John J. Lincoln

John Joseph Lincoln Jr., of Norwood, affectionately known as Jack, passed away peacefully at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston on Sunday, April 19, 2026. He was 87 years old. Jack was the beloved husband for 58 years to Linda (Santy) Lincoln of Norwood.

Born in Boston to Hannah (Flynn) and John J. Lincoln, Sr., Jack was raised in the Islington neighborhood of Westwood and graduated from Westwood High School with the Class of 1956. Jack was a gifted athlete. A natural athlete, he was a three-sport varsity standout in basketball, football, and baseball. He went on to attend Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering.

In 1967 Jack married the love of his life, Linda—“Lindy,” as he affectionately called her. Jack took great pride in caring for his family. After navigating early employment challenges, he came to value the stability of working for the Town of Westwood, where he served for many years as a building custodian for Westwood Public Schools. Even in retirement, he wasn’t quite ready to slow down, returning as a school bus driver and becoming a familiar and friendly face to generations of students. Never one to sit still for long, Jack also worked with Draper Tree Service and as a contract roofer—doing whatever it took to support his family and make sure Linda didn’t have to carry more than her share.

Though hockey was not offered at Westwood High School, Jack pursued his passion by playing semi-professionally with the Walpole Sweepers and the Braintree Hawks. He also excelled in competitive Windmill Fastpitch Softball as a pitcher, earning numerous accolades and even competing against the renowned King & His Court team. Later, he shared his love of the game as a pitching coach for the Westwood High School varsity girls softball team. Jack also enjoyed golfing, cherishing both the game and the camaraderie it brought. Known to many as “Gilligan,” he could often be spotted walking the fairways (or in the woods looking for balls) in his signature white canvas bucket hat.

Jack’s favorite place in the world was the family cottage on Rexhame Beach in Marshfield—a place filled with laughter, stories, and countless memories with family and friends. He welcomed everyone with open arms, but his greatest joy was spending time there with his grandchildren, who treasured their days at “Papa’s Beach.”

In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his son Brian Lincoln and his wife Susan (Molinari) of Canton, MA. He was a proud and loving “Papa” to Eric and Renee Babineau of Norton, MA and Griffin Lincoln of Chicago, IL. Jack is also survived by two cousins, William Flynn and his wife Joan of North Kingstown, RI and Timothy Flynn of Port Hadlock, WA, as well as his in-laws Martha (Santy) Martin of Greenwood, ME, Helene (Santy) Rafferty and her husband Brian of North Hampton, NH, and Marshall Santy and his wife Marion of Gorham, NH. Jack always enjoyed trips north to visit his Santy family.

Jack was predeceased by his daughter Lori Ann Lincoln, a heartbreak he bore with quiet strength.

Jack will be remembered for his humor, resilience, and generous spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

All services are private and in the care of Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street, Norwood.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Touching Hearts at Home for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Jack’s memory to the Norwood Circle of Hope Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.