Jack Hackett

Jack was born in Fall River, MA on August 10, 1941 to Alice Hackett.  He was educated in Fall River, graduated from Durfee High School (1959), went on to the former Bradford Durfee College of Technology(now UMD) from which he graduated in 1963.  After attending Bridgewater State College, he was appointed a teacher and remained dedicated for 43 years to teaching 4th graders at the John J Doran School, here in the city.

Along with his professional involvement, Jack was one of the Founding Fathers of Slow-Pitch Softball in this area.  He was not only an Officer in the Scholarship City Softball League, but was an outstanding player, coach and Manager.  Over the years Jack’s teams had won numerous Titles but the one he was most proud of was the 2002 State “C” Championship that allowed his team “Stadium Sports” to represent our city in Montgomery, AL.  In 2012 another honor was bestowed on Jack.  The softball field at Father Kelly Park was named “The Jack Hackett Softball Field”.

As if that was not enough to keep him busy, he organized the MIB, a USA sanctioned umpires group.  He also officiated High School Girls’ Fast Pitch Softball, Field Hockey & Basketball.  He was also active in the Tiverton’s Men Softball League.

Jack has sacrificed greatly for his love of the game of Softball and would always impress on the players that it is only a game and that family comes first.

He was formerly married to Marie “Fran” Furtado Hackett.  They had three boys: Dr. David Hackett (wife Nora) of Belmont, MA, Atty. Len Hackett of Jacksonville, FL and Paul Hackett (wife Candi), who retired after 20 years of service from the Air Force, of San Antonio, TX.

Jack inherited 4 other children when he married his beloved, Natalie Petrone Hackett in 1992:  Thomas M. Salvo (wife Kim) of Farmington, CT, Kimberly Salvo-Conlon (husband Dave) & Christine Salvo of Fall River, MA and Claudia Bussiere (wife-Erika) of Somerset, MA.

Jack and Natalie shared 13 Grandchildren:  David Ara, Mari & Ani Hackett, Jacob, Dylan & Audrey Hackett and Brittany & Jordan Hackett.  Gregory Molinar & Sebastian Salvo, Bryan & Chantelle Howard, and Christopher Salvo.  They also shared 9 Great-grandchildren:  Mia Mae & James David Fraser, Quentin, Mylah & Cy Molinar, Kamryn & Brayden Howard, and Grace & Caleb Salvo. Also, two step-great, granddaughters Nailah Rodriguez and Olive Dumas.

Also surviving is Jack’s brother Bob Hackett (wife Colleen) of Fall River, MA, who was truly Jack’s Big brother.  He also leaves half-brother Tom Fleury (wife Linda) of FL, and half-sisters, Jane McGovern (husband Peter) of CT and Eliza Leadbeater of NH and step-brother Gerry Hickey (wife Ann) of MA.  Additionally he leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

But one must mention the many, many comrades in sports that Jack met, befriended and influenced.  He was a member of the FREA, MTA, NEA, USA BFHUA, SMBO, MIB, a member of the IPC (Italian Progressive Club) and most recently was inducted as a member of the Fall River Elks Lodge #118.  He was inducted into the Fall River Scholarship City Softball Hall of Fame in 1986. 

He was affectionately called “Einstein” because of his wild, white hair but most that knew him, knew him as Jack “Mr Softball”, always with a smile, a sparkle in his clear blue eyes and a story to share.

HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS

A visitation will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 12:00 to 3:00 PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial is private.