John William Kane
John “Jack” William Kane of Groton passed away after a sudden and unexpected hospitalization on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at the age of 73. A dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he was born to Ali
and Mary Kane on December 14, 1948 and grew up in Arlington. He graduated from Arlington High School before attending Northeastern University where he majored in finance.
Jack met the love of his life, Karen, soon after college. Karen turned down his first marriage proposal but if nothing else, he was a tenacious and consummate salesman and they were eventually married in May 1975. Jack and Karen relocated a number of times up and down the east coast but after stints in New Hampshire, Tennessee, and North Carolina, they eventually settled in Groton where they raised three boys and became fixtures in the town.
Jack worked in telecommunications sales and spent more than 20 years with Northern Telecom. He was an award-winning executive and finished his career at Alcatel and Hitachi. Anyone that ever met him, knew that sales was the likely line of work for Jack. His affable nature, quick wit, and deep curiosity for people allowed him to connect with others throughout his life. Co-workers and clients appreciated his sense of humor and work ethic. Jack loved conversation and company. He cared deeply for his friends and family, but he also cherished the opportunity to meet new people. On a trip to Greece with Karen, he managed to get them invited to a local wedding years before wedding crashing was en vogue. Around town or traveling to new places, he was always looking to share stories and learn from people around him. He was blessed with the gift of making people smile.
Raising three boys introduced him to hockey rinks, soccer fields and baseball diamonds, and through his sons’ weekly sports he forged his early love for the people of Groton. The wiffleball games in the Kanes’
backyard were legendary. Jack’s deep appreciation for this community was solidified after the tragic passing of his middle son, Brian. Friends and neighbors rallied around the family. In the years following, Jack often expressed not only his gratitude but his awe in the depth of the love and support offered to his family. It was this support that enabled Jack and Karen to start the Brian Kane Scholarship Fund, whose main fundraiser was the BK Wiffleball Tournament, which ran annually for more than 10 years and raised money for graduating seniors of Groton-Dunstable High School. In his office sits a meticulously kept record of 22+ years of awards and correspondence with each of the scholarship winners.
In retirement, Jack didn’t slow down. Aside from playing tennis, traveling and enjoying time with Karen, he took lifelong learning classes at Regis College (most recently modern art and French Revolution
classes which led to wonderful discussions with his family) and spent countless hours through the years volunteering. His love for the lower Cape beaches inspired him to volunteer at the National Seashore in
Eastham; he transported patients at Emerson Hospital, he helped the elderly through Groton Neighbors and most recently he was a greeter and usher at the new Groton Hill Music Center. The common thread through all these positions was making meaningful connections with others and helping them and his community as only Jack could.
Jack leaves behind many friends, neighbors, and an incredibly grateful family: his loving wife Karen Kane of Groton, his son David Kane of Sudbury, his wife Katie and their children, Caroline, Avery and Andrew;
his son Michael Kane and his fiancée Yohana of Washington, D.C.; his nephew Tim Walsh and his family Marianne Miller and Grace Walsh, his lifelong family friend Jane Thomson, and many close cousins. Jack was preceded by his son Brian in 1998.
Visiting hours for Jack will be held in the McGaffigan Funeral Home, 37 Main Street (Rte. 113) Pepperell, on Sunday, December 18 from 2-6 p.m. A funeral ceremony will be celebrated at the Union Congregational
Church, 218 Main Street, Groton, on Monday, December 19 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the Brian Kane Memorial Scholarship Fund, 27 Oxbow Lane, Groton, MA 01450. Please
see www.McGaffiganFuneral.com