John (Jack) Holbrook

John (Jack) Holbrook 71, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2019.

He was born on July 2, 1947 in Winthrop, Massachusetts to E. Harper Holbrook and Elizabeth Holbrook.  After graduation from the former Searles High School in Great Barrington, MA, class of 1965, Jack proudly served in the United States Navy. He served 2 years active duty including 13 months in Vietnam performing extremely dangerous work as a Fire Control Technician (Missile Guidance Systems Petty Officer 3 ^rd Class) on river patrols on Patrol Craft Fast (Swift Boats) and on the Destroyer USS Brownson (DD-868).  During his time in service, he was awarded the Purple Heart, a National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star. After his service in the Navy, Jack returned to Massachusetts where he worked for New England Telephone and successor companies for 35 years. In addition, he was self-employed as a Maine lobsterman for 30 years.

He was an active member of the Parsons Memorial Presbyterian Church in Yankeetown, Florida and was part of the Church Family of the New Life Baptist Church of Dover Foxcroft, Maine.

Jack was most at home in the outdoors, whether it be forest, stream or ocean, where he would fish, hunt, and maintain the trails and habitat at his camp in Parkman, Maine.  He recently received recognition from the Boone and Crocket Club and the Maine MASTC, two organizations dedicated to the preservation of the tradition of hunting and to healthy wildlife and forests.  He followed baseball, hockey and football on TV or at the game.  Pursuing his interest in antique cars recalled for him the memories of friends and joy in his younger days.  He shared good food with friends and recently discovered he loved the ritual and the feast at a good sushi bar.  He loved exploring different parts of the United States in his new RV.

You would most often find Jack and his wife pursuing these interests together since Jack’s wife, Jean, was heard to say their relationship was so close that they were essentially one person.

Everyone who knew Jack will best remember him for his warm outgoing nature. He loved talking to people! When at his home in Yankeetown, he would go on a walk around town and stop to talk to everyone he met. His “30 minute” walk often turned into two hours depending on the number of people and dogs he met along the way. Jack was always sure to take along treats for all the dogs and they were thrilled to see him coming! He will certainly be missed along the streets of Yankeetown as he was very well liked.

Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Jean, his sister, Judy Bubriski of Wenham, Mass and his niece Jennifer Bubriski of Cambridge, Mass

Jack and Jean divided their time between their homes in Florida and Maine.

SERVICES: A service celebrating the life of Jack Holbrook will be held on Tuesday, June 11 ^th at 2:00 p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington, MA.  Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Great Barrington.  There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.  To read the full obituary or send remembrances to his family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com