Dr. Jack Joseph Tucker

Jack Joseph Tucker, DDS, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, partner, and friend, died peacefully at the age of 96 in his home in Dallas surrounded by family on October 5, 2025. Jack was born on July 23, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, to loving but struggling immigrant parents, Edes and Meyer Tucker. Raised during the Great Depression, he learned not only the value of hard work but also how to find creative fun. His two older siblings described him as smart but mischievous. In spite of his antics that occasionally got him into trouble, he managed to master the serious education required to become a successful professional while never losing the childlike playfulness that defined the rest of his life and made him lovable to all who knew him.

Jack practiced dentistry as a U.S. Army Captain (in Texas and New Mexico) and in private practice in New City, New York, prior to an introduction by his cousin to a young social worker, Carol Abbott, whom he married in June, 1963. The couple moved to San Antonio, Texas, in 1965, where they raised three children as Jack practiced general dentistry. Jack loved family more than anything else. But he loved having his hands in people’s mouths almost as much, practicing in multiple locations in San Antonio for the majority of his career. The “go and do” guy, Jack reveled in taking his children on countless outings (even while he cared for his own aging mother in their home) and encouraging them to shine in their own academic pursuits. After becoming empty-nesters, he and Carol kept busy, performing as clowns for the Shriners, learning country-western dancing, traveling, visiting grandchildren, and exploring anything new or interesting happening in their community (especially if related to ethnic food and markets).

After the loss of Carol to cancer in 2004, Jack moved to Dallas to be near two of his adult children and continued to practice dentistry until age 84, while also playing important roles in the lives of his grandchildren. He was lucky to find love again not just once, but twice, growing his extended family and filling his time with joy and adventures along the way. Jack was particularly proud to have been an original participant since 1986 in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, a longitudinal research initiative of the Harvard School of Public Health. He looked forward every year to submitting his survey as his contribution toward the understanding of lifestyle and nutrition on men's health and longevity. When meeting his own health challenges, Jack found strength in his family as he faced prostate cancer and Parkinson’s with defiance and grit until he could fight no more.

Jack was an event. Where he went, there was always a story, a practical joke, an adventure, a listening ear, and curiosity about anything new. He was an avid student of history and politics, able to interpret current events in the context of his personal experiences during World War II and the McCarthy era. His wisdom ran from dietary advice (avoid sugar and lectins) to his theory of circles (pay attention to how people treat those closest to them). He counseled that only 10% of any job will be fun and exciting, but if you enjoy the 90% that is routine, you’ll never be disappointed with your work. He was liberal with his time and attention, making all who knew him feel special and connected. To quote a close friend, “We all want to be Jack when we grow up.”

Jack is predeceased by his wife, Carol Abbott Tucker, and Lanie Richman. He is survived by his children Susan (Robert) Sugerman, Sharon Tucker, and David Tucker; grandchildren Ian Sugerman, Adam (Noa Buxt) Sugerman, Seth Sugerman, and Jeffrey Clarke; great-grandson Graham Sugerman; and Rosalie Sternberg. His life was enriched by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, Richman’s and Sternberg children and their families, his lifelong family friends, and a certain Nigerian ophthalmologist. His family is grateful for the support of Cambridge Caregivers, Meggie Mwareke, and Hailey Shapiro, who helped keep Jack’s last years entertaining and well-nourished.

Burial service will be held graveside on Thursday, October 9, at 10:00 am at Temple Beth-El Memorial Park in San Antonio, Texas.

Contributions may be made in Jack’s memory to the Harvard School of Public Health, www.hsph.harvard.edu/give (indicate that the gift is in support of the Friends of the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study Fund).