John J. "Jack" Twohig

HOLYOKE

 

          John “Jack” Twohig was called home to his Heavenly Father on June 5, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. A lifelong resident of Holyoke, Jack was a devoted husband and family man who dedicated his life to the service of others through faith, military service, music, and commitment to the community.

          Jack attended Holyoke High School, graduating as a member of the Class of 1950. He graduated from Hampden College of Pharmacy in 1954 and worked as a pharmacist at Fairview Pharmacy until he was drafted by the U.S. Army, serving in Korea for two years. After honorably completing his military service, he enjoyed a successful and fulfilling career at several local independent pharmacies and retired from Rite Aid.

          Jack married his high school sweetheart, Ellie, in 1957 and soon became a father to his five daughters and one son. Always interested in his children’s activities, he attended as many sporting events as he could and became a Boy Scout leader and hockey dad. Jack found joy and comfort in the company of family, especially his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as “Bup.”

          He faithfully served his church, Blessed Sacrament Parish in Holyoke, as a Eucharistic minister and also conducted a weekly communion service with his wife at Beaven Kelly Retirement Home. He also assisted the church’s Altar Society during the holidays. He became active in the Cursillo movement and made many good friends there. Jack was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus and also belonged to the American Legion and the VFW. In his retirement, he assisted Messier Funeral Home’s services by driving a hearse, among other duties. He loved his motorcycle and enjoyed many Saturday rides with his good friend Henry. For many years the two attended the motorcycle weekend in Loudon, NH.

          In retirement, Jack and Ellie enjoyed extensive world travels and for their 50th and 60th anniversaries treated four generations of family with trips to Walt Disney World and Bermuda.

          Jack developed an interest in music in the fourth grade, a love he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He learned to play the saxophone and became a member of the Holyoke High School band as well as a combo called Musical Notes, which performed at dances and weddings. He was invited to join the Shiners Military Band after a 30-year hiatus from musical performance and considered it a ministry to help the children at Shriners Hospital. He also played in several other marching bands, including the Shriners German Band and the Springfield Italian American Band in local parades. His latest gig was with the Western Mass. Senior Band at the Holyoke Senior Center.

Having suffered many medical issues in his retirement, Jack became a regular sight walking down Northampton Street, often stopping to lean on a mailbox or tree to rest his legs. Jack was a very special, straight-forward, no-nonsense man who will be missed by his family and friends.

He is survived his wife of 63 years Elinor “Ellie” (Weissbrod) Twohig; his loving children: John J. Twohig, Jr and his wife Cynthia of Feeding Hills,  Mary T. Starzyk of Wilbraham, Joan T. Cavanaugh and her husband Joseph of Holyoke, Margaret Bartley and her husband James of Holyoke, Nancy E. Twohig and her fiancé Jay Virgilio of Westfield, and Barbara A. Twohig of Holyoke; 15 cherished grandchildren: Michael, Thomas, Liza, Eileen (Chris), Mary Kate, Joseph, Daniel, Maureen (Ryan), Annie, Suzie (Bobby), Brittney, Nicholas, Connor, Becky (Jenn), and Kim; five great-grandchildren: Hailey, Alex, Caidan, Meghan, and Patrick; and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Jack was predeceased by his parents, Cornelius “Connie” and Marie (Danserau) Twohig, and a brother Cornelius “Neil” Twohig. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday June 9 at 10:30am in Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street, Holyoke, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to: Shriners Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040