James E. Traynor III (Jay)
Jay Traynor, 63 years old of Tewksbury, MA, died peacefully at home with his beloved family by his side. Throughout his short battle with cancer, he maintained a positive outlook and never lost his sense of humor.
Jay was the devoted husband of Denise for 37 years, childhood sweethearts who met when they were just 14 years old in Woburn, MA. They moved to Tewksbury to start their family, bringing two sons into the world, James E. and Ryan D.
His children were the love of Jay’s life. He was the coach for Jimmy and Ryan’s soccer, baseball and football teams, as well as the Cubmaster of Pack 49. He taught them about his love for fishing, hunting and camping, and passed on his passion for music, horror movies and motorcycles.
There wasn’t a person Jay met who he did not call a friend, and remained close with childhood friends for over 50 years. One of Jay’s favorite activities was fishing at Plum Island with his dear friend, Mike Winn. Tony Ciampa was his first friend when he moved to Woburn from Medford. He met Sam Petricone, Jack Lynch, John Albano, John Swain, KC Hayes, Victor Minghella, Joe Ciccarelli, Bob Miguel, Bob Mearls, Jeff Holt and Brian Doyle soon after, and became lifelong friends/brothers. Through his sons, Jay also created new friends, Charlie Webber and Tim Dooley, who he loved dearly as well. Every one of Jay’s friends were alongside him every step of the way during this terrible time, and for that we are extremely grateful.
Jay worked at H.B. Fuller for 20 years and devoted his spare time to community service, working on upgrading homes of the elderly in Wilmington and with the House of Hope in Lowell. He also worked at Wonder Bread, and at the Blaire House in Tewksbury. His compassion for the elderly came from the close relationship he had with his grandparents.
Jay was preceded in death by his father, James (Jimmy), his mother, Janet, and his grandparents Eddie and Ann. He is survived by his wife, Denise, his son, James, his son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Korinne, his sister, Marybeth, his brother, Paul, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He also had a very special bond with his nephew Jason Fogg.
“At the end of your life, you will never regret not passing one more test, reaching one more verdict, closing one more deal. You will regret not spending time with your wife/husband, your children or a friend.” Barbara Bush.
Calling hours are Thursday, March 21, from 4-8 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. His funeral procession will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 22, at the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St., Rte. 38, Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made on line to Pug Rescue of New England, www.pugrescueofnewengland.org or mailed to P.O. Box 441667, West Somerville, MA 02644.