John “Jack” Burnett, Sr.74, died Thursday July 6th at his home, surrounded by his devoted family by his side, after a period of failing health. Husband of the late Marie F. (Towler) Burnett.
Born and raised in Whitman, son of the late Francis and Alice (Kenneally) Burnett, he attended Whitman schools and attended night school at Bentley College for accounting.
Jack was a communicant of Holy Ghost Church Whitman.
He was employed for many years, by the Department of Massachusetts Highway Dept. retiring as an accountant from the Dept of Mass. Mental Health and Human Services of 35 years.
Jack’s dedication to the Town of Whitman, he served a DPW commissioner for 22 years.
A Korean Navy veteran, he became a member of the Whitman VFW Post 697.He was admired for his dedication and support to the community of Whitman and VFW. He was Past Post Commander, Post Quartermaster, District Commander Massachusetts State Commander, and National Council Member and held many other Chairmanships throughout the VFW. The greatest passion in his many years of the Veteran of foreign Wars was VFW national homes for Children in Eaton Rapids, MI., where he held chairman of the Broad of directors and continued to stay involved until his illness.
He is survived by his children James Burnett, John J. Burnett, Jr., Thomas Burnett, Craig Burnett, Carol Cox all of Whitman, Marlene Booth of Rochester, Francis Burnett of Wareham and Robert Burnett of Pembroke: brother of Francis Burnett of New Hampshire and Florida, William Burnett of Mattapoisett; also his greatest love are his fifteen grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was the husband of the late Marie (Towler) Burnett, father of the late William M. Burnett and brother of the late, Thomas, Oliver, Geraldine, Josephine and Mary-Alice.
His funeral will be held Tuesday July 11th at 9:15 A.M. from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Route 58 at the Rotary Circle) Whitman, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. in Holy Ghost Church Whitman. Visiting hours Monday July 10th 3-8. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery; Whitman, MA Donations may be made in his name to, Hospice of the Greater Brockton & Boston, 500 Belmont Street, Brockton, Ma.02301.