Lieutenant John 'Jack' Real

     John “Jack” Real, Age 86, a lifelong resident of Watertown, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2024. The beloved husband of Jane (Cataldo) Real for 60 Years. Devoted father of Shaun Real and his wife Cara of Canton, MA; Mike Real and his wife Maria of East Lyme, CT; Mariellen Real of Nashua, NH; and Tim Real of South Boston, MA. “Grandpa” to John, Brendan, Matthew, Lauren, Emerson, Hannah and Caroline. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Eleanor of Watertown, and his brother Thomas Real. He is also leaving behind his sister, Catherine Dwyer, brother Edward Real, and many nieces and nephews.
     Jack was a 1956 graduate of St. Patrick’s High School in Watertown, after which he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country for 4 years. Upon returning, he met a young nurse named Jane Cataldo, who was taking care of his mother in the hospital. Jack and Jane were soon married and settled in Watertown. Jack joined the Watertown Police and served his community for 33 years in a variety of roles, including being in charge of the Detective Unit, rising to the rank of Lieutenant, and also serving as the Watertown Police Prosecutor at Waltham District Court.

     Jack and Jane raised their four children in Watertown, creating lifelong friendships. In a house full of sports fanatics, Jack never missed a game played by any of his children, even if it meant driving to Orono, Maine to watch a hockey game, and then turn around and drive back home that night. Jack was obsessed with the game of golf and was a long-time member at Marlboro Country Club. He continued to play the game of golf right into his 80’s, and he ”shot his age” so many times that he lost count.
     Jack/Dad/Grandpa will be greatly missed by his family, friends and many people whose lives he touched. Family and friends are welcome to come celebrate Jack's life by gathering for visiting hours in the Nardone Funeral Home, 373 Main St., Watertown, MA, on Sunday February 18, 2024  from 2 to 5 pm and again on Monday February 19, 2024 at 9AM, followed by a 10AM Funeral Mass in St Patrick's Church in Watertown. Burial to follow in Ridgelawn Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to:

The Sonny Whooley Foundation 

c/o Watertown Savings Bank

60 Main St. Watertown, MA 02472
 

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