On June 9, 2022, John M. McNamara of Fairport, NY lost his life in a motorcycle accident. For those that know him, you know he left this earth doing something he loved. Known to everyone as Jack, Jacko, Jack Mac or just Mac. He never met a stranger and his bigger than life personality was shown to all who met him. His fun loving, kindhearted nature radiated off of him. One friend described him as having his own personal Zen. He was often referred to as the nicest guy you would ever meet, could always make people smile, was hardworking, dedicated and loved with all his heart. His kind, gentle, and always happy nature could not be forgotten. Jack enjoyed many things including sailing, riding his motorcycle, reading a good book, playing his games on his iPad, watching a car show, playing cards, being with his friends, and what would give him the most joy was spending time with his family. He was one in a million and will be leaving a big void in this world. Heaven surely gained another angel.
Jack had a very successful career with quite a few accomplishments. He dedicated his entire career to the fire alarm industry, an industry whose singular goal is to protect people. Through his work as a member of many industry committees, Jack helped guide standards and regulations that have made the world a safer place. He also served on the AFAA Board of Directors for more than 10 years, serving as President (2014 – 2016). In his 45+ years in the fire protection industry, Jack served on numerous NFPA Technical Committees, UL STP’s and was chairman of the NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturing Association), Section 3SB (2009-2014). Jack was instrumental in promoting life safety globally and will be truly missed.
John M. McNamara was born on October 25, 1949, in Quincy, MA to John A. and Madeleine McNamara. He was a 1967 graduate of Daniel Hand High School. Jack joined the Navy in 1969 as an Electronics Communications Technician. During the time in service, he attained the rank of Petty Officer Second Class and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation and ahonorable discharge in 1975. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Mark all of Madison, CT. Jack is survived by his brother, Robert, of Milton, DE and his sister, Jeanne, of Westbrook, CT; his daughter Michelle Drabek (Jeff) of Franklinton, NC, sons Jack JR (Jamie) of Wadsworth, IL, Joe (Lisa) of Woodstock, IL, Jim (Tracy) of Wonder Lake, IL and stepson Jason Martin (Sonja) of Middleboro, MA. Jack, who was lovingly referred to as Papa, has also left behind many grandchildren: Shayla, Rori, Tristan, Brenden, Brianna, Cierra, Hailey, Avery, Hayden, Justine, Jeremy, Jacob, Ben, & Sammy, and one great grandchild Dalton.
After a private viewing with his children, Jack’s wishes were honored, and he was cremated and a Memorial Service will be planned next Summer out on the coast of the Carolinas.
In Lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to either of the following:
Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA)
Attn: Fire Techs of The Future Scholarship
3246 Noe Bixby Road, Ste 101
Columbus, OH 43232
**Jack was instrumental in creating this scholarship fund through AFAA and the first one was given out just last week.
******** OR*******
Made4Me
5540 Atlantic Springs Rd, Ste 101
Raleigh, NC 27616
www.made4me.org
**He also was a huge supporter this nonprofit in NC that his daughter and her family are a part of.
Comments
23 responses to “McNamara, John Michael”
YOU were a great mate at our Navy duty stations. We enjoyed being with you and your family while stationed together. Even after you left the Navy we kept in touch. May you watch over your whole family and R.I.P.
YOU were a great mate at our Navy duty stations. We enjoyed being with you and your family while stationed together. Even after you left the Navy we kept in touch. May you watch over your whole family.
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I will keep your family in my prayers and thoughts.
Before meeting him I’ve heard the legend of Jack for years and then in 2015 I had the opportunity to meet and briefly work with him and was quite an experience! He was truly a great guy always open to help and teach others.
I’ll always be grateful for what I’ve learned from him and I wish I spent more time working at his side.
To his family, I’ll keep you in my prayers and I wish you find in your heart the strength to overcome the loss of a great human. His love and laugh will be with us forever.
Have a great ride Jack!!
Proud family member and big brother to Mark, my roomate who you join in heaven with mom and dad. Condolences to the Mcnamara family.
Jack will truly be missed. He encouraged me to keep pursuing my passion even when things weren’t going my way. I leaned on him for guidance as I gained new responsibilities and he made the world around us safer, as he made life a little more fun, and full of love for those in her inner circle. Rest in peace Jack Mac and prayers for peace and comfort to the McNamara family.
Rest in Peace, Jack. Condolences to all the family and friends who will surely miss him.
Wow, just can’t believe you have flown off to heaven. Have a great time up there. My brother Kenney will probably catch up with you as he also loved to ride. Peace & Love, Christine McDowell.
So incredibly sorry for your loss. I worked with Jack for years at Bosch and after I left we connected on Facebook to keep in touch. What a great, great guy. An absolute pleasure to be around. He will be missed.
My condolences. I rember Jack. He graduated with my sister Shai Cassell. He was a kind human being. God rest his soul
I had the honor to meet Jack while working at Bosch in the US. He helped me so much professionally and became a good friend during my time in Rochester. Even when I returned to Germany, we stayed in contact and I was so happy he came to my wedding there. My husband and I have so many great memories of Jack, he truely was an amazing person with such a welcoming personality. He will be missed and remembered by us here in Germany.
My condolences to his family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thoughts and ?? to your family Jack and RIP . You were a kind soul.
Jack was truly one of a kind. I will miss Jack’s wit and humor most.He was a great leader in our industry and I’m thankful our paths crossed. Jack where ever you are thanks for everything.
Thank you for your kind words
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the family as I have since the accident. I am sorry for your loss.
Thank you
My family moved from MA to Madison Ct at the beginning of 7th grade, I was not happy about it, Jack was the first friend I made in CT and he helped change my whole view of the move! We fished, camped, had BB gun wars, and did other things together. Later, as our lives took seperate paths, Jack always made a point of staying in touch and showing up to wherever we lived. We always had a ball! When my Dad was going through a rough patch Jack made a point of taking him and his wife out to dinner in Las Vegas, Dad talked about this until the day he died!. Jack was a loyal, funny, great friend, My wife, daughters, and son are all sad and have nothing but fond memories. He left us too early1 Our condolences to his family and numerous friends.
Thank you Dan!!! He spoke of you quite often too! Thank you for the memory and you are so right in saying he left us too early! Hugs to you and your family
Thank you Dan,! I miss you and Becky
Love this guy. Awesome friend.
Jack Mac was truly larger than life. Although our meetings were typically brief, and sometimes years apart, a few hours at Gamewell in Ashland, a shared taxi ride to or from some airport, a lunch at a trade show, or a phone call from Rochester, the impression Jack made lasted. When Jack offered to help he meant it. You knew when he said he would do something it would get done and when he gave his word it was as good as gold. I am honored to have known Jack and will be forever grateful for the lessons he taught me as I grew up in and learned the fire alarm business. Thank you Jack. You are missed and will be for a long time to come. God bless
Jack and I served together on several UL Standards Technical Panels, helping to improve the performance of life safety systems. I respected the wisdom he brought to the process and always found him to be a straight shooter who made a difference. Heartfelt condolences to his family and close friends..
Thank you for sharing your experience with him