even a Stanley Cup ring, meant more to him than his family. He was so proud of all of you. RIP...xo
Tony Iulo
December 2, 2008
It was around 1994 when the long Stanley Cup drought ended here in the NY/NJ area and I was lucky enough to catch the Bacon Street Omni feature on NESN including Jack Falla and his crew. They seemed to make magic happen right in their own backyard. I was not long before I got to work in my own backyard and often referred to my "NESN backyard rink instructional tape" for assistance. The results were beautiful and my pal Dom and I skated night after night and season after season together. And then in early September of 2001 Dom did not return home from work on a day that the world will never forget.
Thank you Jack Falla for inspiring me to build not just a rink but memories I will take with me for the rest of my life.
My sincere condolences to the Falla family. My personal hope is to lace `em up one crisp winter day at the Omni rink in tribute to two fine men.
Rose Shannon
September 20, 2008
Jack, we will remember you always. You were always ready with conversation and insight. I only got to see you about once a week and not as a classmate; as most, but you enriched my life more than you can imagine. The most enriching memory I will carry is when a friend of my older son was inquiring about journalism. You didn't know my son or his friend but you still gave him your cell number and even printed out information for him. I know the two of you did talk a few times and it has helped him. I don't know anyone else who would do that for someone they didn't know and have never met.
I am not sure what to say now but you will me missed by a lot of people. You made yourself a person (not just another man or professor) to everyone. I cherish our quick conversations.
You will be missed by all.
To the family...I am deeply sorry for your loss. I can't imagine losing someone like Jack. He will be greatly missed and not forgotten.
Christine Kenney
September 20, 2008
Tracey & family,
I first heard about your father's passing on the Fox news and then in Sports Illustrated. I'll never forget when he came to talk to our St. Mike's senior class at the Boston career seminar and couldn't help mentioning the backyard skating rink he was about to open for the season. I remember thinking what an absolutely AWESOME guy your father was and how I wish I was a kid living in his neighborhood!! You and your family will be in my prayers. I can't imagine what it would be like to lose a father- especially one as full of life as yours. God bless! Love, Christine MacDougall-Kenney.
Roseanne Felago
September 19, 2008
Brian,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your father.
- Mike Hardman and Roseanne Felago (from CNC)
Dick Kindleberger
September 18, 2008
My first memories of Jack go back to the summer of 1968 when I started in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette's Spencer bureau. Jack had begun only three weeks before me but already knew so much more. And even though he soon decided that daily journalism was not for him, he generously took me under his wing and gave me the encouragement I could not have made it without. My heart goes out to Barb, Tracey, Brian, and the rest of their wonderful family. My wife Jean and I are so sorry we cannot be with you for today's service.
Jon Sirois
September 17, 2008
I was deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Falla's passing. My sincere condolences go out to his entire family. I grew up in the neighborhood on Bacon St and remember when the backyard rink was first being built. My brother Billy and I often reminisce about what a special time and place that was. I remember Jack being so kind and friendly to all of the kids. Those are some of the best memories of my childhood. He had a special family and they created a safe haven there for all of us to enjoy. Thanks to you and your family for such wonderful memories.
Andrea Pickersgill
September 17, 2008
Dear Patrick and family,
I want to extend sincere and heartfelt condolences to you all in this terrible loss you have suffered. I have fond memories of a very clever, supportive and kind Jack Falla from all those years ago. May his memory and the celebration of his wonderful life help you through the pain of his loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed.
Sincerely,
Andrea Shamon Pickersgill
Carolyn Elliott-Farino
September 17, 2008
Barb, Brian, and Tracey,
It's been many a year since I enjoyed yours and Jack's company at a Christmas Eve get together at Joanne and Mark's, when Jack would head home early, no doubt to get up the next morning and work on the Omni, or perhaps to get some quiet time to write. I have read a number of blog entries over the past 24 hours and am humbled by the affection and respect Jack's students had for him; there can be no greater success in life than being a good husband, father, and teacher, and Jack was all three. Please know you're in my prayers.
Todd Young
September 16, 2008
Brian, Tracey and Mrs Falla,
My deepest condolences go out to all of your family. The one thing I remember most about Jack was his enthusiam for sports. I was lucky enough to have had him represent my school as our color commentator for a couple of years. He had an amazing way of making every player feel as if they were an all star just by the way he would describe our actions on the field. Fortunately, I was also able to experience Jack on a personal level. The fond memories I have of playing hockey(if you can call what I did hockey) in his backyard, on the Bacon St Omni, will be etched in my memory forever.
Brian and Tracey, i am so sorry for your loss.
Jack, it is you who is the true All Star, you will be missed.
Matthew Adams
September 16, 2008
Barbara, Brian, Kim, Tracey, Maury, Demetre & Ella,
On behalf of me, Leah and the entire Adams family, please accept our heart felt condolences on Jack’s passing. For the past 25 years the Falla’s have welcomed us into their home and into their lives and we are all much better people because of it.
There are too many words to say and not enough space to put them regarding my thoughts on Jack. His influence on me is greater than you know. He watched me grow up, mostly because I was always over the house either skating, playing wiffle ball in the off-season or being invited those tasty dinners he and Barb would create. He saw me go from junior high school to high school to college to the professional world and later married with children. He personally tried to make me famous with interviews on Natick Public TV, all of the segments for TV on the Bacon St Omni, and being mentioned in Home Ice. There was always a kind word or a note in Jack’s typical literary style. He made you think about those words he had written because he wanted to enlighten your thoughts.
Over the past few days, I have read so many kind words about Jack on several blogs, mostly from his students past and present. They all spoke of his class and what he had done for them personally and professionally. They got to see and hear of his passion for journalism in the classroom. Well, I am honored to say that I saw all of his true passions for the past 25 years; his family, his profession and “The Bacon St Omni”.
Godspeed Captain Jack.
Ellen Lipka
September 16, 2008
I did not know Jack personally, but was impressed how much of an impact he had on my son's life while @ BU. Michael was lucky enough to be a student in his classes, and Jack acted as both his mentor and confidant and took the time to advise him regarding his sports journalism job searching, even calling him with some leads. The reference that he wrote for my son showed the time and effort he put into his students. My son was lucky to have Jack in his life.
He was an extraordinary man.
Our family's thoughts are with you.
G Garniss
September 16, 2008
MANY years ago I had the thrill of experiencing the Bacon Street Omni, and Professor Falla's hospitality. At the time I was a budding sports reporter, and his wise words and encouragement kept me going through many tough times. I will miss him, but always have his wise words to keep with me.
G. Garniss (Waltham, MA)
Patrick McShane
September 16, 2008
Writer’s block is horrible. I must admit that a grin found its way through the tears as I imagine what Jack would be saying to me right now if he knew how long I spent staring at a blank screen wondering how to begin. The reference would certainly have something to do with the rest of the world being speed skaters while I watched from the Zamboni.
I had no intention of taking Sports Writing at Boston University. A classmate, Ian Benjafield, took the class first semester and said to me over and over that this course should be a requirement because of Professor Falla. My thanks always to Ian for his recommendation and Jack for his knowledge, support and friendship.
Jack Falla was quite simply the most influential professor that I have ever had on any level of my education. Through actions and examples he gave his students a non-sugar-coated view of what qualities and attributes would make someone successful in any career they might choose.
While correspondence was intermittent (life certainly pulls us all in many directions), I was fortunate enough to see Jack at two book signings over the years and shared a couple of dinners at La Cantina’s in Framingham. He lived as he taught; he listened; offered support when needed and advice when asked. Jack could say more with one word than most of us can say in a paragraph; as evidenced by looking at some of my writings from his class when he would circle a clichéd sentence and simply write, “Pedestrian.”
Words cannot convey my deepest sympathies to the Falla family at this time of loss. However, I would also like to offer my thanks for sharing this wonderful treasure with all of us. Jack’s impact will be felt for generations upon generations.
The Millin Family
September 15, 2008
We did not know Jack personally, but he has played a huge role in our lives. My husband started a back yard rink several years ago - he looked to Jack as inspiration, and sent him several emails over the years asking for advice - Jack always responded, and my husband was always grateful and thrilled to hear from him. Jack Falla has given my children precious memories and a family tradition that will last for years to come. I imagine there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people like us - that he never met but has touched and inspired. Thank you, Jack. Our thoughts are with your family, and you will be missed in our home.
Chelsea Gardner
September 15, 2008
When I saw the article in the Globes sport section today I had to read it three times. The second time because I didn't think it was true and then the third time out of habit because Jack always made me read my stuff three times to look for things that he told me made a good article no matter what it's about. Even though I only had him for the short semester over the summer, he taught me more then I thought possible and helped me chose what I want to do in life. He was not only a great prof. but also a great friend. Thank you Jack for helping me find a direction when I was more then lost.
Kevin Allen
September 15, 2008
Jack Falla was the most elegant hockey writer of this generation and he was an even better person than he was a writer. He wrote the way Gretzky played, with style, cleverness and passion. We have lost a superstar wordsmith.
Theresa Spisak
September 15, 2008
I found out the news last night from a former classmate. I was a former student of Jack's and fortunate to call him my friend. He truly was a professor who took time to care about each and every student he had. He will be missed by many.
David Leaf
September 15, 2008
As a New Yorker, I am almost never at a loss for words. But news of Jack's sudden passing have made me very quiet. It was only two weeks ago that we exchanged one of our infrequent letters. In an e-mail world, nobody else but Jack could even get me to write a letter.
Because I live in California, I haven't gotten to see Jack and his family all that often, but I do know that I've treasured every moment together, those rare instances when I could get him on the phone, every funny and poignant e-mail, letter and
of course, one of the highlights of my sporting life, a few moments at the Bacon Street Omni. For a Rangers fan, it was the only happy hockey moment in my New England history.
But best of all were the notes around Christmas where he talked with such obvious love and pride of Barbara and the entire family.
Dear Jack. You will be terribly missed.
All our love goes to the Falla family.
David Leaf
September 15, 2008
I never had the pleasure of taking Professor Falla's course but I got to sit in on one of his classes this summer. He was so smart, so witty, so genuine, such a gentleman. He will be missed so much on the BU campus.
Adam Silverleib
September 15, 2008
I was shocked to wake up this morning only to find that my friend Jack wis gone. He made a lasting impact not only on my life, but countless others who had the good fortune to get to know him.
To his family, I extend my deepest sympathies. I know that I speak for all of his friends who are in shock when I simply say au revoir came much too early.
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