John Francis McCormack Jr.

John F. McCormack Jr., of Buxton, Maine, passed away on February 10th in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Born in Portland, Maine, John was the son of John and Marion (O'Connell) McCormack. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Judy McCormack, and his daughter, Erika McCormack.

He is survived by his caring partner, Barbara Bickford; his sister, Jane Murphy of Scarborough, ME; his daughters, Leah Szumita and her husband Paul of Foxboro, MA, and Kelly Busque and her partner Ed Tracy of Gray, ME; his five cherished grandchildren, Mack, Kinsley, Maeve, Mitchell, and Sarah, who brought him immense pride and joy; and several nieces. He is also survived by Linda McCormack of South Portland, ME with whom he shared his daughters.

A graduate of Deering High School ('66) and Maine Maritime Academy ('71), John built a distinguished career as a merchant marine, earning the respect of all who worked alongside him. He served as Chief Engineer on many ships for Maritrans, including the tugboat Constitution out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was known for his mechanical expertise, steady leadership, and unwavering confidence. John did things his way- guided by experience, instinct, and a deep belief in self-reliance- and that independence defined both his career and his character.

After retiring from American Maritime Officers as Chief Engineer, he continued working as an independent contractor, traveling across the United States to lead dry dock projects and engine repairs. Retirement, for John, simply meant finding new ways to stay busy. He trusted his hands, his knowledge, and his judgment, and he never hesitated to follow his own path.

John had a lifelong love for anything with a motor. Corvettes, boats, Harley-Davidsons, snowmobiles, cars and trucks- if it had an engine, it had his attention. Some of his greatest joys were cross-country motorcycle and snowmobile trips with friends, hunting, tractor pulls, camping and a cold beer. He embraced freedom in all its forms.

Above all, John will be remembered as a man who charted his own course, both at sea and in life. His skill, determination, and fiercely independent spirit will live on in the family who loved him. He will be deeply missed. A celebration of John's life and a ceremony to scatter his ashes at sea will take place at a later time; details will be shared via Facebook.