John Francis "Jack" Alden, 64, of Fairhaven died Thursday August 21, 2003 unexpectedly at home.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Wallace and Rita (Norris) Alden, he lived in New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Mattapoisett for most of his life. He was a graduate of Fairhaven High School and Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas.
Mr. Alden was formerly employed as a teacher in the Fall River and New Bedford Public School Systems, where he specialized in the learning disabilities programs in their formative years.
In his earlier years, he was an avid tennis player. He currently enjoyed watching the Old Rochester Regional High School tennis team. He had coached little league baseball in Mattapoisett. He was an avid sports fan, especially the Boston Red Sox, the Boston Celtics, and the New England Patriots.
Mr. Alden had been a volunteer at the Millicent Library in Fairhaven, and the Hayden-McFadden and Ottiwell Schools, both in New Bedford. He was a member of the environmental group, Hands Across the River. At Oxford Terrace where he resided, he belonged to a group called the Oxford Terriers who met nightly to resolve the problems of the world. He enjoyed traveling, history, music, and crossword puzzles. He maintained a vast collection of CDs of all types, ranging from classical to jazz show tunes. He was a supporter of the Friends of the Boston Pops, public television and public radio, and the American Diabetes Association.
Survivors include a son, Thomas J. Alden of Martha's Vineyard; his former wife and friend, Kay Hanley Alden of Mattapoisett; two aunts, Eileen Paul of New Bedford and Louise Harrington of New Jersey; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Doris and Joseph DeClue of DeSoto, Missouri; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.He was the brother of the late Wallace Alden.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett Monday August 25, 2003 at 9 AM.Funeral Mass at St. Anthony's Church at 10 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Sunday August 24, 2003 from 2-4 and 7-9. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Bedford.