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John Foley Obituary

John E. Foley, 81

BARRE - John E. "Jack The Shot" Foley, 81, passed away peacefully on Sunday November 29, 2020 from complications of Parkinson's Disease with his devoted wife by his side. Always the optimist, Jack believed that he had lived a fairy tale, a life full of unbelievable adventures.

Jack excelled in basketball first at Assumption Prep in Worcester where he earned his nickname by sinking an unlikely shot that clipped the side of the backboard. In his final year of high school he was averaging 41.8 points per game and was a first team All-American. Jack was heavily recruited by dozens of respected colleges and universities, but he chose to remain in Worcester and attend his father and brother, Frank's, alma mater, Holy Cross. Among the records he set at Holy Cross are: total career points, (2,185 in three years, the first Crusader to top the 2,000 point mark) two highest scoring games (56 and 55 points; no other Crusader has topped 50 points in the almost 60 years since), and highest point per game average. (33.3) He earned numerous accolades and All-America honors in each of his three years playing. (Freshmen were not permitted to play at the time.) Drafted by the Celtics in 1962, he joined the team after completing his reserve service for the U.S. Coast Guard. He was traded to the Knicks later in the season.

Jack then began his legendary career in education, teaching history for 37 years at Burncoat Junior and then South High. While teaching, Jack coached high school boys' basketball at Boys Trade, Quabbin Regional and South High. He coached the girls' team at South that included Nancy (Mayer) Bates as an All-American and Jack would remark how rare it was to have one high school All-American coach another. Jack led this undefeated girls' team to the Central Mass. Semifinals and the following year to the state semifinals.

Jack took on a third job as a part-time police officer in Barre with his buddy who would later become chief, Jim Thompson. Jack decided that if he took a night job, police work would be safer than working at a gas station or liquor store since he'd be on the right end of the gun. For many years Jack would finish his teaching day, have tea and pie with Andy and Doris Power while waiting to start his boys' basketball practice, would finally return home in the evening for a quick bite and nap, then work the midnight shift in the "cruiser car." If all was quiet, Jack would drive to swampy areas to use the cruiser's spotlight in search of frogs, deer or other wildlife. Like so many things he did, Jack saw his police work as another adventure that came with great accessories. He retired from the force in 2009 after serving the community where he was known for answering, "How are you?" with, "Always Good!."

Jack loved snakes, nature and photography. He enjoyed hiking to snake dens with his children and friends in the spring and fall and was frustrated when his health would no longer allow him to do this safely. Dreaming of one day opening his own gallery, he photographed beautiful local landscapes and wildlife. He would later discover the grandeur of Alaska and numerous national parks when he and his wife took their summer-long, annual cross country trips. Photos of chipmunks and dripping icicles were replaced with splashing grizzly bears and turquoise glacial ice caves.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Gail Raney; his brother and sister-in-law Frank and Rosemary of Worcester; and the children of his first marriage, Roy & wife Jen of Virginia, Herb, wife Lynne and grandchildren Scott and Brandon of Ware, Ralph of Worcester and granddaughter Serah and great-granddaughter of NJ; daughter Jennifer and grandson Arnvid of Tenn., grandson James Hill of Idaho; son Luis, partner Nicole and granddaughter Mackenzie of PA; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Francis J. Foley. Sr. and Nora A. (Fleming) Foley, sister Maureen and granddaughter Ashley.

A memorial service will be held in the spring and a "Jack Foley Storytelling Celebration" will be scheduled for early summer. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jack's memory to the Parkinson's Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org) or The Bronx Zoo (Help Save Animals | Ways to Give) honoring Jack's deep respect for Dr. Raymond L. Ditmars, herpetologist and curator of the reptile collection at the Bronx Zoo. Arrangements are under the care of Pillsbury Funeral Home, 96 S. Barre Rd., Barre.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
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Amazing teacher who really invested in their education. One of the best teachers I ever had!

Chenard Peter

March 6, 2022

Rest in peace, Mr. Foley. Will never forget you.

Nathan Fitzgerald

Student

December 11, 2020

There are so many things I can share about Mr.Foley. I was one of his students from 1996-2000. He always loved and cared for all of his students. Shared his wisdom and love for photography, especially taking pictures of the bears in Alaska eating the salmon. He would always tell us there are two important things in life, and they are who you marry and what you do for work. The funniest thing I remember is come every Friday he would always say, remember no alcoholic beverages or controlled substances over the weekend. He shared his wisdom and stories about what would happen over the weekend in Barre. You will be dearly missed, and your advice will always live on through everyone you touched. Rest easy my friend my condolences go out to your family and friends.

Frank Plaud

Student

December 9, 2020

So very sorry to hear of Mr Foley's passing. He was a great man and a great friend of my Dad, Charlie Favreault. Surely, he will be missed. Prayers for your family's strength and comfort during this most difficult time.

Amy (Favreault) Benoit

Student

December 7, 2020

Frank, Rose and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Dad would tell us SO many funny stories about Frank and Jack...We loved to hear them and would laugh! The snake story involving Dickie Coombs (I think it was him!) getting constricted by Jack’s Boa Constrictor made us both belly laugh and be terrified for him!! I bet Jack is up in the Heavens challenging Franny and Freddie L’Esperance to a free throw challenge!! We KNOW who’ll win THAT! Rest easy, Jack...say hi to my Dad and Uncle...I miss them so much!! Godspeed

Lori L’Esperance Degnan

Friend

December 7, 2020

Gail so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories. Stay strong.

Cheryl L Ortiz

Coworker

December 7, 2020

Gail and family,
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Jack.As a life long friend and principal of Jack's at South High, I have good memories of him being a caring and giving teacher and colleague. Hopefully your memories will help see you through the days ahead and give you comfort. May he be at peace and know that his memory lives on in so many people lives he touched. Peter and Cynthia Vuona

peter and cynthia vuona

Friend

December 6, 2020

Gail, Frank, Rosemary, and Jack’s children, please accept my condolences upon the passing of a unique and wondrous gentleman. Jack Foley was sui generis. If you asked a million people to identify Dr. Raymond L. Ditmars, I would guess that not one would be able to. But, I’ll also suggest that Jack knew all about Dr. Ditmars by the time he turned 15. His breadth of knowledge was remarkable, and his ability to entertain his friends with that knowledge was beyond compare. I was one of thousands with whom he shared that knowledge in many stories that revealed Jack’s Irish wit. Being a remarkable basketball player was a small part of who Jack was. He was a lifelong educator of all whom he met, and a man whose humor lifted the spirits of many along the way. The shared remarks of his former students tell us so much about Jack.

By the way, who else do you know who would drive up to the basketball courts at Holland Rink one summer afternoon, take a box from his car, turn it over at half court, and reveal a Gila monster? Only Jack. I was one of many who jumped up on the park benches at court side that day, but we all learned a good bit about reptiles.

All of Jack’s friends will miss him greatly, but we will all know that our lives are far richer for what he brought to us.

Hugh O’Malley

Friend

December 5, 2020

Mr. Foley was one of the greatest teachers that ever walked the face of the earth. He was one of many teachers at South that encouraged me to come back to school and graduate, after a first senior year where I failed to graduate and planned to quit.
My condolences to the family. He will sincerely be missed.

Virginia C Vosburg-Geoffrion

Student

December 5, 2020

My sincere condolences to his family and friends. My foley was an amazing teacher. He was always so kind and had so much patience. You were one of a kind RIP me foley

Linda white Beremian

Student

December 5, 2020

Deepest condolences. More times then not I listened to him then my teacher in my class. He had a way of telling HISTORY in a way of coming alive and making you want to learn more.

Debbie

Student

December 4, 2020

It’s been many years since I last saw Mr. Foley, but I will forever be grateful for the time he spent teaching us the finer points of shooting the basketball. I spent many hours repeating what he shared with us back then, and preach the gospel of “Jack the Shot” Foley to my boys. Condolences to the family and bless Mr. Foley, a true original!

Miguel Llopiz

Student

December 4, 2020

Had Mr Foley for senior history in 1982. Loved the way he made history come alive. He was loud, hyper boisterous, & because of this, I can remember sitting in his class clear as it was yesterday. Best teacher ever. Such a great person who really cared about his students. Rest in Paradise Mr. Foley

Robin Fisher

December 3, 2020

My prayers for you Gail in this difficult time. While working with Jack at South High I couldn’t wait to have lunch with him. Jack had me laughing the whole time. His enjoyed shocking everyone with his hilarious
comments. Jack told it like it was. The kids loved him he was the real deal. Thanks for the many years of friendship Jack. God bless. ✝

James O'Donoghue

Friend

December 2, 2020

I remember him from holy cross my mom worked there and when he played pros he was a great man he is one I will never forget Rest In Peace and may God keep you safe

John collette

December 2, 2020

For over thirty five years I have talked to people about what a wonderful experience it was for me to have been privileged with the opportunity to play on Jack “the shots” girls basketball team back in 78 through 82. Not only was Mr. Foley a great basketball player, but a great storyteller and a mentor for all of his students and players. I can still remember him shooting a basketball from the corner of the court, and off his wrong foot with a hook shot hitting a three pointer, looking at us girls and smiling from ear to ear. Many of the lessons I learned in high school from him I still use in my classroom today. Thank you Mr. Foley. May you Rest In Peace and God Bless your family.

Anne Reed

Student

December 2, 2020

Best teacher I ever had, cool man. So sorry.

Mike Wlliams

December 2, 2020

My deepest condolences. It was my honor to be a student of Mr. Foley at South High. Not only was he a great teacher but also had such personality. His stories are still in my mind after 38 years. May god bless his soul and provide your family with the strength to get through this difficult time.

Mark Donabedian

Student

December 2, 2020

I was at Burncoat JR high school in 1965 and 1966.Mr John Laws was the Principal. Mr. Foley was a Substitute Teacher. He was a very Interesting man.
His Storytelling and Humor always made the period go by very fast.
Years later on motorcycle rides through Barre I would stop to Talk to Officer Foley. He was always a pleasure to be Around.
Please rest in peace, and Thank you for a Job very WELL DONE.
Dwight Cornwell
Worcester

Dwight Cornwell

Friend

December 2, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
He was a great teacher, I will never forget him

June Courville

Student

December 2, 2020

Never forget this man and what a great teacher he was. RIP.
Sending thoughts and prayers to family and friends

June Courville

Student

December 2, 2020

It was a privilege to know him. My family and I grew up in the same neighborhood.

John carroll

Friend

December 2, 2020

Jack and I worked those midnight shifts and many a detail together at the Barre PD. His wife Gail would bake us great chocolate chip cookies. Jack was just a super person that touched so many people. I can honestly say wherever I moved to or worked at it seemed someone was touched by this man. It's amazing to speak to someone that had a totally different experience with Jack than the last person. I believe we been blessed by his time here and I know we are all grateful to have known him! Rest in Peace now Jack the Shot!

Joe Friend

Coworker

December 2, 2020

My deepest condolences to you Gail, and family. I knew about the "shot" for a long time and it was really nice to meet him personally. He was a great guy always positive despite his medical issues. I'm going to miss the Friday dinners and lunches at Quail with you, Jack and Jimbo. God Bless

Larry Schuyler

Friend

December 2, 2020

I was a social studies teacher at Burncoat Junior High with Jack. He was so colorful. He always had some outlandish story that he told with laughter and such gusto. It was followed with belly-rolling laughter. He was always laughing. I will always remember him that way. Laughing---always.I am so sorry for your loss.

natalie pastore

Coworker

December 2, 2020

He was a wonderful co-worker at South High, very much respected and appreciated by both students and staff...my condolences to all

Stephen DeVincent

Coworker

December 2, 2020

Outstanding person. Condolences.

Ted Sullivan

December 2, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers go out to jacks family, r.I.p.jack the shot Foley
Fran and Rita DeMarco

Fran and Rita DeMarco

December 2, 2020

My deepest sympathies to the family. I was lucky enough to have Jack as a teacher at South High. He brought so much enthusiasm to the class room and will always be fondly remembered. I also remember meeting him on a police detail one day in Paxton, he was certainly someone you could not forget! He had such a great personality. Wishing you comfort in great memories.

Cathy (Budney) Friedman

Student

December 2, 2020

Condolences to the Foley family on This legendary mans passing. Every kid of that era that touched a basketball wanted to be “Jack the shot Foley” May God bless “The Shot.” SWISH!

A Fan

December 2, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Maureen Carlos

Coworker

December 1, 2020

My condolences to the Foley’s. He was a great teacher and person. Rest In Peace.

Mike Bennett

Student

December 1, 2020

Mr. Foley, you were the best coach an aspiring basketball player could have. You taught me the game inside an out, but more importantly, the life lessons that came with it...rest in peace, Love, Nancy Mayer Bates

Nancy Bates

December 1, 2020

My sincere condolences to the Foley family. Jack was my boyhood idol. I saw every HC home game, at the Worcester Auditorium, that Jack played in. Years later I was honored to call him my friend. RIP Jack

Paul Waters

Friend

December 1, 2020

Thanks Coach for some of the best memories of my life,, Go rest now my friend, I’ll never forget you,

Mark Epstein

Friend

December 1, 2020

I'm sending my deepest condolences to Mr Foley's family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I remember having him my Senior Year 1999-2000 as one of my awesome teachers. He was a wonderful teacher and I absolutely loved hearing his stories and his adventures he would have on a daily basis. He was one of my favorite teachers and he inspired me to study Criminal Justice. I owe him a lot because without him I wouldn't have gone to college and got my Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. I'm so grateful I got to have a wonderful teacher and a wonderful role model. He will be gratefully missed.

Nichole De Jesus (Lajoie)

December 1, 2020

Starting Junior High with Mr. Foley as my homeroom teacher - and geography teacher - was the best thing that could have happened that year. His stories and teaching were awesome. And, of course, the snakes. A wonderful way to feel welcome into a new school. And a man I have never forgotten. I'm sure he influenced many lives as he traveled through his adventures. My sincere condolences on your loss.

Cindy Stowe Wilder

December 1, 2020

Our deepest condolences to the Foley family. My dad had the distinct privilege of coaching “ the very best basketball player” to come out of Worcester. While he excelled at a sport, he was an even better person.

The Bibaud Family

Friend

December 1, 2020

There are many things I’d like to say about Coach Foley. 1st. He was a great guy. He Coached me at Boy’s Trade then a year at Worc. Ind. Tech. Inst. 2nd. I was his JV & Asst. Varsity Coach at Quabbin Reg. H.S. Out here in Barre. 3rd. I’d never seen and played with anyone who couple shoot consistent Basketballs from Behind the key better than Jack the shot! Had the 3 point shot been in effect when Jack was in his hay day, nobody and I mean nobody could touch his scoring titles. Jack was just a good guy who enjoyed life loved nature and the outdoors. Gail your some kinda special person being by Jacks side. Thank you for looking out for a man I have admired since I was a kid. There’s lots of funny storys about Jack. He was quite the character. I got some good ones. Like the time he scared the heck outta Donny Spring by having a alligator in his bath tub when us city kids drove out to the Boonies of Barre for an after season meal Coach cooked for the team. I still laugh about Donny’s face when he came running from the Bath room screaming there’s a monster in the bath tub. Coach turned purple from laughter. That was 1974. Lastly. When being Coached by Jack back at Trade. He would tell us that we may not be the best inter high basketball team but one thing nobody will ever do is out run us. He was adamant about being in shape and ran killer wind sprints on every paint mark on the hard wood at Boy’s Trade. Which that gym sadly was torn down when the new school was built. We used that same gym when Coach Foley took over after Coach Fran Incitto left WITI to coach Holy Name Jack stepped up to Coach WITI. You know some people you just think will live forever. Coach Foley was just such a person. I will miss his Always Good when you’d bump into him and say hello. RIP John E. Foley aka Jack The Shot #-32 Holy Cross Crusader Legend ✝

Dennis G. Fleming

Friend

December 1, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. My condolences!!

Edward J Weldon

Student

December 1, 2020

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