John Edward “Jack” Fife, Jr.

He found joy in helping those in need

John Edward Fife, Jr., (“Jack”), 86, of Winthrop, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following a brief illness. He was the son of John and Esther (Macdonald) Fife.

Jack was born in Medford in 1940. Soon after, his family moved to Winthrop, where he lived for more than 80 years, most of them on Point Shirley. He graduated from Winthrop High School, Class of 1958, where he met his future wife, Ellen (Gustavson). He first attended Norwich Academy and then after marrying Ellen and starting their family, he continued his education at Northeastern University, studying electrical engineering at night.

Jack enjoyed sports, boating, skiing, travel, gardening, and learning. He was known for clipping articles he thought others might find interesting and passing them along. Of all the roles he cherished, being “Papa” was second only to being a father. He loved attending games and performances, driving his grandchildren to activities, and visiting them, no matter how far the drive. In recent years, he especially enjoyed coffee hours with friends in Winthrop Center.

Jack was kind and humble. He lived quietly and was always willing to help family, friends, and neighbors. He found joy in giving to charities and helping those in need.

Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ellen, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage, and his son, Patrick Fife. He was the devoted father of Julie Klumpenaar and her husband, Peter; Timothy Fife and his wife, Heather (Rizzo); and Heather (Fife) Adamson and her husband, James; the proud Papa of Grace and Evan Smotrich; Chantal, Brandt, and Jillian Klumpenaar; Hunter and Dylan Fife; and Step-Papa to Jimmy, Jennifer, and Jake Adamson.

He is also survived by his siblings, Jean McLeish; Robert Fife and his wife, Julie; Mary Ann Caldwell; and Anthony Fife, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice and performing a small act of kindness in Jack’s honor.

The funeral was conducted from the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop on Saturday, October 24, 2026 followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church (St. Michael’s Parish). Services concluded with the interment in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.