HOLDEN/DENNIS- Dr. John W. Davis, Jr., 78, loving and devoted husband and father, died Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at Saint Vincent Hospital after a short illness.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Nancy M. (Cronin) Davis; his two daughters, Christine L. Davis and Erin A. Davis, both of Sturbridge; his son, John P. Davis of Framingham; his brother, Neil S. Davis and his sister-in-law, Katherine, of Worcester and Sandwich; and a niece and nephews. He also leaves his closest friend, John McGuiness of Malvern, PA.
Dr. Davis was born in Worcester, son of John W. Davis, Sr. and Elsie A. (Sullivan) Davis. He graduated from St. John’s High School, The College of the Holy Cross and the former Seton Hall College of Medicine and Dentistry, now known as the University of New Jersey of Medicine and Dentistry.
Upon graduation from dental school and successfully passing his boards, Dr. Davis voluntarily enlisted and was a Captain in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era, practicing dentistry on base in Bangor, Maine and Izmir, Turkey. Upon returning home to the United States and being honorably discharged from the Military, Dr. Davis opened his private practice at 101 Pleasant Street in Worcester, where he practiced dentistry for almost 40 years. For many years while running his own practice, he also worked on the weekends at a clinic in the Main South section of Worcester, providing dental care to those in need. He was a long-time member of the Worcester, Massachusetts and American Dental Societies. He regularly attended courses and read voraciously to keep up-to-the-minute on dental advances for the benefit of his patients. He retired from practicing dentistry in 2004.
Jack, as he was affectionately known, was devoted to his family and his Church. Jack and Nancy traveled extensively throughout the world in their almost 60 years together. Nancy was the love of his life. Jack spent his life helping his children and giving them an abundance of opportunities for success in life and teaching by example that care of and service to others is our true life's work. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish for more than 40 years, faithfully attending Mass, donating money to the Church and donating his time by going door-to-door to collect for the Bishop's Fund for a number of years.
Finally, we would be remiss if we did not mention that Jack was a huge sports fan. In particular, he was a faithful supporter of the Red Sox and a proud member of Patriots Nation.
A truly exceptional man has passed from this world. All who knew him are better people for having had that privilege.
Funeral services and burial are private and in the care of CALLAHAN FAY & CASWELL Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to The American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701, Venture Community Services, Inc., 1 Picker Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566 (providing services to intellectually disabled and autistic individuals) or to a charity of the donor's choice.