John "Jack" Mulkern

John "Jack" Mulkern, 83
1942 - 2025
Nahant - John Matthew Mulkern, Jr., known as "Jack," passed away at 83 years of age on November 28, 2025. The only child of the late Mary (Molly) and John "Pat" Mulkern, Jack grew up in Charlestown and Nahant. He was especially proud of his Boston roots, a "Bunker Hillbilly" to his core, and carried the unmistakable charm, grit, humor and dialect of that neighborhood with him throughout his life.
Jack spent his early years enjoying time with his family and pals around his neighborhood as well as at the ocean, particularly Nahant's beaches. He spent seven years serving honorably in the United States Coast Guard while he went to school and worked as a lobsterman off the coast of Gloucester, among a variety of other jobs.
Although Jack loved the ocean, his greatest professional calling came when he pursued advanced psychology degrees and, subsequently, a three-decade long career as a Lowell Public School system psychologist where he became a highly-regarded expert in his field. His particular expertise in child-drawing interpretation and psychoeducational evaluations was widely respected and frequently sought. After retiring from the public school system, Jack continued helping children along with families and individuals in private practice.
Many of Jack's happiest times centered on simple routines with his family. He spent many summer days taking his daughters to "the rocks" across from their home, and teaching them to swim while passing along his same comfort with and appreciation for the ocean.
His greatest love, though, was his wife, Barbara. They shared more than 55 years together. Although he was not a man of grand declarations, his loyalty and love for her was evident in everything he did.
In addition to his beloved Barbara, Jack leaves behind his daughters, Pamela Welch and Patrice Mulkern, and Patrice's husband, Chris Haney. He also is survived by his cherished grandchildren, Catherine and Jack, who he adored deeply and was so proud to watch grow. He also is survived by his brother-in-law, Joseph "Joe" Maggio (Barbara's brother), along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved him dearly and will hold his memory close.
Jack was a strong man-a fighter to the very end-anchored by his faith, his family, and his own strength and resilience. He lived according to the values he cherished most-humor, honesty, integrity, hard work, and devotion to family. Many who know him will miss his signature greeting, "How ah ya?" followed by a playful, "Happy Birthday! How does it feel to be another day older?" His rich welcoming laugh was especially memorable. He made people feel seen, told the truth plainly, and never missed a chance to make someone smile. Perhaps most memorably, he had the strongest handshake and gave the warmest hugs you ever would experience. He always had your back and will be greatly missed.
Service Information: Services to honor Jack will be held at 11am on December 30, 2025, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Nahant with a burial to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Nahant. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to St. Jude’s Hospital or the Charlestown Boys and Girls Club.