John "Jack" Lynch

Wolfeboro, NH

 John “Jack” R. Lynch of Wolfeboro, NH passed away on Wednesday October 6, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.  Jack was born on October 22, 1942 to Raymond Lynch and Marion (Drumm) Lynch of Pepperell, MA.  Jack was raised in Pepperell, and while attending the schools there, he excelled athletically, especially in basketball and track.  Upon graduation from high school, he would make a decision that would change the course of his life:  he applied and entered the United States Army Warrant Officer Aviation Program during the Vietnam War.  Certainly this decision had its risks, but Jack wanted to create a future for himself, and serving his country was the right choice for him.  Jack attended and graduated from flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama and went on to become a decorated combat Huey helicopter pilot during his time in the service.  

 Upon leaving active duty in 1968, he continued to follow his passion for aviation, attending Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston while working on his civilian fixed wing certifications.   It was during his time at Wentworth he met the love of his life: his late wife Joanne O’Neil in Kenmore Square, Boston.  They were married in 1969, and Jack began his lifelong career as a commercial airline pilot for Northeast Air Lines, which later became Delta Air Lines. 

 Jack and Joanne made their home in Duxbury, MA, where they worked tirelessly to create a warm and loving environment for family and friends. They would come to raise three sons and found great enjoyment attending their sons’ athletic events.  Additionally, a date night at The Milepost in Duxbury was a favorite.  In his free time, Jack really enjoyed boating in the waters around Duxbury Bay and Cape Cod.  He and his family also enjoyed the summer months in Wolfeboro, NH on Lake Winnipesaukee.  He referred to the time spent in Duxbury and Wolfeboro as the best of both worlds.   

 Jack dedicated 33 years to Delta, retiring as a Captain who flew internationally.  He loved flying “across the pond” to European destinations, especially Italy and Greece, and he often spoke of the food and art he enjoyed.  He had many stories to share with his family, and he always returned with gifts for his loving wife Joanne.  After Jack retired from Delta, both he and Joanne built a new home in Wolfeboro, NH.  In these later years, Jack and Joanne enjoyed traveling around the country as well, especially to Indian Rocks Beach, Florida when it became cold during the winter months.  Jack also developed a passion for cooking and was often focused on the meals he would prepare for days to come when family was gathered.  All that said, nothing brought him as much joy as being the doting “Deeda” to his six grandchildren---Sean Pat, Erin, Abby, Kathleen, Hannah, and Reagan.  Jack also adored all of the family dogs.

 Jack can be best described as a dedicated family man who was humble, compassionate, and generous.  As a man of faith, he truly enjoyed helping others and felt it his responsibility.  His larger than life personality, infectious positive nature, and friendly disposition made him the life of the party even if he was just at the grocery store downtown.

 Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne, in 2014, and is survived by his three sons and their families:  Sean and Lisa Lynch of Weymouth, MA; Ryan and Beth Lynch of Hanover, MA; and Chris and Heather Lynch of Dover, NH.  He is also survived by his sister Betty Lynch of Pepperell, MA.

 Services, provided by Lord Funeral Home in Wolfeboro, NH, are private.  In lieu of flowers, and at his request, donations may be made to his grandson’s special needs trust (The Special Needs Trust of Sean P. Lynch, Jr., P.O. Box 420, Wolfeboro Falls, NH 03896).