August 2, 1939 – September 12, 2026
CONWAY, John J. “Jack” of West Barnstable, Massachusetts, died on September 12, 2026.
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Jack grew up in Cambridge and North Reading and graduated from Reading High School. Upon completing high school, Jack entered the University of Massachusetts Amherst on a football scholarship, where he played quarterback and safety, helping lead the team to a 1960 Yankee Conference Championship. It was at his beloved UMass that Jack met and married the love of his life, Ann, and formed many lifelong friendships.
As young newlyweds, Ann and Jack moved to Fitchburg, where Jack taught in the Fitchburg Public School system and coached hockey, golf, and football, before becoming Athletic Director. With a growing family, Jack and Ann’s early years in Fitchburg were aided by a network of close friends and mentors, for whom they were forever grateful. During that time, he was also a well-known college basketball and soccer referee.
Upon retirement from Fitchburg Public Schools, he worked with special-needs students in the Carver school district for ten years and reconnected with his lifelong passion for golf. In “retirement,” he won multiple club championships and had the opportunity to play across Cape Cod and nationally as a senior amateur. The friendships Jack made on the golf course were very special to him.
Jack was recently predeceased by his wife, Ann, and leaves behind their four children, Kelly Macbeth (Scott), Kevin (Jodi), Robert (Christine), and David Conway (Susan). Papa Jack’s generous and loving spirit will be missed by his six grandchildren, Kyle Macbeth and Kate, Caroline, Jack, Will, and Annie Conway. Big brother to his siblings, Corinne, Carole, Barbara, and Roy, Jack was predeceased by his brother, Robert, and grandsons, Kevin and Michael Macbeth.
A gentle soul with a sometimes-rough exterior, Jack will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who find comfort in the thought that Jack and Ann rest together. Jack’s family would like to thank the network of wonderful caregivers who comforted him in his final year, and will be honoring his wish that there be no service.
Jack and Ann will be buried together at a later date.
