John J. "Jack" Poli, Jr.

HOLYOKE:  John J. “Jack” Poli, Jr., age 89, of Holyoke, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.  A lifelong resident of Holyoke, he was the son of the late John J. and Mary E. (Healey) Poli and was a graduate of Holyoke High School.  He continued his education at the General Electric Facility in Pittsfield where he became a toolmaker.  He worked at various companies, and ended his career at Advance Manufacturing Company after 40 years. Jack was a longtime communicant of Our Lady of the Cross Church, where he served as an usher for many years.  After building his own home, he restored his 1917 Model T Ford car and spent many years enjoying it with his family.  He belonged to the Western Mass Model T Club, Antique Car Club of America, and Owls Head Museum.  He loved his Harley and his many other vehicles.  His other passions including dancing, music, and working in his yard. A quiet soft-spoken man, Jack leaves his beloved wife and best friend of 65 years, Mabel C. (O’Donnell) Poli; his 3 children: Susan Doherty (Philip), Linda Donahue (Kevin), John J. Poli, III (Fran); his grandchildren: Ryan, Nicholas, Courtney, Delaney, Caitlyn, Bryanna, Nikki, Ashley and Lauren; his great grandchildren: Kylie, Sophia, Hunter, Katie, Jules, Michael, Lucas and Jack. He also leaves his sister, Judy Starkey and many nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, Jack was predeceased by a sister, Joan Donoghue. Jack’s funeral will be held Wednesday, November 30, 2022 from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Cross Parish Church, Holy Cross Avenue.  Burial will follow at Saint Jerome Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Wednesday morning from 9:00am to 10:45am.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jack’s memory to Holyoke VNA / Hospice Lifecare, 575 Beech Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.