WEST BOYLSTON___John “Jack” J. Staples of West Boylston, formerly of Worcester, MA passed-away suddenly from an illness on Friday, January 29, 2021 at UMass Medical Center-University Campus in Worcester.
He leaves his beloved wife of 61 years, Diane J. (O’Neil) Staples, and his five children, John M. Staples of Worcester and his fiancé, Robyn Greener, Kathleen A. Burke and husband John of Oxford, Jeffrey P. Staples and wife Mary of Shrewsbury, Kevin M. Staples and wife Candice of Worcester and Todd C. Staples and husband Dan Jurczyk of Barre. He will be dearly missed by his 14 grandchildren, who fondly referred to him as “Pop”; Ryan, Anna, Patrick, Jake, Alexandra, Michaela, John, Johanna, Jeffrey, Chelsea, Nicholas, Isabella, Olivia and Alex. He also leaves four great-grandchildren, four sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his three brothers, Charles “Bud” Staples, Lawrence Staples, and Raymond Staples.
The family wishes to give a special thank you to Jack’s loving sister-in-law, Kathleen Cavanaugh, who has lived with and provided care for Jack and Diane over the last five months.
Born in Worcester, MA he was the son of John B. Staples and Catherine A. (Drugan) Staples. He graduated from Commerce High School and Worcester Junior College. He completed additional professional studies at Williams College in Western, MA. Jack was a veteran of the U.S.M.C. and had a life-long career in the banking industry, retiring from Millbury National Bank in 2002 as a Senior Vice President.
In 2006 Jack & Diane moved from their home in Tatnuck Square, to Angell Brook Village in West Boylston where they quickly became friends with many of the community’s residents. Often, Jack could be found sitting outside and enjoying time chatting with his neighbors. He enjoyed reading, working on the daily cross word puzzles, and scratching the occasional lottery ticket.
Jack was an active and well-known member of Christ the King Parish in Worcester. He served as a CYC adviser, served on the Parish Council and Parish Activities Committee, assisted with the weekly collections and was a long-time lector. Following Saturday morning mass he would spend time with his wife Diane and a close circle of friends enjoying conversation over breakfast. Jack was a former President of the Jesse Burkett Little League and Treasurer for Boy Scout Troop 37. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was actively involved with Worcester’s First Friday Club, also The Retired Men’s Club of Greendale where he had served as a past President and more importantly, his role as “trip leader” where he arranged numerous bus trips that were enjoyed by so many.
Calling hours will be held at Christ the King Church at 1052 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA on Saturday, February 6, 2021 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm with a funeral Mass to immediately follow in the Church. At the request of the family the graveside services at Saint John’s Cemetery will be private. During these unprecedented times, the family wants all to know that remembering Jack from afar is just as meaningful as being present at his services. Your health and safety is of their utmost concern. Current guidelines for capacity, wearing facemasks and social distancing will be followed. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Dirsa - Morin Funeral Home, 298 Grafton St, Worcester.