John "Jack" F. Malone, Jr.

PAXTON -- John "Jack" F. Malone, Jr., 74, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife and lifetime friends by his side on November 13, 2024, after a 25-year battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born and raised in Worcester, Jack was the son of John F. and Doris A. (McNeil) Malone and for the last 37 years, made his home in Paxton.

Jack was the beloved husband of Deirdre "Dee" (Greene) Malone and a devoted father. He cherished his daughters, Sherrie Sharron (husband Andrew) of Charlton and Vicky Cooper of Worcester, as well as his additional children: Jeffery Simons (wife Raluca) of Beresford, SD; Erica (Simons) Smith (husband Matthew) of Paxton; Patrick, Kerrie, and Daniel Flynn (wife Theresa) of Paxton; and Elly Cools (husband Bart Vergauwen) of Belgium.

He was a proud grandfather to Zachary (wife Emily), Amy, Annabelle, Samuel, Jillian, Meghan (husband Justice), Emily, Jordan, Ibe, and Febe. He is also survived by his sister, Marianne Malone, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jack was known by many as "Jack-of- All- Trades" as he could fix anything and was always ready to lend a helping hand to others, particularly his friends on Lincoln Circle. In Jack's younger years, he flew racing pigeons with the Worcester County Racing Pigeon Club. He coached his girls' youth soccer teams in Oxford and Paxton. Jack was a devoted public servant for the town of Paxton for many years. He was a Town Selectman for 17 years and served on the Water Board from May 2000 until his death and was recognized nationally in 2021 for his service.

He worked as a production manager at Norton Company Refractory 1, Carborundum, Opus, and Superior Kitchens. Additionally, he volunteered on the ski patrol at Temple Mountain, NH. He loved traveling, especially to Martha's Vineyard and Warren, VT, and keeping busy by going to yard sales and on adventures with his family. Jack enjoyed woodworking and had a large tool collection that he was always happy to lend to family and friends. As a decades-long member of regional Parkinson's groups, Jack modeled for others how to gracefully and valiantly fight this disease. His last gift was to donate his remains to UMass Chan Medical School for Parkinson's research. Jack will be remembered for his love of life, his tenacity, his big laugh, and his generous heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A special thank you to the professionals who cared for Jack including Dr. Anindita Deb and Dr. Daniel Massarelli of UMass, the Compassion Caregivers, and the VNA Hospice. Additionally, a thank you to his beloved friends who visited him weekly including Sue and Joe Laramee and Michael Smith.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jack's family from 1 to 4 pm on Saturday, November 23, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden followed by a service of remembrance at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Parkinson's Foundation (Support the Parkinson's Foundation), or the Paxton Water, Police, or EMS Departments which can be sent to the Paxton Town Hall, 697 Pleasant St., Paxton, MA 01612.

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