John F. Fagan

Newport, RI - John F. Jack Eppa Fagan, Jr., 85, a Native Newporter, died peacefully Friday, January 20, 2012 at home surrounded by his family.He was the loving husband of Marilyn Mink Minkler Fagan. Born in Newport, RI on February 18, 1926, he was the son of the late John Francis and Mary Asher Fagan. Jack was a 1944 graduate of De La Salle Academy where he played football. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and was on the cruiser USS Dayton in the Pacific. After the war he came home and began his career as a postal carrier preferring to walk his route when they offered vehicles. As an adult Jack continued to play football for a Semi-pro team the Newport All Stars. He was a lifetime member of the Newport Elks, an avid sports fan who enjoyed bowling on the Cappys Team and also enjoyed photography, wood crafting and making birdhouses. Jacks favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, and nothing pleased him more than having the whole family together whether it be here in Newport or at their vacation home in New Hampshire. Jack loved dogs especially his wire haired fox terriers. Besides his wife of 63 years, he is survived by his son Peter Fagan of Middletown, RI, his daughters, Lynn Fagan Martellini of Hudson, NH, and Kim Fagan Jarvis and her husband Michael of Melvin Village, NH, his six grandchildren, Kara Fagan of Middletown, RI, Kristen Fagan of Virginia Beach, VA, Jessica Fagan of Portsmouth, NH, Kerri Thomas and her husband Jarred of Middletown, CT and Jillian Jarvis of Warwick, RI, Audra Mayuski and her husband Jay of Portsmouth, NH, and his great grandson Jack Mayuski of Portsmouth, NH.Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2012, from 1:00-3:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.His funeral will be held on Monday, January 23, 2012, at 8:00 am from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 am in St. Marys Church, Spring Street, Newport. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Donations in his memory may be made to Beacon Hospice, 1130 Ten Rod Road, Suite C104, North Kingstown, RI 02852 or to the Robert Potter League for Animals, PO Box 412, Newport, RI 02840.