Obituary for Joseph Carter Regan
Joseph Carter Regan - Devoted to Family
After a period of declining health, passed away on April 28, 2018 at Care One in Concord with the love and support of his family. In his 93 years, Joe embraced life and lived it to the fullest. He was a long-time resident of Acton and Boxborough.
Born in Lawrence, MA, Joe was a son of John J. and Dorothy M. Regan. He was predeceased by his parents, twin brother John M. and sister, Rosemary. A member of the class of 1942 at Lawrence High School, Joe was the Valedictorian and recipient of the Hood Medal for scholarship and citizenship. He was also an Eagle Scout.
Drafted by the Army after his freshman year at Tufts, Joe served in Europe with the 99th Infantry Division during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. A 1949 graduate of Tufts, he earned an M. Ed from Harvard in 1950. For a number of years while at CCRHS, he took doctoral-level education courses at Harvard.
A retired educator, Joe was an avid reader and lifelong learner. He was a faculty member at Concord-Carlisle Regional High School for 32 years, retiring in 1984. Known for his innovative teaching, for many years he was also the Science Department chairman. Earlier in his career he taught at South Portland (Maine) High School.
In retirement, Joe worked part-time for 20 years to stay active and meet new people. He also volunteered for the Community Supper, and was the treasurer for the Acton-Boxborough Student Activities Fund (ABSAF) for 20 years. For his dedicated service to the athletic program, he was honored with the Blue and Gold Award from the Acton Boxborough Hall of Fame.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Joan N. (Breton); a daughter Kathleen and her husband Joseph Carroll of New London, NH; four sons: David and his wife Patricia of Merrimack, NH; Kevin and his wife Eva of Westford, MA; Brian and his wife Susan of Fitchburg, MA; Timothy and his wife Margaret of Maynard, MA; as well as eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, in whom he took special pride and joy. Surviving members of the family also include several brothers and sisters-in law, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A communicant at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Acton for 63 years, relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Friday, May 4th from 4:00 to 7:00pm in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 89 Arlington St., Acton. The services will begin with the Reception Rite at the church entrance at 4:00pm followed by the Vigil Liturgy, with visiting to follow until 7:00pm. His funeral Mass will be celebrated in the church on Saturday, May 5th at 10:00am, followed by burial with military honors in Woodlawn Cemetery, Concord Rd., Acton.
At the request of the family, memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or to the Saint Vincent DePaul Society, c/o St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 89 Arlington St., Acton, MA 01720; or to a charity of your choice. Memorial page www.actonfuneralhome.com
After a period of declining health, passed away on April 28, 2018 at Care One in Concord with the love and support of his family. In his 93 years, Joe embraced life and lived it to the fullest. He was a long-time resident of Acton and Boxborough.
Born in Lawrence, MA, Joe was a son of John J. and Dorothy M. Regan. He was predeceased by his parents, twin brother John M. and sister, Rosemary. A member of the class of 1942 at Lawrence High School, Joe was the Valedictorian and recipient of the Hood Medal for scholarship and citizenship. He was also an Eagle Scout.
Drafted by the Army after his freshman year at Tufts, Joe served in Europe with the 99th Infantry Division during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. A 1949 graduate of Tufts, he earned an M. Ed from Harvard in 1950. For a number of years while at CCRHS, he took doctoral-level education courses at Harvard.
A retired educator, Joe was an avid reader and lifelong learner. He was a faculty member at Concord-Carlisle Regional High School for 32 years, retiring in 1984. Known for his innovative teaching, for many years he was also the Science Department chairman. Earlier in his career he taught at South Portland (Maine) High School.
In retirement, Joe worked part-time for 20 years to stay active and meet new people. He also volunteered for the Community Supper, and was the treasurer for the Acton-Boxborough Student Activities Fund (ABSAF) for 20 years. For his dedicated service to the athletic program, he was honored with the Blue and Gold Award from the Acton Boxborough Hall of Fame.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Joan N. (Breton); a daughter Kathleen and her husband Joseph Carroll of New London, NH; four sons: David and his wife Patricia of Merrimack, NH; Kevin and his wife Eva of Westford, MA; Brian and his wife Susan of Fitchburg, MA; Timothy and his wife Margaret of Maynard, MA; as well as eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, in whom he took special pride and joy. Surviving members of the family also include several brothers and sisters-in law, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A communicant at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Acton for 63 years, relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Friday, May 4th from 4:00 to 7:00pm in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 89 Arlington St., Acton. The services will begin with the Reception Rite at the church entrance at 4:00pm followed by the Vigil Liturgy, with visiting to follow until 7:00pm. His funeral Mass will be celebrated in the church on Saturday, May 5th at 10:00am, followed by burial with military honors in Woodlawn Cemetery, Concord Rd., Acton.
At the request of the family, memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or to the Saint Vincent DePaul Society, c/o St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 89 Arlington St., Acton, MA 01720; or to a charity of your choice. Memorial page www.actonfuneralhome.com