John D. Walsh, of Plymouth, died at home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, January 22, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 78.

Jack, as he was known to friends and family, will be dearly missed. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Patricia (Creeden) Walsh; his daughter Melissa Walker of Duxbury; his son John Walsh and wife Maureen of Boxborough; his son Brendan Walsh and wife Gabriela of Concord; his brother William Walsh and wife Sandy of Cheshire, CT; and he is predeceased by his sister Dorothy Walsh of Quincy. He will be remembered with love and laughter as “Grampy” by his grandchildren Alissa, Tory, Jack, Thomas and Matthew. He will also be watching over his newest granddaughter who is set to arrive in March. Jack will also be greatly missed by extended family, including his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews as well as by his friends and former colleagues.

The son of John P. Walsh and Beatrice E. Walsh, Jack was born on September 20, 1938 in Boston and grew up in West Roxbury. After graduating from high school in 1956, he attended Providence College and enrolled in the Army’s Reserve Officer Training Program. Upon graduating from Providence in 1960, he became an officer in the Army Transportation Corps, serving honorably and earning the rank of First Lieutenant. He left the Army in 1962 to enroll at Yale University, where he earned a master’s degree in business administration. He then embarked on a successful career in marketing within the food industry holding positions at a variety of companies including General Foods, Ocean Spray, New Morning Cereals and most recently, food industry trade publisher, Griffin Publishing.

Jack was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to all. He brightened the lives of everyone who knew him with his kindness, generosity and his wicked sense of humor. He was an avid runner, enjoyed biking with family and friends, and spending time in nature, especially at Duxbury beach. He most loved being at home spending time with his family.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 4 at 11 AM at St. Mary’s Rectory, 313 Court Street, Plymouth. Friends and family are invited to gather beforehand at Bartlett Funeral Home, 338 Court Street, Plymouth at 9 AM and walk together to the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (http://www.bidmc.org/giving) or Cranberry Hospice (http://www.bidplymouth.org/cranberryhospice)