John "Jack" Stetson Tripp, a lifelong resident of Taunton and son of the late Frederick and Edna (Hogan) Tripp, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at the age of 89.
Jack was an educator and coach at Canton High School from 1958 to 1971, before returning to his Alma Mater as an administrator at Taunton High School until retirement in 1999.
Jack was a lifetime "jock", as competition in athletics played a major role in his life at every stage. He was a 3 sport athlete at both Taunton High School and Bridgewater State Teachers College and was inducted into the BSU Hall of Fame in 1989 for his accomplishments and leadership in the sports of soccer, basketball (Capt. '58) and baseball. Jack will also be inducted into the THS Hall of Fame in January of 2026 as the coach that put the highly regarded softball program on its current path. The softball field at THS bears his name as he organized volunteer labor and donations to build it from scratch. Jack was also a member of the IAABO and officiated high school basketball for over 30 years.
Jack also enjoyed success in softball during his manager/player days in men's fastpitch softball leagues in the Taunton area, culminating in 1973 when he managed Taunton's Kardamis Club to win the New England Regional Tournament and participate in the Amateur Softball Association's Men's Major Fast Pitch National Tournament in Seattle WA, finishing tied for 9th in the Nation.
Jack was pre-deceased by Lynda, his wife of 36 years and also a Taunton High School educator, in July of 2025. After their retirements from THS, Jack and Lynda traveled the world, embracing new cultures and experiences with joy and curiosity while visiting over 35 countries. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Patricia (Casey) Tripp, with whom he shared 27 years of marriage and 13 grandchildren.
Jack is survived by his sons John and his wife Vivianne of Holden, MA, Barry and his wife Jennifer of Arlington, MA, Chris and his wife Kelley of West Roxbury, MA, and Daniel and his wife Lynn of Raynham, MA.
Jack is also survived by his siblings Frederick Tripp Jr. and his wife Cynthia of Taunton; Margrett "Peggy" Urban and her husband Stanley of Wallingford, CT; William Tripp and his wife Kathryn of Falmouth, MA and Naples, FL; as well as his sister-in-law JoAnn Tripp as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Gerald and sister Mary Elizabeth.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Crapo-Hathaway Funeral Home, 350 Somerset Avenue, Taunton. A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from 10am to 11am immediately followed by a service in the funeral home. He will be laid to rest privately in Mayflower Hill Cemetery, Taunton.
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