WORCESTER – Jack McKay Greenlaw, 87, of Worcester, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, July 10th, 2016. Jack is predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Patricia Greenlaw of Worcester. He is survived by his three children, a son, John M. Greenlaw and his wife Diane of Sutton; his two daughters, Dr. Sandra Greenlaw of Leominster and Patrice McManus and her husband Rick, and two grandchildren, Jack and Kayla McManus of Alexandria, VA., who had a special nickname for their grandpa “Biba”. He also is survived by several close in-laws, two brother in-laws Francis R. Carroll of Worcester, Thomas J. Carroll of San Diego, CA; two sister in-laws, Nancy Glassick of Nevada and Barbara Emerson of San Diego, CA; along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Calvin Wilson, Gerald Greenlaw and his sister Darlene Raymond.
Jack Greenlaw was born in Templeton, MA to Harry and Mary Greenlaw. He grew up and was educated in Worcester where he developed many friendships. He met the love of his life in high school, Patricia Carroll and they were married on St. Patrick’s Day in 1951. They celebrated 61 very happy years together with their children and grandchildren.
He was drafted into the Army in 1951 during the Korean War, and was regimented into the 5th Armored Division where he was educated as a Radio Operator. He was transferred to Japan and was attached to Signal Battalion. In Korea, he was an American soldier who fought with the KMAG, (Korean Military Advisory Group), and assigned to the front lines. Upon discharge in 1953, he was the first American soldier from Worcester to return from the Korean War, where his wife Patricia was waiting for him with a decorated Christmas tree to celebrate a Christmas in July.
Jack worked several jobs to care for his family; AD Thompson delivering medical supplies and ADT as a security guard. In the 1970’s, Jack joined Small Business Service Bureau and eventually became Vice President of sales. In 1994, at age 66 he retired from Small Business Service Bureau. Not yet ready to retire, he joined his daughter Dr. Sandra Greenlaw to help her in her new practice, Greenlaw Family Chiropractic. He was the office manager for the first ten years. For the next twelve years, until age 87, he worked part-time at the front desk of the office along with computer entry. He kept the patients entertained with smiles, jokes, trivia, and sports talk. The staff and all of the patients at G.F.C. will miss him dearly.
Jack had many hobbies and memberships. He was a member of the Vernon Hill VFW, The Worcester Men of Song and a devout member of St. Christopher’s Parish. His other passions included tennis which he played for 43 years, G.F.C. softball team, but especially was his love of music. Jack was a member of the Worcester Men of Song for many years. During that time he sang lead for the barbershop quartets known as The Untouchables, The Mulligan Guards, and The Mellodeans. He was a member of St. Christopher’s Church where he was part of the choir and helped to begin The New Hope Folk Group where they played for 25 years. After the group disbanded, he continued to sing with St. Christopher’s choir up to the day he passed.
Jack Greenlaw was an honorable man, a truly devoted husband and father. He liked his solitude, but once he started to talk about his sports, gospel music, movies or cribbage, he would become quite talkative. Everyone loved their Uncle Jack. Jack Greenlaw was the best father that anyone could ever hope for. He lived by example. We will love and miss you DAD, forever.
The funeral is Monday, July 18th from O'Connor Brothers Funeral Home, 592 Park Avenue, with a Mass at 10 A.M. in St. Christopher's Church, 950 West Boylston Street. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Sunday, July 17th from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. in the funeral home.