John K. "Jack" Harrigan

John K. "Jack" Harrigan obituary, Wakefield, MA

John K. "Jack" Harrigan

John Harrigan Obituary

Visit the McDonald Funeral Home - Wakefield website to view the full obituary.

John (Jack) Kevin Harrigan age 81, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2024.

Jack was born on March 26, 1943, in Salem, MA to Dr. Francis and Josephine Harrigan. He attended Salem High School, graduated from the Maine Maritime Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and later went on to earn a Master of Public Administration degree from Northeastern University. 

Jack proudly served in the Merchant Marines as a Third Assistant Engineer and was a U.S. Navy commissioned officer where he earned the rank of Lieutenant. After his service, he held positions as an Engineer with Stone and Webster Corporation and Air Control Equipment. Jack then went on to become an entrepreneur and owned several successful businesses. Later in life he took a position with the State of Massachusetts as a Project Manager with the Department of Corrections. 

Jack also served on the Lynnfield Housing Authority and Lynnfield Water District serving as a Commissioner and Treasurer for many years until his death.

Jack was an avid coin collector, member of the American Legion (Post 131) and a member of the Lynnfield Veterans War Memorial Committee.

Jack is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judith (Hines) Harrigan; and “his girls” that he was so proud of, Kelly Welch (Chris) of North Andover, MA, Kimberly Coakley (Andrew) of Bordentown, NJ and Jennifer Buxkemper (Jarrett) of Silverthorne, CO; his grandchildren, Abigail and Samuel Welch; and his brother, Peter Harrigan (Carol) of Salem, MA and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Francis and Josephine Harrigan, and his sister, Maureen Raymond.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday July 10, 2024 with visitation from 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Avenue, Wakefield, MA 01880, followed by a Funeral Mass beginning at 10:30 AM at Saint Maria Goretti Church, 112 Chestnut Street, Lynnfield, MA 01940. Interment, Forest Hills Cemetery, Forest Hills Avenue, Lynnfield, MA 01940. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lynnfield Veterans War Memorial:https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx .The memorial is a monument to honor the memory of Lynnfield’s men and women who demonstrated a willingness to serve and fight to defend our way of life from all wars to the present, and the future.


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

McDonald Funeral Home - Wakefield

19 Yale Avenue, Wakefield, MA 01880

Make a Donation
in John Harrigan's name

How to support John's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor John Harrigan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more