Published in the September 8, 2017 edition
TUCSON, AZ — John (Jack) Joseph Lynch, 82, of Tucson, Arizona, previously of Melrose and Newington Connecticut, died peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017 surrounded by close family and friends.
He leaves his cherished and loving wife Rose (Bernie) Bernadine Lynch, and his six children behind. He was predeceased by his beloved sister, Barbara Lynch, of Melrose. He also leaves behind a large and close extended family, mostly of New England. He grew up in Melrose, graduating from Melrose High School and Tufts University.
Jack was a terrific businessman, and at the height of his success in 1976, he chose to retire for the purpose of rededicating his life to his family and to serving others. Immediately upon retirement, on a family vote, he sold the home and moved his family of eight into a motorhome to travel the country. During the 1.5-year epic adventure, the Lynch Family traveled to 49 states, experienced hundreds of National and state parks and monuments. Jack’s greatest gift to his children during this time was a prodigious and permanent enrichment of their lives in too many ways to be listed.
Jack made a great number of friends wherever he went, and all of those who were fortunate enough to know Jack know him realize that he was a one-in-a-million: Kind, gentle, brilliant, honest, loyal, and loving. He was the most humble and self-sacrificing person that anyone of us will likely ever meet again.
In lieu of flowers, please spend quality time with your loved ones in Jack’s honor.
A Funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 16 at St. Mary’s of the Annunciation Church in Melrose. Burial will immediately follow in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. For directions and to sign an online condolence, visit www.gatelyfh.com.
