Jack Delahunt

John K. Delahunt (Jack), age 86, passed away peacefully August 31 in the presence of his family after a courageous multi-year battle with Alzheimer’s.  A resident of Harwich since 1994, Jack was born 7/24/31 in Weymouth, MA to John and Helen Delahunt.

A devoted Catholic, Jack graduated from Weymouth High School and entered the University of Massachusetts at Amherst on a basketball scholarship where he was a three-year letterman.  After graduation, Jack entered the U.S. Marine Corps where he served both at home and in the Philippine Islands and attained the rank of First Lieutenant.

While in the marines he was introduced by his brother Bob to Susan Clary.  After a brief courtship he married the love of his life, “always the most beautiful woman in the room” and remained devoted to her for 59 years.

Jack began a thirty-year career in the restaurant and food service industry in 1958 with a small, unknown company called Dunkin Donuts.  Jack worked closely with the founders of the company and quickly was promoted to Regional Vice President of Operations.  This experience launched his career and led to Executive positions with Brigham’s Ice Cream, Howard Johnson’s, and Marriott Corporation.   Jack was widely respected for his unique ability to lead, inspire, care for and motivate all who came in touch with him.  If you ever worked with Jack, you never forgot him.

Jack set an example of unwavering commitment and devotion to his wife and children that has been passed on to his grandchildren.  He continually gave advice, unsolicited in most cases, ranging from haircuts to foul shots.

In addition to Susan, Jack leaves his son Jeff Delahunt and his wife, Victoria, of Dayton, OH, daughter Nancy Delahunt of Quincy, son Peter Delahunt and his wife, Theresa, of Hanover, son Steven Delahunt and his wife, Kerry, of Hanover, son John Delahunt and his wife, Debra, of Old Bridge, NJ, son Paul Delahunt and his wife, LeeAnn, of Knoxville, TN, and his brother, Robert “Bob” Delahunt of Pocasset. Also survived by 12 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Monday from 4-7 PM  in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital).

Relatives and friends will gather in the funeral home at 8:45 AM on Tuesday prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Francis Xavier Church, Weymouth at 9:30 AM. Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jack may be made to Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.