John J. “Jack” Happnie, III


MANSFIELD: John J. “Jack” Happnie,III, 65, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 6, 2018. He was born in Dorchester, the son of the late John J. Happnie, II and Mary (Cole) Happnie. The family moved to Sharon where Jack was raised playing soccer and ice hockey, which became a lifelong passion of his. He played in many ice hockey leagues well into his fifties and also coached many younger players. Jack graduated Sharon High School before earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from North Adams State. After college he met the love of his life, Cheryl, on a Fourth of July weekend at Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet, MA. Soon after they met, the two traveled to California where they settled for eight years. They were married and later relocated to the Mansfield area.

Jack was a hardworking man and was passionate about his lifelong work as a landscaper, including tireless attention to his and Cheryl’s own property. Jack was a one-of-a-kind human being who was always truly interested in learning about other peoples’ stories and helping anyone in need. The word “no” was not in his vocabulary. If you were a friend of Jack’s, you were friends for life! He loved his newspapers and had a wide variety of musical interests. Once Cheryl taught him how to vacation, the two of them enjoyed traveling back to California to visit friends and enjoyed a few cruises – one being a surprise for his birthday. They visited Prince Edward Island and Vancouver and also enjoyed some very special adventures sailing throughout the Caribbean. His genuineness and joy for life will be missed by his family and countless friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Cheryl (Taginski) Happnie, his dear mother, Mary, three brothers: Daniel Happnie and his wife Laurie of Sharon, Michael Happnie and his wife Maggie of Bridgewater, and David Happnie and his wife Mary Jane of Florida; and his sister, Deborah Allen and Dave of Foxboro along with many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Also, two sisters-in-law: Gail Conley and Jim of Franklin and Susan Sheehan of Milford. Additionaly, the ‘feline kids’ Commander and Sprinkles miss their dad.

All are invited to attend a Celebration of Jack’s life, Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 9am until 11am in the Bolea-Amici Funeral Home, 115 North Main Street, Mansfield, MA 02048 with a service starting at 11am. A private scattering of Jack’s ashes will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack’s memory may be made to: The Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 or at: https://www.alz.org/manh

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16 Condolences

  1. Teresa Maltese on December 10, 2018 at 10:40 pm

    Cheryl, I am so sorry to hear about Jack, I was just talking to Lynn Reardon. What a terrible tragedy and loss for you. I know how in love the two of you were when I first met you at Dr. Bocks office. All my prayers go out to you during this difficult time I’ll be sending you lots of love and healing energy to get through this. Please send my condolences to his family, I know what a wonderful man he was even though I only met him a few times.
    All my love,
    Teresa Maltese



  2. Patrick Murray on December 10, 2018 at 11:30 pm

    My deepest condolences to the Happnie family.



  3. Carol Hughes Gronstalski on December 11, 2018 at 1:28 am

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.



  4. Julie white on December 11, 2018 at 3:04 am

    So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and the family



  5. Jill Brandt on December 11, 2018 at 3:06 am

    Cheryl I am sorry for your loss. It is a tough one and Jack is at peace now.



  6. Kelly Tisdale on December 11, 2018 at 7:32 pm

    Cheryl,
    I’m so sorry to hear this news! Jack was a wonderful fun loving man. I remember all the fun times with you and Jack and he makes me smile thinking about our trip to the BVI’s.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you Cherly.
    Love you and Miss you,
    Kelly



  7. Jo Ann L Larson on December 12, 2018 at 5:14 am

    Cheryl. So sorry to hear about the loss of Jack, I think about all the good parties we had when you lived in San Jose. Jack was always so much fun, and loved his sports. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jo Ann Larson Sparks



  8. Elaine Murphy on December 12, 2018 at 4:32 pm

    Cheryl, I was so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. My prayers are for you both. May he rest in peace and may you live with his happy memory. What great times we had when we worked together. So many great parties and Jack was always there to make it more fun. Take care of yourself. Sending love.



  9. Amy Conley on December 12, 2018 at 8:47 pm

    Dear Cheryl,
    Michael and I are so sad for the passing of Jack. He was always so nice the few times we shared his company in Franklin. Blessings and peace to you.



  10. Edward T. Horan Jr. on December 13, 2018 at 3:08 am

    Cheryl, our hearts are filled with sadness for the loss of beloved Jack. Such a dear man with an open heart, a treasure to those who knew him, a humble servant to the earth and to all things natural and beautiful, one of a kind, eternally optimistic, always finding the good in people and things, first to lend a helping hand or a good word, accepting of the world and his place in it, loving husband, dutiful and loving son, brother, or friend and so much more, we will miss his smile, his good nature, and his warmth. Jack, when complimented or given an attaboy would simply smile and say ” I’m just a man” , I know now how much more Jack really was, and I consider how very fortunate I was to spend some time in this life with this modest and joy filled Gentleman who taught me so much My sincerest expressions and condolences Cheryl. Jack will long be remembered for who he was and those who got to experience his Kind and gentle way, Love



  11. Dan Conley on December 13, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    Dear Cheryl: Ann & I are deeply saddened by the surprise loss of your beloved Jack, who was always joyfully inquisitive and engaging with me and a delightful conversationalist. We wish you, the extended Taginski Family and the Happnie Clan wonderful and warm memories of Jack’s time with us.
    Sincerely, Dan Conley



  12. Jean Manoli on December 14, 2018 at 7:59 pm

    Dear Cheryl
    Jim and I were so sad to hear of your beloved Jack’s passing. We lost him way too young and way too quickly. We both have wonderful memories with you and him in Franklin talking about his Bruins and other sports and sharing special holidays. We wish him peace now and love to you.
    Love, Jim and Jean Manoli



  13. Susan Salemme Schein on December 15, 2018 at 12:30 am

    Sending comfort and strength. I am so very sorry for your loss. Life is a blend of love and loss but love is always stronger. Love never dies. May your memories sustain you during this difficult time.



  14. Eric Silva on December 15, 2018 at 2:12 pm

    May God bless Cheryl and the family through this tremendous loss of such a wonderful and loving person. Until we see him again I know Jack is busy lacing them up with Stan Makita and Gordie Howe, right on the first line blue line point where he deserves to be. I will do my best to praise and cheer Sprinkles and Commander when I see them hunting around the yard…missing our talks tremendously and remembering how much passion you had to help others so easily seen by all the time you gladly volunteered teaching the kids of Jason Lane street hockey and lacrosse…I hope to see you again then we can talk hockey as long as we want and our blades will never need sharpening and the ice will always be fresh…Keep the bench warm my friend…till next time we skate together…remember my buddy, always shoot high first then low stick side!



  15. Barbara Ruchie on December 28, 2018 at 11:03 pm

    Jack Sprat, as I fondly called him, is not only unique and only member in his league, he is for sure irreplaceable by any human being. Always and eternal love for Jack Sprat. XO…



  16. Stephen Danner on August 26, 2019 at 8:59 am

    Hi Cheryle , please leave me your cell number and text me a good time we can talk
    My phone is always off. My email is loftside @aol.com. Address is p o Box 1810 Hyannis 02601. Want badly to catch up I find this difficult to understand. Bar none he was my my best friend. And afternoon is my best time to talk. Any week any time just give me an opening we can talk. So sorry. Steve .



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