Known for his selflessness and kindness to others

NORTH READING — John (Jack) S. Tobin, 82, of North Reading, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 26, 2023.

Jack was born in Lowell on December 5, 1940, to Thomas and Mary (McGlynn) Tobin.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Kathy, whom he married on August 28, 1965, as well as his four loving children and their spouses – Matthew Tobin (and his wife Kendra), Meg Sacchetti (and her husband Tony), Maura DeLeo (and her husband Richard), and Bridget Davis (and her husband Chris). He has eight adoring grandchildren across Wisconsin, New Jersey and Massachusetts – Liam, Anthony, Isabella, Merrick, Morgan, Ashley, Samantha and Halle.

He is also survived by his brothers Thomas, Brendan and Kevin and his sister Miriam as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jack graduated Keith Academy High School in Lowell and then proudly served in the Marines Corps.  He went on to graduate from St. Anselm College and obtained his master’s degree from Northeastern University.  Jack worked for over 40 years in Probation, both in Lowell and Boston.  He retired in 2009 after serving nearly 30 years as Chief Probation Officer of the Boston Municipal Court.  Jack had the privilege of working with wonderful friends and colleagues and mentored hundreds of probation officers over his career.  He was a lifelong learner, an avid reader of books of all kinds. Jack never wavered in his quest both to learn and share knowledge with others – whether it was sharing his wisdom with his grandchildren or teaching courses on criminal justice to students at Anna Maria College. Jack loved to travel across the US and Europe. He had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying hiking, camping, bike riding, and skiing.

Jack was known for his selflessness and kindness to others. Friends and family relied on him for advice and assistance in the face of challenges. He was trustworthy and humble, never sharing details of these acts of kindness he performed. He led his team in the same manner that he parented, with high expectations but always providing guidance and the comfort of a safety net. His quick wit was evident until his last days, his wry humor breaking tension as it always had.

His love of Kathy was clear to anyone who met them. This love created both an unbreakable foundation for the entire family, as well as a model that his children aspire to emulate.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading.  His funeral will be held on Friday, February 3 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, 186 Woburn St., Reading. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to:  Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School Development Office, 203 Lawrence Street  Methuen, MA 01844. To send an online message of condolence please go to www.croswellfuneralhome.com.