Jack M. Regan

Jack M. Regan, 92, of Canton passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at the United Helpers Nursing Home, Canton.

Jack was born March 19, 1926 in Potsdam; the son of the late John and Bernice (O’Brien) Regan. He graduated from Potsdam High School and joined the ARMY. Jack served in the Pacific area as a Military Policeman at Kobe Base in Japan in 1946 with the occupation troops for a year and a half.

After his service, he entered Clarkson College and transferred to SUNY Canton after a year, where he graduated with honors in June of 1951 with an Associates of Applied Sciences degree. Jack was married to Elizabeth (Betty) Lawson in 1951. His first job was as purchasing agent for General Electric in Utica, New York.

After four years of city life, which neither liked, they moved back to Northern New York, where Jack was employed on the St. Lawrence Seaway Project. After the completion of the seaway, Jack was manager of the Chalet Motel & Lounge in Potsdam for 10 years. After the sale of the motel, he became Director of Office Service at St. Lawrence University for 10 years. Jack then became manager of the Canton U-Haul Company for another 10 years, retiring at 65.

Being bored with retirement, Jack took a part-time job at what was then Coakley True Value. Then again at the age of 74, he retired for the second time and then proceeded to travel to Ireland, Hawaii, Mexico and the Bahama’s with his children.

He enjoyed gardening, working with flowers, all sports and music. Jack was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Canton where he was a lector and took part in all church activities. Jack was a life member of the Edward C. Seymour VFW Post 1231 in Canton and past Post Commander, also a member and Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus Council 1059.

Surviving are five daughters and son-in-law’s; Lynne (Terry) Hall of Waddington; Mary (William) Bjornson of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Joanne (Thomas) Martin of Dublin, NH; Katie (Charlie) Foster of Washington State; and Sally (Todd) Palilla of Clarksville, VA; a son and daughter-in-law, Michael (Maureen) Regan of Saratoga Springs, NY; two sisters, Joan (William) Fairbanks of Vienna, VA; Sally Lilley of Marshall, VA; 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Jack is predeceased by Betty and two brothers, Richard and Paul Regan.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 8, 2018 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton. Mass of Christian Burial will be Con-Celebrated by Rev. Bryan Stitt and Rev. Douglas J. Lucia on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 11:00 am at the St. Mary’s Church in Canton, followed by burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Potsdam.

Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Mary’s Church of Canton or St. Mary’s School; 68 Court Street; Canton, New York 13617.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Mr. Jack M. Regan are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.

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