DR. JOHN BRIAN "JACK" SLATTERY Dr. John Brian "Jack" Slattery (May 22, 1940 - June 21, 2020) has concluded an eight decade adventure spanning nearly 65 countries around the globe. Notable wit, fearless explorer, fierce competitor on the tennis court but magnanimous everywhere else, his easy bonhomie drew people to him and built lifelong friendships. Born in Boston and adopted as an infant into a working class family in Ashland, Massachusetts, Jack grew up the son of a railroad iron worker and homemaker with three older sisters who remained his drinking and travel companions for decades. His prowess on Ashland High School's gridiron earned him a football scholarship to Brandeis University, which proved especially fortuitous as the scholarship continued even after the football program folded during his first year. Inspired by psychology and anthropology classes taught by Abraham Maslow and Kathleen Gough - and the novel experience of being Catholic at the primarily Jewish university - Jack developed a keen interest in human behavior and different cultures. That drive would ultimately take him around the world, including nearly twenty years living in India, Africa and the South Pacific. In 1962, Jack married his high school sweetheart, Alice Marie Franchi, at a time when Irish-Italian unions were still a shunnable offense in certain areas of Boston; their partnership would last for more than 45 years. Accepted into the recently formed Peace Corps at just 21 and 19, the newlyweds joined the first group of volunteers sent to India. Months of intensive preparation and outward-bound style training in Puerto Rico paved the way for three years promoting public health, nutrition and agricultural reforms throughout rural southern India and the city of Bangalore. By the end of their tour in India, they had celebrated the birth of their first daughter and Jack had been promoted to permanent Peace Corps staff. Their return from India - a three month automotive Odyssey throughout the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Europe, one infant daughter in tow and another on the way - ultimately led them to Hawaii, where Jack had been accepted in a graduate program in Anthropology. After completing his coursework, the family returned to India for two more years as Peace Corps staff while he simultaneously conducted research for his dissertation on agricultural decision-making in India. A subsequent three year assignment as a Peace Corps program and training officer in Western Samoa paved the way for Jack's entry into the professional ranks of the US Agency on International Development (USAID). Over the course of a 25 year career with USAID, he worked on the Africa, Eastern Europe and Middle East desks with multiyear postings in Kenya and Niger. After retiring from USAID in 1994, he continued promoting international development through numerous consulting and volunteer projects. In 2004, Jack and Alice moved to Wilmington, NC, to enjoy an active lifestyle, quickly developing a large community of friends who shared their passion for tennis, yoga and afternoon gin-and-tonics. Jack received a second lease on life after Alice's sudden death in 2008 when he met Cynthia Rogers, a longtime educator in Wilmington. Jack and Cynthia married in 2010, and spent wonderful years together. In addition to their frequent travels, Jack volunteered his time to numerous projects: coordinating relief for Hurricane Katrina victims; serving as a professional mentor through UNCW's Cameron School of Business Executive Network; president of the Friends of India Peace Corps alumni group; and board member for several non-profits. Jack leaves behind a wife, Cynthia Rogers; two daughters, Elisa Slattery and Erin Supernor; and four grandchildren, Elisabeth Miller, David Supernor, Michael Supernor, and Zoe Salemson. His memory will be cherished by many, many more. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jack's name to a non-profit hospice care organization - a cause close to Jack's heart - such as Lower Cape Fear LifeCare: https://lifecare.org/ Online condolences at www.andrewsmortuary.com

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Published by Wilmington Star-News on Jun. 28, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Slattery

Sponsored by Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington.

11 Entries

Patricia and Carl Dutto

September 2, 2020

We first met Jack and Alice and their girls, Elisa and Erin when Jack joined USAID and we were all living in Virginia. Our paths have crossed many times, and in many places over the years that followed. Jack has left a hole in all of our lives. May he Rest In Peace! Our sincere condolences to his family, may you cherish his memories, and hold fast to his dreams and his contributions to creating a better more loving world!

Naida Harrington

August 7, 2020

Elisa and Erin, we just found out about your dad’s passing and are so sorry to hear about it. We have such fond memories of your entire family when we all lived in Kenya many years ago. Both your parents were such wonderful people who were willing to reach out a friendly hand to Donnie and me as a young, unsophisticated couple who ventured to travel to Nairobi to work with Peace Coros/Kenya with two little girls and a six week old infant in tow. We will always remember them fondly.
With our deepest condolences,
Naida and Donnie Harrington

Steven Watkins

July 18, 2020

The world will be a poorer place without Jack Slattery. When I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in South India in 1967-69 Jack was already a legend as the Peace Corps staff guru in Bangalore who seems to me wise beyond his years and one who personified the successful volunteer and then supervisor/director of volunteers. Once, when I was in Bangalore on some business, Jack saw me in the Peace Corps office and invited me to his house for an evening meal and staff get-together. I remember well how his home was situated on a quite leafy lane in the then still manageable Garden City of India . It was an evening I have never forgotten. There was a handful of Peace Corps Volunteers and staff at Jacks and Alices home that evening and Jack and his wife were the consummate hosts. I cant remember exactly what was said that evening but I recall being enamored with pretty much everything Jack talked about. He was so personable, candid, honest, and supportive about everything Peace Corps. I do not think I had met Jack's wife, Alice, before that evening, but part of the evening entertainment was Alice wonderfully performing a classic Indian dance routine with full musical accompaniment. The evening was all so magical, the Peace Corps camaraderie, the ambiance of the Slatterys simple but elegant home, Jacks humble but compelling presence, all topped off by the beautiful Alice doing a beautiful Indian dance. By the time the evening was over I was simply smitten by the Slattery experience.

Tondalaya Gillespie

July 17, 2020

I did not know Jack that well, but his influence was pervasive throughout Peace Corps India. He made a lasting impact on the country and on many volunteers. I met him and Alice via my husband Ron a PCV in India Vll. The last time we saw them they were off to Kenya.

Bob Kott

July 17, 2020

Jack and his late wife Alice was our boss as peace Corps Volunteers in Southern India from 1966-69. He was a remarkable leader with a human touch. His knowledge of India and her peoples was laudatory and his mentorship of his chargers not to be forgotten. Farewell boss....we all will miss you. Bob

George Nepert

July 17, 2020

Jack became known to me as a Peace Corps staff member in 1966 in the state of Karnataka, southern India. He helped develop a project for Peace Corps Volunteers to assist in a poultry hatchery and breeding program with the governments of Kerala and Karnataka States Government farms. Hens received by farmers from this effort had increased egg production, making poultry raising a profitable business. Also, did intensive village level food production Introducing high yielding variety of crops, which increased their income. Jack had many friends and colleagues with similar interests here in the US abroad. Jack loved every minute of his work as a Peace Corps Volunteer, PC staff and with USAID. for many years Jack was president of the nonprofit India charities, Friends of India consisting largely of Peace Corps Volunteers who had served in India 1962-75.
Sadly missed. He helped humanity to better understand Other people of the world as well as one another in our own country.

George Nepert
Friends of India treasurer

jack anderson

June 30, 2020

Jack I will miss you at the tennis courts.

Madeline Franchi

June 28, 2020

Dearest Family, Reading about Jack's life and accomplishments brought back many memories. He and Alice (Franchi) had such a long and loving relationship and traveled the globe for work and pleasure. However, for a little while, they lived in an apartment in Framingham near Mom and Dad Franchi (I think it was when Jack was working on completing his doctorate.) and my family had the chance to spend more time with them and Erin and Elisa. Plus between postings and when they came to visit, they most often stayed with me at my various houses over the years. They introduced me to the wonderful southern coast of Maine. Those times together brought us closer as adults. I will continue to relish those days.

Your wonderful memories of your Dad/Granddad/Great Granddad/Friend will stay with you and sustain you in the years to come. Our deepest condolences and sympathy on your loss. Much love, Maddy and Brian

George Wesoloski

June 28, 2020

Jack was an outstanding individual and a great example of service in the US Peace Corps. His service in India led to a remarkable international career. Jack will be missed.

Helen Harrill

June 26, 2020

Jack will be missed. His love of life and passion for helping others was a huge part of his life to the end. I'm glad to have been Jack's friend. I'm sending love, prayers and condolences to Cynthia and Jack's family.

jean Franchi Connolly

June 26, 2020

Sending our sincere condolences to all the family. May all the wonderful happy memories of him bring you comfort through the years.

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