John Lane Sr.

Waterford — John “Jack” William Lane Sr., 80, of Waterford died unexpectedly but peacefully at home on Monday, June 27, 2016. Jack is survived by M. Suzanne (Ahrold) Lane, his patient and loving wife of 55 years.

Jack Lane was born in Bangor, Maine, on June 8, 1936, the son of John B. and Ruby S. (Turner) Lane. A mechanical engineer, Jack graduated from Villanova University in 1960 and earned a master of science degree from the Naval Post Graduate School in 1972.

Jack retired as a lieutenant commander from the U.S. Navy in 1980, having served on the USS Saint Paul (CA-73); the Halfbeak (SS 352) and the Sailfish (SS 572). Upon retirement from the Navy, Jack joined the former Taurio Corp. of Groton, as a mechanical engineer. A recognizable figure in town politics for many years, Jack relished the time he spent as moderator for the Waterford RTM. Having sailed around the world in his younger days, Jack spent the last decades of his life at his favorite place — his beloved Waterford home and Christmas tree farm.

In addition to his wife, Suzanne, Jack is survived by his son, John Lane Jr. of Lebanon; four daughters, Kathleen Lane and Deirdre Lane of Des Moines, Iowa, Shauna Lane of Westchester, N.Y., and Megan Eldridge of San Clemente, Calif.; and by eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday in St. Matthias Church, East Lyme. Interment will be in the Connecticut State Veteran Cemetery, Bow Lane, Middletown.

Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com for directions or to leave a condolence message for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to a charity of your choice. See charitynavigator.org