John F. "Jack" Curran

John F. "Jack" Curran, 71 of Wakefield, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, surrounded by the love of his family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Winchester on August 21, 1943 he was the son of Ardis (Robinson) Curran and the late John T. Curran. Jack was a graduate of Wakefield High School class of 1961, and later earned a Bachelor's degree from Northeastern University. He served in the United States Air Force in Vietnam from 1967-1968 during the Tet Offensive, and earned the ranking of Staff Sergeant. Jack had a long career as an Account Manager in the grocery business. He worked and retired from C and S Wholesale Grocer, and prior to that, worked for Star Market for over 30 years. Jack was a member of both the Wakefield Elks and the West Side Social Club. Jack was an avid golfer, skier, traveler, and photographer. He was a strong and supportive husband, brother, father, and "Papa," and found his greatest joy in life to be caring for and spending time with those he loved, especially his six adoring granddaughters. Jack lived his life with extreme courage, optimism, and hope, despite the many struggles and loses he faced along the way. His zest for life taught those around him to find joy in the simple pleasures of each day, and to never take a single day for granted. Jack was the devoted husband of the late Jeanette "Sue" (Cleary) Curran. He was the cherished father of Beth Stevenson and her husband Jeff of Tewksbury, Shamus P. Curran of Wakefield, Susan J. Towne and her husband Matthew of Chelmsford. He was predeceased by his beloved son, John T. Curran. Jack was the loving "significant-other" to Helen Ruddy of Wakefield. He was the supportive brother of Patricia O'Brien of ME, Gerald Curran of NH, Edward Curran of GA, Linda Rea of NH, Paul Curran of Wakefield, Kevin Curran of NH, and the late Daniel Curran. Jack's legacy lives on in the hearts of his six adoring granddaughters: Casey, Riley, Shaun, Katelyn, Emily, & Bridget. His funeral will be held from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Monday at 10am followed by a funeral mass in St. Florence Church, 47 Butler Ave., Wakefield at 11am. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the funeral home on Sunday 1-5pm. Interment will be at Forest Glade Cemetery, Wakefield. It was Jack's request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the John T. Curran Scholarship Fund, c/o The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield, Inc. P.O. Box 321, Wakefield, MA 01880.