John T. Spillane
Passed on November 21, 2023
Resident of Holbrook, MA
John Thomas Spillane, age 85 of Holbrook, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on November 21, 2023 surrounded by family. John is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Joanne Elaine Spillane, his three daughters and their spouses, Julie Spillane Hamilton and Bob Hamilton of Abington, Massachusetts, Jennifer Spillane Hayes and Brandon Hayes of Atlanta, Georgia, and Christine Spillane Fera and Peter Fera of San Antonio, Texas, and eight grandchildren, Peter Fera (23), Bobby Hamilton (22), John Fera (21), Kevin Hamilton (20), Maddie Hayes (19), Alex Hayes (18), Andrew Fera (17), and Kate Hayes (11).
John was born in Holbrook on May 3, 1938 to Atty Edward and Adele Spillane, one of seven children. He is survived by his six brothers and sisters, Atty Edward Spillane, Francis Spillane, Adele Barrett, Atty William Spillane, Kathleen Cullen, and Mary Berg. John graduated from Holbrook High School in 1956, then proceeded to earn a BA from Stonehill College in 1960, an M.Ed in 1964 and an M.Ed in counseling in 1983 from Bridgewater State College, and a CAGS in administration, planning, and social policy from Harvard University Graduate School of Education in 1981.
John served as a teacher in Holbrook Public Schools for 28 years, all but one at Holbrook High School. He taught economics and government courses and acted as department chair for social studies, foreign languages, and art. In 1988, he was appointed to the position of Superintendent of Holbrook Public Schools, a position he held for eight years until he retired in 1996. In 1993, John was awarded Charter Membership in the Holbrook/Sumner High School “Hall of Fame.”
Elected to the Holbrook Board of Selectmen in 1966, John served five consecutive terms over a fifteen-year period until 1981, making him the longest-serving selectman in the history of Holbrook. For six of these years, he performed the role of Chairman of the Board. In addition, John served on many town committees, including CETA and Self-Help, and he authored Holbrook’s cable TV license while Chairman of the Holbrook Permanent Cable Television Committee. John was a charter member of the Holbrook Historical Society, a trustee of Union Cemetery, a town meeting member, and a member of the Democratic Town Committee. He belonged to the NEA, MTA, HEA, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association.
John has been an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church all his life. He has served as lector, offertory collector, and member of the finance committee that worked tirelessly to eliminate the long-standing parish debt.
The family invites you to join them for a period of visitation on Friday, November 24, 2023 from 4-7pm pm at the Hurley Currie Funeral Home, 127 South Franklin Street (Rt. 37), Holbrook. Funeral gathering to begin at the funeral home on Saturday, November 25th at 10:15am followed by a funeral mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Holbrook at 11am, interment to follow at Union Cemetery, Holbrook. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Town of Holbrook Scholarship Committee (checks payable to the Town of Holbrook, Treasurer, 50 North Franklin Street, Holbrook, MA 02343).
We lost a great man yesterday. I am proud to say John was my friend.
I was fortunate enough to follow in John’s footsteps on the Holbrook Board of Selectmen and the first thing I did was to talk to John. He gave me great advice and was always there for me when I needed counsel.
His best advice to was “don’t tell people what they want to hear but simply tell the truth and you’ll be better off.” I often used that sage advice during my career at Massport Fire-Rescue and leading the Town of Holbrook.
Thanks John.
Condolences and prayers from the Novoa family, so very hard to depart from our loved ones. May faith and prayers along with cherished memories help carry you through this time.
Paco & Denise Novoa
Fair Oaks Ranch TX
I offer my deepest condolences to Joanne and the entire Spillane family. John was a leader in the community for many years and his intelligence and wisdom benefitted the community in countless ways. He was also, foremost, a family man who spoke of his family with pride and love.
John had a long life of service. My prayers are with you.
Anthony Baxter
I remember seeing John at church almost every weekend for years and sometimes around town as well. He was a very nice man. My condolences to his family. May he RIP.
Mrs. Spillane, Mrs. & Mr. Hamilton, Bobby, Kevin, and the entire Spillane Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Spillane, a wonderful man and staunch supporter of all the teachers, faculty, administration, clergy, and students of St. Francis of Assisi School and Parish. Whatever was needed; whatever help, or support could be given; no questions asked; there it was. I remember cases of printer paper, boxes of pencils, wonderful notes thanking us, and acknowledging our hard work, and especially flowers at the end of each year, as well as, when Bobby and Kevin graduated. Your special Angel is watching over, and protecting all of you from Heaven every day. Please know that each and every one of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you peace, love, and comfort.
Mrs. Dobrev (SFA)