John E. “Jack” Tannar 80 of Natick died Friday April 14 2017 at the Mary Ann Morse Nursing Home in Natick. He was the beloved husband of Carole Ann (Plaisted) Tannar, sharing 50 years of marriage.
Born in Natick and a lifelong resident he was the son of the late Raymond and Ann (Delaney) Tannar.
Mr. Tannar was a Sales Manager for the Van Heusen and Jockey Clothing companies for over 25 years and later was in Real Estate sales with Hughes and Hughes of South Natick.
His lifelong passion was the game of hockey, playing as a youth and was a renowned coach as an adult. In 1971 Coach Tannar started the first men’s hockey team at Framingham State College which played in the ECAC Northeast Division III. After a challenging first year his team quickly became a power in its division winning 129 games in the 10 years he coached. He was proud of the fact that three players from his 1979 Championship team were invited to the 1980 Olympic Team Training Camp. He later coached Team USA-New England in the Junior Olympics and for many years coached in the Natick Comets Hockey Program. He was an avid golfer and animal lover.
Mr. Tannar was a graduate of Natick High School class of 1956 where he was a standout player on the hockey team and played his collegiate hockey at Norwich University.
Mr. Tannar was a Veteran of the United States Army Reserve.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his son John E. Tannar Jr and his wife Becky of Sutton, his daughter Stacey Keating and granddaughter Shae Keating of Natick, his brother James Tannar and his wife Sharon of Grosse Point MI, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was also the brother of the late Thomas Tannar.
Visiting hours in the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street, at Natick Common are Monday April 24 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Burial will be private.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the ASPCA 424 East 92nd Street NY, NY 10128
.