John C. "Jack" Tankis

John C. "Jack" Tankis, 63, of 1 Elm St. died Sun. Dec. 2 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. He is survived by his wife of 43 years Sharon R. (Duclos) Tankis; his children Julie A. and her husband David Bouthillette of Whitinsville, Christopher Tankis and his wife Kelly (Mathieu) of Whitinsville, and Rodney Tankis of Whitinsville and his companion MacLaine Matos; a brother Peter J. Tankis of Uxbridge; a sister Linda Desrosiers of Sutton; and several nephews and nieces and good friends. He was brother of the late Michael Tankis and Daniel P. Tankis. Born in Worcester on Nov. 15, 1944 he was the son of Eva (Misco) Tankis and lived in Whitinsville since 1970. Mr. Tankis was an Aircraft Mechanic, working on C130's, the C5 and 106 Fighter Jets at Hanscom and Westover Air Force Bases, as well as bases in Spain, Turkey and Washington. He later worked for the Dept. of Defense on Missile Guidance systems. He was a Vietnam veteran serving in the U.S. Air Force and served in the reserves for 29 years, retiring as a Senior Master Seargent. He was a graduate of Worcester Boy's Trade and Quinsigamond Community College. An amateur wine connoisseur, Jack enjoyed fishing, woodworking, roses and gardening. He was a member of VFW Post 7554 in Uxbridge, the Worcester Surf Casting Club and St. Patrick's Church. He was a former Boy Scout leader, enjoyed camping and traveling, especially to Cape Cod and Florida. His funeral will be held Thurs. Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick's Church 1 Cross St. Burial is scheduled at 3:00 p.m. the same day at the VA National Cemetery in Bourne. Calling hours at Jackman Funeral Home, 12 Spring St. Whitinsville will be held Thursday, Dec. 6, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Milford Hospital Development Office, 14 Prospect Street, Milford, MA 01757. The family also requests in Jack's memory, blood be donated to the American Red Cross, especially during this holiday time of need. www.jackmanfuneralhome.com