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JOHN J. "JACK" KIRRANE Jr.

1928 - 2016

JOHN J. "JACK" KIRRANE Jr. obituary, 1928-2016, Brookline, MA

BORN

1928

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Bell-O'Dea Funeral Home - Brookline

376 Washington St

Brookline, Massachusetts

JOHN KIRRANE Obituary

KIRRANE, John J. "Jack" Jr. Of Brookline, on September 25, 2016. Beloved husband of the late Patricia A. (Rose) Kirrane. Loving father of Susan J. Fields of Brookline and her late husband Kenneth, John P. Kirrane and his wife Elizabeth of No. Weymouth, and Kristin Greymont of Brookline. Dear brother of William F. Kirrane and his wife Rita of Waltham, Edward T. Kirrane and his wife Ann of Dedham, and the late Evelyn M. Kirrane. Adored grandfather of Tara Kirrane Quitt and her husband Adam of Ashland, Amy Tredo and her husband Adam of Hampden, Sean Fields of Brookline and Brendan Fields and his wife Michelle of Framingham. Cherished great grandfather of Nora, Andrew, Raina, Abby and Aubrey. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Jack won a gold medal as a member, and Captain of the first U.S. Men's Ice Hockey "Miracle" Team at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, CA. Jack is a member of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, and the Mass. Hockey Hall of Fame. Funeral from the Bell-O'Dea Funeral Home, 376 Washington St., BROOKLINE, Thursday morning at 9:10 followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Lawrence Church, Chestnut Hill at 10:00. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visiting hours in the funeral home on Wednesday from 4:00 - 8:00. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. Late Army Veteran Korea War, Ret. Lt. Brookline Fire Dept. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack's name made to the Alzheimer's Association of Eastern Mass., 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472 or www.alz.org would be appreciated. www.bellodeafh.com

View the online memorial for John J. "Jack" Jr. KIRRANE
Published by Boston Globe from Sep. 26 to Sep. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN KIRRANE

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31 Entries

Christian Wright

October 20, 2016

I was so saddened to hear of the passing of this great man..... I only knew your Jack for two short years in the mid-nineties while we were both working for the Harvard Athletic Dept. I was just a 26 year old, high school has-been with an insatiable interest in local hockey and a love for the history of the game. Not only did Jack provide me with all of the information I could possibly handle, but he also helped me find some solace through the frustration I had regarding the abrupt ending to my own playing days. For such a tough man, he had an amazing way of empathizing and making people feel good about themselves. He was a friend who, despite the forty years between our ages, was able to relate to my struggle more than anyone else I had ever spoken with...... Jack opened up to me, as well. He spoke of the many items in history which were misinterpreted, or left out entirely, in the documentaries and passed down stories and movies from the great hockey lore that he helped create. Jack never had an agenda and never wavered from his unapologetic directness and honesty. He was a man's man in every relatable way and I feel incredibly privileged to have known him and to have called him 'friend'. I could never forget about Jack Kirrane or his friendship, his kindness or his honest words, because I proudly reference him a few times each year when I speak about hockey greatness and my personal heroes. Captain Jack Kirrane...... You'll always be one of them.

Judith Buckley Lenihan

October 10, 2016

To the entire Kirrane Family, I lost my Dad last week. (John Henry Buckley, Sr.) While on the Bell ODea website, I noticed that Jack Kirrane's picture/obituary was just below my Dad's obituary. They were very good friends in childhood and at Brookline High. They played hockey together. When I was a little girl, I would skate with them at the River Country Day School Rink and the Elliot Park Rink. My father always called him Gundy Kirrane. My father used to visit his grandparents in Weston, where he would help on the farm with the chickens and the horses. When they would skate and he wanted to make a pass, he would call out" Farmer", to my father. No one else knew he called him that. My father saw him over the years at other family funerals. My Dad's eyesight had started to fail, but he still had me help write a note ,to Gundy, when he had a skating rink named in his honor. It was quite touching to see his picture, so I just had to write this note. I'm sure he knew all my Buckley uncles, who were also good hockey players at Brookline High. I remember that famous game in 1960 and watched it with my Dad. You have my deepest sympathy. You are in my prayers. Sincerely, Judith Buckley Lenihan

October 6, 2016

Eddie...

Many fond memories of "Bro. Charles" and DBT days...much peace and prayers.

Father Dan Kennelly
(Brother Dan)

Brian Rose

September 30, 2016

Sincere condolences to my cousins on the loss of your Dad.Rest peaceful Uncle Jack.

Ken and Maureen Carter

September 29, 2016

Sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Maureen & Bill Innis

September 29, 2016

Susan and the Kirrane family: We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We hold you all in our thoughts and prayers. R.I.P. "Jack"

Dan Esdale

September 29, 2016

To the entire Kirrane Family, Jack was not only a great hockey player, a solid citizen of our countryand community, a great person and one of Massachusetts Hockey's admired sons. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to follow as member of the "Greatest Generation" Dan Esdale, former Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame

Michele Buckley Wagner

September 29, 2016

To all of the Kirrane family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.

Bobby Sullivan

September 29, 2016

Hi Susan, Jack and Kristin...So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a great guy. My prayers are with you. I remember the friendship between our parents while living there in Brookline. They really enjoyed being around each other. Now they are all back together again and are watching down over us.

Janice Meyer

September 29, 2016

Susan, Jackie and Kristen Sorry to hear about you dads passing. He was larger than life and always so kind to all of us kids that grew up on country road.. we had so much fun living on that street and your family was a big part of that. Keepting you all in my prays ...Jan Duggan Meyer

September 29, 2016

We will keep the entire Kirrane Family in our hearts and prayers. We are deeply sorry for your loss. When we pray ask God to forgive him for "THE HITS" and tell Him ; Captain left us with
GREAT MEMORIES!!!
GOB BLESS!!!
Lot's of Love,
The Murphy Family

John & Anne McNamara

September 28, 2016

Kris, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. It has been such a challenging year . Maybe Corby and My Dad are there to greet him. Praying for you and your family.

thomas tompkins

September 28, 2016

sorry for your loss god bless and stay strong jack was a good man would do any thing for you if you asked

thomas tompkins

September 28, 2016

sorry for your loss he was a good man would always lend helping hand god bless

Linda Kirrane Watson

September 28, 2016

To the entire Kirrane family - sad to hear of Jack's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. He has left legacy. My deepest sympathy.

Jack Mccartan

September 28, 2016

There is always someone in life that you wish you could be like.Jack Kirrane was that person for me. A stand-up man who lived by his convictions. I only had a relatively short time to spend with Jack but it was long enough to gain an enormous about of respect for Jack.I'll never forget standing in the crowd at the medal ceremony in Squaw Valley when they presented Jack with the gold medal. The pride was overwhelming. You'll always be in my thoughts & prayers. RIP Jack.

eddie tompkins

September 28, 2016

I am sadden to hear of the passing of JACK what a real friend I have lost.

Billy Galante

September 28, 2016

To my Friend Jack Kirrane and his Family ~ My Thoughts and Prayers to you all during this most difficult time... Very Saddened to hear of Your Dad's Passing...

Chester Stone

September 28, 2016

My life is filled with memories of Jack. I'm going to miss him deeply. What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I feel so lucky that I got to know him. Wishing the Kirrane family peace and comfort as I remember a friend who was so close to me.

Jerry Quinn

September 28, 2016

To the Kirrane family:
Saddened by the news of Jack's passing. He was such an inspiration to all of us who grew up in Brookline and learned to play the great game of hockey. Most importantly, a great family man.
May he rest in peace.

Weedie Tyldesley

September 28, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with the Kirrane family at this sad time. I have many fond memories of Jack during our years at Dexter School in Brookline. Al is up there waiting to greet him.

Frank Hennessy

September 27, 2016

To the Kirrane family,
sorry for you loss, may Jack RIP.

Jim Flynn

September 27, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with the Kirrane family during this very difficult time. May you RIP Jack.

Jeff Moreno

September 27, 2016

To the Kirrane/Fields families,Very saddened to learn of Jack's passing.Many laugh's with Jack over the years but even greater admiration for him and the entire Kirrane/Fields family.His dedicated service to his Country,through his military service and Olympic efforts,his family and the Brookline community is and was exemplary.Thank you, Jack for your many sacrifices and friendship,it was a pleasure working the "Fire" with you.Rest in well deserved peace.Jeff Moreno and family

John Powers

September 27, 2016

The ultimate Olympian, a true American hero and a fine gentleman. It was a privilege to know and write about him.

Paul Mahoney

September 27, 2016

I never met, Jack Kirrane but I remember the deep sense of pride we all had in our country and its Olympic gold medalists. Led by a guy from Massachusetts.A true American hero.

Gary Fay

September 27, 2016

Kirrane Family. I am so saddened by this News. He was such an Inspiration to me and to all of the People he touched. My sincere condolences. RIP #3 !

September 27, 2016

The'Miracle on Ice' no one knew about with the Rileys and the Clearys. RIP.

denis doolan

September 26, 2016

to the entire kirrane family i am so sorry for your loss. may jack rest in peace.

Kathy Harris Lynch

September 26, 2016

Dear Susan, John, Kristin & Kirrane Family, We were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved father, grandfather, brother & uncle. He was a wonderful man who accomplished many great goals during his life time. You are in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. Our heartfelt sympathy, John & Kathy Lynch & family

Connie Duggan

September 27, 2016

Dear Susie, Jackie, and Kristin, I am saddened to hear the news of your dad's passing. So many wonderful memories on Country Rd. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathies to you all.

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

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Memorial Events
for JOHN KIRRANE

Sep

28

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Bell-O'Dea Funeral Home - Brookline

376 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445

Sep

29

Funeral

9:00 a.m.

Bell-O'Dea Funeral Home - Brookline

376 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445

Sep

29

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Lawrence Church

Chestnut Hill, MA 02445

Funeral services provided by:

Bell-O'Dea Funeral Home - Brookline

376 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445

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