Joachin “Jack” Urbano of Sharon, MA (formerly of Brockton, MA) died peacefully on May 2, surrounded by loving family at Norwood Hospital after a lengthy illness.
Jack was born in 1923 and grew up in Brockton, MA. After graduating in 1941 from Brockton High School, he enlisted in the US Army and served as an infantry soldier in World War II, fighting in the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He worked alongside his father and then later owned and operated the family’s Brockton-based leather business, Diamond Toplift Company.
A kind and gentle-hearted man, Jack always saw the best in people. His warm smile, cheerful disposition, and trademark whistle could brighten any room. He opened his home to everyone, and he cherished the time he spent with family and friends.
Jack’s true mission in life, however, was as the protector of all animals great and small. He could often be found rescuing ants, grasshoppers, mice, and crickets. Jack was even known to create ramps for frogs to exit the backyard pool and for stopping traffic as a family of turtles or ducks crossed the road.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Jean Taylor Urbano of Sharon, MA; his sister Ann Aloi of Braintree, MA; daughters Jody Sherpa of Denver, CO and Jackine Greenhalgh and her husband Glen of Millville, MA; sons Frank and his wife Shannon of Maple Grove, MN; and Michael and his wife Carole of Wakefield, MA. He is survived by eight grandchildren including Sean DeLong of Providence, RI; Easton and Jack Urbano of California, Frank, Jr. and Savanah Urbano of Maple Gove, MN; Tsering Sherpa of Denver, CO; and MJ and Catherine Urbano of Wakefield, MA; and one great-grandchild, Braylen Oliver-Urbano of Maple Grove, MN. He is also survived by a large extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends invited to attend a funeral service at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton Monday at noon. Visiting hours prior to the service Monday from 11 to 12 noon. Burial Rock Ridge Cemetery, Sharon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130 or at www.mspca.org