OP-ED: Reflecting On The Life Of John Donegan

The following piece was submitted by Lynnfield Police Chief David Breen:

I was deeply saddened when I was informed of John (Jack) Donegan”s passing. It was compounded by the fact that I was in Chicago when I heard the terrible news and consequently was unable to attend both the wake and the funeral.

When I first came to Lynnfield in 1994 after transferring from the Peabody Police Department, I had the pleasure of working with the “legend” David T. Donegan. Dave was a unique individual who taught me more about life than anyone except for my own parents. Unfortunately, we lost Dave over three years ago. It was through Dave that I met his brothers Jack, Sonny, Steve, and sister Eileen. All of them treated me as if I grew up in Lynnfield my whole life. I never met their father, but he did an admirable job in raising children that care so much about others.

Jack was a treasure the likes of which Lynnfield will probably never see again. I have fond memories of Jack but probably the most touching was when I was going in front of the Board of Selectmen to be considered for promotion to Chief of Police. Minutes before I was called into the meeting, sprinting up the stairs came Jack handing me a letter of recommendation to give to the board. It was obvious Jack wasn’t feeling good then. He was carrying a bottle of oxygen and was breathing heavy after the quick climb up the stairs at town hall. He greeted me with a smile and said “I promised you this” as he handed me a wonderful letter that still stirs emotions today.

I am sure others have similar poignant stories about Jack. That’s how he was. A man of character, a heart filled with devotion to others, and a soul full of love. I will miss Jack as will many others I am sure. For those that are in the know, perhaps God needed help keeping an eye on his brother Dave. Jack was always good at that. To his loving family, wife Annette, children Jay, Denise, Colleen, Jimmy, and Stephen, I want to extend my deepest condolences in the loss of your father. Lynnfield is truly a better place because of him.

(Note: To read John Donegan's obituary, click here.)