Published in the July 24, 2015 edition
MELROSE — Attorney John J. “Jack” Courtney, 69, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston on Wednesday, July 15.
Jack was born in Malden on July 10, 1946, son of the late John J. and Agatha G. (O’Keefe) Courtney. Raised in Malden, Jack graduated from Malden Catholic, Class of 1964, where he excelled in both academics and athletics.
He played hockey and starred as a lineman on the MC football team and was later inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for his achievements. After graduating high school, Jack matriculated to the University of Notre Dame where he received his undergraduate degree in 1969. A “walk on” player on the football team, Jack was a huge ND football fan and supporter.
After graduation, he returned to Boston where he attended Suffolk University Law School, receiving his J.D. in 1973. While working during law school, he met his future wife, Judy, who also happened to be a cheerleader for his semi-pro football team. They were married on Oct. 21, 1978 at Sacred Hearts Church in Malden and settled in Melrose to be the proud parents of three wonderful daughters.
Jack began his legal career as a public defender in Boston. He believed strongly in the constitutional right of legal representation for all and this principle guided him throughout his 35 years as an attorney. He never hesitated in representing anyone regardless of circumstances.
Jack was known in the legal profession as a passionate supporter of those accused of violent crime. He considered it his duty to provide legal defense and ensure a fair trial for all. After several years in Boston, he took a leap of faith in opening his own law office in Medford, later moving the office to his hometown of Malden. He operated the Law Offices of John J. Courtney in Malden for over 20 years seeking fair legal representation for all.
In 2007, he survived an attack by a client he was defending in Norfolk Superior Court. After receiving emergency room treatment, his resolve to defend his client never wavered. He returned to court the following day to continue, only to be denied by the presiding Judge.
For his dedication throughout his career, Jack was the recipient of the 2014 Edward J. Duggan Private Counsel Award for zealous advocacy and outstanding legal services to the poor.
A longtime member of the Lynn Volunteer Yacht Club, Jack loved boating with his wife and daughters. For 25 years, he and Judy served as members of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, using their boat Angels Three as a registered vessel for official duties. Jack loved being on the ocean, always on the lookout for an adventure to entertain his family. The month of July began with a family trip through the Cape Cod Canal on Angels Three to Dennisport where they went to the beach, swam, biked and spent time on the boat together.
In addition to playing sports in high school and college, Jack’s love for athletics continued throughout his life. He played semi-professional football, recreational softball at Pine Banks and swam and biked regularly. A proud Irishman, he was true to his heritage with a quick yet dry sense of humor and loved Irish music and a good, spirited debate.
Jack was a big hearted, humble man who was passionate about life. He centered his life on his family and he cherished every minute of it. He was a passionate supporter of all things his daughters were involved in. Regardless of where and when, he was always their biggest fan. He passed his enthusiasm for Notre Dame onto his children and returned to his alma mater many times for family trips and football games. At home with his daughters, he loved cooking pizzas or making apple pie and was known for his love of the charcoal grill. According to Jack the “four hour hot dog” was slower but always tasted better. He was a loving husband, devoted father and cherished his granddaughter, Courtney.
Jack was a source of great strength, humor and love for his family and his spirit will live on in their hearts forever.
Jack was the beloved husband of Judy F. (Henry) Courtney with whom he shared 37 years of marriage. He was the cherished father of Kathleen A. “Katie” Courtney of Melrose, Kerry Lynne Brennan and her husband John of Stoneham and Colleen Rose Robinson and her husband Eric of Melrose. He was the proud grandfather of Courtney A. Brennan.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Jack’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, July 19, from 2 to 6 p.m., and again on Monday at 8 a.m. before leaving in procession to St. Mary Church, Herbert Street, Melrose, for his Funeral Mass celebrated at 9 a.m.
Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. For online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
