Obituary published on Legacy.com by Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Concord on Jul. 1, 2025.
John E. "Jack" McBreen Jr., 89, formerly of Acton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley in Littleton. He was the devoted husband of the late Arlene (Murphy) McBreen, with whom he shared 58 loving years of marriage until her passing in 2019.
Born in
Concord, Massachusetts, on September 14, 1935, Jack was the son of the late John and Alice (Griffin) McBreen.
Jack was a proud graduate of Concord-Carlisle Public Schools and soon after began a lifelong career with the Town of Concord's Public Works Department. Over his 41 years of dedicated service, he rose to the position of foreman before retiring in 1995. Retirement, however, didn't slow him down-Jack stayed active running a lawn care business and delivering flowers for the Concord Flower Shop.
A man of many passions, Jack was a longtime member of the Rod and Gun Club and had a deep love for boxing. He was especially proud to have been a Golden Gloves winner in Lowell during his younger years. He also enjoyed deep sea fishing and cherished summers spent in Maine alongside his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family, including his beloved nephews Shawn and Thomas and niece Sharon, with whom he made countless memories.
Of all his roles in life, none brought him more joy than being "Grandpa Jack." He was a proud and ever-present figure in his grandchildren's lives-attending hockey, soccer, baseball, and softball games, as well as all their sacraments and milestones. His pride in his family was unmatched.
Jack lived a life defined by strength, discipline, and determination. Whether at work, with family, or among friends, he met life head-on with a smile and steadfast spirit. He also had a unique musical talent-playing the harmonica with charm and skill. From Irish tunes to classic country, he could light up any room. No birthday went by without him leading the crowd in a rousing "Happy Birthday."
Jack leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and joyful moments that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Jack was the beloved father of Erin Connolly and her husband Kevin of North Attleboro, John E. McBreen III of Bolton, and Quin Pittorino and her husband Phil of Littleton. He was the proud grandfather of John, Charles, Kyra and Joseph Connolly, Shea, John and Thomas McBreen, and Ava, Remy, Ryan and Luke Pittorino. He is also survived by his brothers Robert McBreen of Concord and Frederick McBreen of California. He was predeceased by his siblings Molly McCoy, Julia Mason, Alice Welch and Thomas McBreen.
Family and friends will gather for visiting hours on Monday, July 7th from 4 to 7 pm at the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center. Jack's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 8th at 10:00 am in Blessed Trinity Parish – St. Anne Church, 75 King Street, Littleton. Burial will immediately follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Acton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack's honor may be made to the Resident Activity Fund at Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley, 191 Foster Street, Littleton, MA 01460.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.