7/14/36 – 4/07/20
After bravely living with the repercussions of multiple
strokes for over fifteen years, Jack Regan, 83, passed away from cardiac arrest
at his home in Randolph, MA on April 7th. He leaves his beloved wife
of over 30 years, Maryam (Mansouri) Regan, who stood by his side providing around-the-clock
love and care. They had a wonderful marriage that included travel, learning
about other cultures, outdoor concerts and, of course, spending as much time as
possible on the beach. Even after his physical limitations worsened, together they
would continue doing one of Jack’s favorite activities – soaking up the sun at
Houghton’s Pond or Nantasket Beach.
Son of the late Murray Regan and the late Marie
(Hannigan) Regan of Blue Hill Terrace in Milton, Jack leaves his older brother
Murray, younger brother Mike and sister-in-law Ellen and youngest brother Paul
and sister-in-law Bev. He also leaves his dear cousin Pat (Dwyer) Dawson who
was like a sister to him. In addition, he leaves three children; daughter
Teresa Regan, son J. Joseph Regan and daughter Jennifer Toomey and her husband
Jim, as well as, four grandchildren – Carley Regan Bowering, Jule Regan, JT
Toomey and Cara Toomey.
Being the free-spirit that he was, Jack could not
conceive of a career in a corporate office. Instead, after graduating from Milton
High School and fulfilling his obligations in the Army Reserve, he proudly worked
as a groundskeeper for the Town of Milton for over 40 years. In his younger
days, Jack was always in motion. He loved to run and was a standout star on the
high school track team. He would go with his brothers to the Boston Athletic
Association’s track meets where some of the greatest runners in the world would
come to compete. Jack also loved to skate and took to the ice like a duck to
water. One of his favorite pastimes growing up was practicing shooting and his
talent landed him as co-captain of his high school hockey team. A die-hard
Bruins fan and avid watcher of college games, Jack’s love of hockey would last
a lifetime.
Whether breathing
in the ocean air at his most favorite place in the world, Green Harbor Beach, or
appreciating wildlife in the woods of the Blue Hills, Jack loved nature. One of his greatest legacies to his children
was a profound wonder and respect for the natural world. Jack
loved all animals whether they had scales, feathers, or fur and all the family
pets were rescues from the Milton Animal League. He also loved movies
and was known to see two or three in an afternoon – often at a great discount.
Jack was infatuated with mystery and loved the topic of outer space and the
possibility of extraterrestrial life. Whenever driving the winding Chicatawbut
Road at night, Jack always encouraged his kids to be on the lookout for Bigfoot.
Often
the life of the party, Jack loved to have fun. He was co-founder of the Labor
Day Pearl Street Block Party which is still going strong today. He deeply enjoyed
music, especially Irish bands like the Kingston Trio and the Clancy Brothers,
and would happily jump up on stage to belt out a rendition of Oh Danny Boy or
Wild Colonial Boy. Whether heading to the Gurnet Inn on a beautiful summer day or
playing a game of baseball with the bases drawn in sand, there was always a
laugh to be had. Jack was a wonderful storyteller, especially those of the
scary persuasion, and would keep his young audiences on the ends of their seats
while they munched penny candy from the general store.
Despite
his own declining health challenges, Jack would always have the same parting
words to end a conversation, “You Have A Happy Day!”
When safe to do so, a
memorial service honoring Jack will be held in Green Harbor. In the meantime, for
those wishing to make a donation in his name please consider Friends of the Blue Hills. This non-for-profit
organization was formed over 35 years ago to preserve and protect the Blue
Hills Reservation in its natural state. The website address is Friendsofthebluehills.org/support
and the mailing address is P.O. Box 416, Milton, MA 02186.