John ‘Jack’ Linso, 52, West Roxbury native
John “Jack” Linso, an MBTA train starter and beloved figure in his native West Roxbury, died peacefully while surrounded by his family on Thursday, after a courageous, 18-month battle against colon cancer. He was 52. The son of Frances and the late Francis Linso, Mr. Linso graduated from Catholic Memorial in 1983 and later from the University of Massachusetts Boston, where he met the love of his life, Katie, a teacher in the Boston Public Schools. As Mr. Linso forged a 28-year career at the MBTA, he and Katie brought five children into the world — Danny, Frankie, Ellen, Mary Kate and Nora. Attending his children’s many and varied sporting events was one of Mr. Linso’s great joys.
An avid runner and swimmer, Mr. Linso ran several Boston Mar- athons and played hockey every week with his Kelleher Cup team.
In addition to his wife, Katie, Mr. Linso is survived by three sisters, Mary Bradley of Norton, Janice Badessa of Dedham and Ann Nash of Charlotte, N.C.; two brothers, Andy and David, both of West Roxbury; many nieces and nephews; and a legion of lifelong friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. tomorrow at St. Theresa of Avila Church, West Roxbury.
Visiting hours are today from 3 to 8 p.m. at Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., West Roxbury.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Anna’s Pals at www. annaspals.org.