John W. “Jack” Burgess, 87, a longtime resident of Framingham and Natick, died Thursday, October 9, 2025, with his family at his side. Born in Cambridge during the Great Depression, he was the son of the late Gordon & Elizabeth (O’Leary) Burgess, beloved husband of Mary (Saulnier) Burgess, and loving father of Theresa “Terri” Burgess of Beacon, NY, and Amanda “Mandy” Burgess of Waltham, MA.
Like many of his era, Jack learned early on the value of a dollar. Growing up in Somerville, he worked as a shoeshine boy and delivered newspapers and groceries to help contribute to the family. The oldest of six, he was a hero to his younger sisters.
Jack enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country honorably. He fought in the Vietnam War, where he received a battlefield promotion. He was proud to be “always a Marine.” After attending Northeastern University, he started his career in telecommunications and was an involved union member.
Jack especially loved the cottage on Cape Cod, spending time down the Cape and creating cherished memories there. Quick with a quip, he loved to laugh and to make others smile. He was always generous to those in need. A voracious reader, Jack was a true history buff. Like his father, he enjoyed working with his hands and growing his vegetable garden. In his later years, Jack enjoyed friends and activities at the Callahan Senior Center and socializing with his neighbors.
Jack loved his family and was deeply loved by them. Along with Mary, Terri and Mandy, he is survived by his sisters, Mary Pothier & her husband Gerald, Patricia Monteith, Catherine Graceffa & her husband Raymond, and Lorraine Burgess, along with several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Jack was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Burgess, and brother-in-law Robert Monteith.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Jack’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln St. Framingham on Tuesday, October 21st from 4-8PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Bridget Church, 830 Worcester Rd. Framingham on Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment will be in MA National Cemetery in Bourne on Thursday at a time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s name to: Natick Needy Veterans, c/o Paul Carew, VSO, 117 E. Central Street, Natick, MA 01760, or the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701
To share a memory with the Burgess Family, kindly visit www.mccarthyfh.com
Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home