Jack Kenneth Caldicott

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jack Kenneth Caldicott (Poppa) on September 6, 2024, just four days before his 92nd birthday.

Jack was a social butterfly, rarely passing up a chance to engage with others.  He lived by the spirit of his two most common mottos: “I love people” and “Communicate”.

As the older brother of twin sisters (Jill and Jean), Jack spent his childhood in a forested region of Queens New York in the 30s and 40s.  His early experience in Queens would later inspire the home he and his wife Doris built for their family in the rural suburb of Sherborn MA.

In the early 50’s, Jack was drafted into the Navy and trained for duty in the Korean War.  Service to his nation, opened the door to the GI Bill for further education which he proclaimed was the key to his promising future. Jack pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. Later, while supporting his growing family as an electrical engineer during the day, he earned a Master’s degree from Northeastern University in the evenings.

During a road trip with his guy friends, he met his soul mate, and the love of his life, Doris Marie O’Grady.  His attention was drawn to the petite beauty, whereupon he quickly proclaimed to his pals, “the redhead, she’s mine!”. They were married on June 10, 1956. 

The onslaught of five baby boys over a nine-year period was a game changer.  Doris laid out the vision and Jack pivoted from freewheeling independent father, to dedicated family man.  He transitioned into the multidisciplinary role of provider, coach and maintenance man.  Poppa was an epoch role model:  diligently working to provide, supporting his dependents in all capacities, and a handyman for a house inhabited with five wrecking balls. 

Throughout the boys’ formative years, Poppa never missed a chance to witness one of the many hundreds of sporting events. During this time, he evolved his understanding of the games and, by his five players, has been unanimously crowned “The Greatest Sports Analyst of All Time”.  His patriarchal presence was also felt over the years by his daughters-in-law, and 13 grandchildren.

Among his many leadership roles, the electrical engineer worked at Sylvania GTE (now General Dynamics) for over 35 years, was Commodore of the Sherborn Yacht Club, and pioneered the sale of used sporting goods to raise money for the Booster’s sports program.  In retirement, Poppa dusted off the golf clubs, set up the paint pallet, and deepened his attention to his beloved Doris.  He and Doris also enjoyed world travel, dinner and theater, and concerts with their many long-time friends. After nearly 67 years of blissful marriage to his Irish Rose, Poppa’s embrace of Doris’ heritage, Celtic songs and spirit earned him the title of “Honorary Irish Man”.  We will forever cherish the memory of our father, brother and grandfather “Poppa”, our Great “Irish” Patriarch.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Doris, parents Jack and Josephine (Nemecek), and sister Jill (Dick), numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.  He leaves behind his sister Jean (George), his five sons and their wives Brian (Dawn), Greg (Lorie), Glenn (Tricia), Dan (Kit) and Bobby (Amy), thirteen grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Brother and sister-in-law Mary (Dick) Mann, numerous nieces and nephews including Kathleen Mann, his honorary daughter, who lived with Jack and Doris.

A private family service will be held in November at Pine Hill Cemetery in Sherborn MA.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sherborn MA Pine Hill Community School Association https://www.pinehillschoolcsa.org/csa-store/memorial-gift

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