Published in the July 6, 2018 edition
MELROSE — John B. “Jack” Fandel, 88, of Melrose, passed away on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at Carleton-Willard Village in Bedford with his family by his side.
Jack was born in Everett on August 20, 1929, one of eight children of the late William J. and Marion (Burns) Fandel. Jack was a US Navy veteran, serving two terms of service on the USS Macon during the Korean War. Upon completion of his service, Jack attended Northeastern University.
He was a Master Plumber (3rd generation) and a proud member of Plumbers Local 12 for 68 years. Jack served as Administrator of the Apprenticeship Program and Training Center from 1972-1994 where he transformed the program into a world-class training facility for journeyman plumbers.
Jack is the beloved husband of the late Mary Dorothy (Hanley) Fandel with whom he shared nearly 60 years of marriage. Devoted father of John W. Fandel and his wife Maggi of Charlotte, N.C., Ann M. Fandel of Wakefield, Michael T. Fandel of Mansfield, Mary P. Fandel of Woburn, and Edward J. Fandel and his wife Lisa of Tampa, Fla. Dear brother of Edwina Dowd of Taunton, Joseph Fandel of Bloomfield, Conn., the late William Fandel of Needham, Louise Weeder of Topsfield, Ann Brennan of Saugus, Henry Fandel of Lynnfield, and Arthur Fandel of New Smyrna, Fla. Cherished grandfather of six loving grandchildren. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Jack’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main Street, Melrose, on Sunday, July 1, and again on Monday before leaving in procession to St. Mary’s Church, Herbert Street, Melrose, for his funeral Mass. Interment with military honors by the U.S. Navy was in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology c/o Dr. Bradley Hyman, 55 Fruit Street, Wang 715, Boston, MA 02114.
For an online tribute, or directions, please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
