John Francis "Jack" Lyons Obituary (1934 - 2026)

John Francis Lyons, age 91, a longtime resident of Dracut, passed away peacefully at The Residence at Freeman Lake, Chelmsford on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. In typical fashion, he held court to the very end, telling jokes, complimenting staff, and singing with a hint of an Irish brogue. He left this life still full of life. He was the beloved husband of Angela C. (Gallagher) Lyons with whom he enjoyed 64 years of marriage. He was born in Lowell on February 6, 1934, and was the son of the late George M. and Marion H. (McPherson) Lyons. Known as Jack, he was raised in the Centralville area of Lowell where he was a graduate of St. Michael’s Grammar School and Keith Academy Class of 1952. He honorably served his country in the US Navy during the Korean conflict. Following his service, he worked at the First National Store where he met the love of his life, Angela, and they married in 1961. He graduated from Merrimack College with a degree in accounting in 1962 and began work for the United States Government as a Supervisory Contract Auditor at DCAA where he worked until his retirement in 1989. Jack’s time in the Navy was only the beginning of what would be a lifetime of service to his community. His success in local politics was a testament to who he was as a person, and his accounting skills created the perfect balance between what was most beneficial for the town while always considering its impact on the townspeople - he was one of the few politicians that people actually liked. He served in Dracut as the Chairman of the Dracut Finance Committee, Chairman/Member of the Board of Selectman (16 years), President/Treasurer of the Dracut Lions Club, Member of the LRTA, Chairman of the Cable Advisory Committee, Chairman/Member of the DATV Board of Directors (12 years) and Member of the Annual Dracut Charity Golf Tournament Committee. In 2024, after more than 45 years of service to his town, Jack was elated to receive the Varnum Award given annually to a Dracut resident who exemplifies the civic and patriotic spirit of one of the town’s forefathers. Jack was an avid golfer and played on courses throughout New England, the Carolinas and Florida with Angela where they were known by their nicknames “Duke and Ginger”. He enjoyed cribbage games with his family and bowling with Angela. He especially loved his family traditions including holiday get togethers, summer vacations at Seabrook Beach and in Ocean Park, Maine, fall golf trips with Angela to Mashpee, MA, and a good dinner out any day of the week. Jack and Angela were regular visitors to Foxwoods Casino in CT, where he loved to people-watch. He dearly loved a laugh and regaled his grandchildren with tricks, tall tales and even occasionally performing rap songs he would make up on the spot. He was well-loved at The Residence at Freeman Lake, where he lived in his final year. Habits developed during a lifetime of civic service were on display until the end - Jack was known for his strong handshake and love of engaging with everyone he met, dubbed “The Mayor” by Freeman Lake staff. He often referred to those he was partial to with an endearing “pal”. He also had the unique ability to use the same term for those he didn’t particularly agree with by using “pal” in a completely different tone and context – one always knew where they stood with Jack. He was a longtime communicant of St. Marguerite D’Youville church in Dracut where he also served in various positions throughout the years. Always an advocate for the church, he encouraged infrequent church goers to put a little extra in the basket because, with a twinkle in his eye, he said it would pay off in the end. Jack’s greatest pride was his family. For 64 years, he and Angela watched it grow in love and number. His paternal strength, always present, was never brighter than with the passing of his beloved son, John. In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his three children Christine Alicea and her husband Edgardo of Hampton, NH, Jennifer Whitney and her husband Todd of Amherst, NH, Thomas Lyons of Hudson, NH, and daughter-in-law Jacqui (Cowles) Lyons of Chicago, IL; 12 grandchildren Julia (Eliopoulos) Schimmoller and her husband Nathan, Mia Eliopoulos, Hannah, Andrew and Cameron Whitney, Tiara, Alanna and Catrina Lyons, Jack and Jillian Lyons, Jessica Young and her husband Scott, Vanessa Gravell and her husband Michael; and 5 Great-grandchildren Quinn, Carter, Maverick, Everly, and Lincoln. Survivors also include former son-in-law Peter Eliopoulos of Lowell and New York City. He was predeceased by his son, John M. Lyons, and his brother, George J. Lyons. It being his wishes, his Funeral Service and Interment will be held privately. Our family wishes to thank the caregivers and staff at The Residence at Freeman Lake and Hands and Hearts Hospice, who became an extended family and provided comfort, dignity and friendship.