John "Jack" Patrick Courtney

John “Jack” Patrick Courtney , 74, passed away on February 7, 2024, in Long Beach, CA after a valiant fight with cancer. He was our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend.

Jack was born in Lowell, MA on September 8, 1949, to Marion and Patrick Courtney. He attended Lowell’s St. Patrick's School and the Keith Academy, where he was a star athlete alongside his older brother, Jim.  Jack was inducted into the Academy’s Hall of Fame in 2010 for his outstanding performance in both Football and Baseball.

Jack moved to Southern California in 1976, to join the rest of his family, remaining there until his passing.  Always known for being a hardworking man, Jack built a successful plumbing business in Lakewood, and was his family’s resident plumber for any and all leaks and floods.  He was an admirable businessman who tirelessly worked for much of his life.

Jack leaves behind his wife, Susan Courtney, son Chris Courtney (Massachusetts) and his wife Gina, daughter Melissa Courtney McKennon (California) and her husband Andrew, seven Grandchildren (Melissa, Kristen, Kyle, Ryan, Jack, Logan and Landon), and one Great-Grandchild (Meredith).  One of Jack’s greatest joys was being a “Grandpa” and “Papa,” and he was a hero to his beautiful Grandchildren, many who followed in his talented, athletic footsteps.

Jack was the brother to Patsy Courtney-Tarrant (deceased), James “Jim” Courtney, Caren Courtney, Sheila Brady (deceased) and MaryBeth Courtney McCartan.  He was a dear brother-in-law, cousin, uncle (“Uncle Jackie”), and friend to many.

Jack was a consummate golfer, and won the Lowell City Golf Champion in 1974, which he dedicated to his family. “I really wanted to win this tourney for my family in California,” he told the Lowell newspaper.  “They moved to Lakewood and this is the first time they haven’t been here to see me play.”  He loved to golf with his brother, son, son-in-law, brother-in-law, and friends.  Much to his joy later in life, he often played with his grandsons, Logan and Landon, who gave their Papa a run for his money on the course.

Jack was a lover of travel and the heat, often heading to the family’s desert home for golf and relaxation.  He and Susan traveled the world, by air and most definitely by sea – 18 cruises in total.  They also globe-trotted to New Zealand, Australia, South America, Paris, and of course, Ireland.

Jack’s family is comforted to know he joins his Mother and Father (Mum and Dad), oldest sister, Patricia (Patsy) Courtney Tarrant, and younger sister, Sheila Brady.  Jack’s life will be celebrated on Monday, 2/19, with a Rosary and Viewing, and Tuesday, 2/20, with a Funeral Mass – both taking place at St. Pancratius Church in Lakewood.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the City of Hope https://www.cityofhope.org/giving/give-honor-or-memory

Jack’s family thanks everyone for the love and support shown during this difficult time, and appreciates the bounty of love and prayers they’ve received from family and friends.