HOLYOKE: On March 22, 2021, John Joseph MacKay passed away peacefully at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He was truly a member of America’s Greatest Generation. Born to Edward P. and Mary Jane (McMahon)
MacKay on May 15, 1920, Westfield, Massachusetts. John attended St. Mary’s Grammar School and High School and was a graduate in the Class of 1939. John earned his Bachelor’s from Westfield State Teacher’s College and his Master’s Degrees from American International College. John served as a Sergeant in the 1st Air Cargo Resupply Squadron in the Burma Theatre and was honorably discharged in 1946.
John married Anne Elizabeth McDonough on June 29, 1946 at Sacred Heart Church in Springfield, Massachusetts. John began his teaching career at Westfield High School, and later taught at Chestnut Junior High School, High School of Commerce, Westfield Junior High School, and retired in 1986 from Gateway Regional High School. Every place John worked, the students and faculty became his second family. Upon retiring, he and Anne enjoyed their travels to Europe, Emerald Isle, and he especially enjoyed his trips to “Flip’s Variety” to get his Boston Globe. John spent five wonderful years at Providence Place. He was devoted to Anne for 67 blessed years; his five daughters, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were all the lights of his life and brought him many treasured moments. His greatest joy was being a grandfather.
John was predeceased by his beloved wife and college sweetheart, Anne E. MacKay in June 2013. He was also predeceased by his brother Edward A. and sister Mary A. (and spouses) and his sister, Isabel R., daughter Jane E. Wright, and grandson Christopher J. Regensburger. He is survived by his daughters Susan M. Regensburger and her husband Michael, Ellen M. McEwan and her husband Philip, Mary Elizabeth and her husband Robert, and Joanne J. and her husband Michael. “Grandpa John” leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Emily, Maura, Brian, Kathleen, Brigid, Courtney, Matthew, Rachel, Nicolas, Jennings and Robert. Eight adoring great-grandchildren: William, Walker, Anne, Anthony, Cecilia, Peter, Amelia and Emma Claire.
A lifelong communicant and active member of St. Mary’s Parish serving on the Parish Council, St. Mary’s High School Council, St. Mary’s Men’s Club, St. Mary’s Annual Golf Tournament, former President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s. He was a lifelong member of the Sons of Erin, the senior member of the American Legion Post 124, he was an active member of the Kiwanis Club, Lion’s Club, Blandford Country Club, Sons of Erin Golf League. He also served on several local nonprofit boards: Westfield State Foundation, Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Chapel, Shurtleff Children’s Services Foundation, Sarah Gillett Elderly Services, and the American Red Cross. He also served as a commissioner on the Off Street Parking Commission for the City of Westfield. John loved his Westfield Community and truly served us proud. Anyone who met John quickly realized that he was a humble gentleman. A true gentle-man. John loved to golf, read, walk, listen to music, spend time with his family and friends.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff on 2 West, 2 East and 3 West for the loving care, compassion, and respect you gave to our father during his 4 years at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. Thank you to his Social Workers, Carrie and Jillian, you were his guardian angels.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 15th at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA from 9:30 – 11:30 am. Mass will be celebrated at 12 o’clock at St. Mary’s Church, 30 Bartlett Street, Westfield, MA. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s memory to the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 c/o the Activity Department, Kiwanis Club, PO Box 773, Westfield, MA 01085, Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew Street, Springfield, MA. Firtionadams.com
