A friend to all; educator
MELROSE — J. Peter Regan was born in the then called Melrose Hospital on December 12, 1937 to James P. Regan and Gertrude I. (Smith) Regan.
He died, after a long illness in the loving presence of his wife and children on November 24, 2022.
Peter attended St. Mary’s grammar school and graduated from Melrose High School in 1955.
He received his BA from Boston College in 1960 and his MBA from Northeastern University in 1969.
After 10 years in industry, he decided to follow his heart into education and enjoyed 34 plus years as a Professor of Business at North Shore Community College, about which he always said “he never had a bad day.” Even as his health worsened, he was still encouraging workers at hospitals and rehab facilities to think about enhancing their educations.
He used his business degrees in his J. Peter Regan RE Co. in downtown Melrose for 20 years, which he really enjoyed.
Peter and his family spent 30 years at Popponesset on the Cape and numerous trips to Vermont, where family lived.
Peter leaves his loving wife of 62 years, Mary J. (Fahey) Regan, his beloved children, Kathleen M. Dunn and her husband Timothy J.Dunn of Barre, Vt., Michael J. of Melrose, Peter J. and his wife Janet L. Coit of Barrington, RI and Susan J. Regan of Montgomery, Vt. He leaves his cherished grandchildren Joseph C. Regan and Nina C. Regan of New York City, N.Y.
Peter’s siblings are John E. Smith (deceased), Carole F. Regan and Robert F. Regan, both of Melrose.
Over the years Peter loved dancing, racquetball, tennis, sailing and storytelling. He was involved in many aspects of service in his community such as Special Olympics, including gym and swim, dances and baseball league in concert with the Melrose K of C. He was an active member of Rotary for many years.
Visiting hours will be held at Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 9-10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Burial will follow at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Peter’s name to either of the food pantries, A Servant’s Heart, Faith Evangelical Church, 200 Franklin St., Melrose or Pantry of Hope, First Baptist Church, 561 Main St., Melrose. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
