John J. Lane, 80, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army, Retired, of Gold Canyon, Arizona, passed away on July 4, 2019, in Mesa, Arizona.
John was born April 19, 1939, in Winthrop, Massachusetts, to John F. and Catherine L. (Manning) Lane.
He attended Winthrop High School in Winthrop, Massachusetts and continued his education at Boston College, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. John was a Distinguished Military Graduate of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) at Boston College and earned a Regular Army Commission. He went on to serve in the United States and overseas for the next two decades, retiring in 1983.
In 1962, while stationed in Aschaffenburg, Germany, John met the love of his life, a school teacher named Joyce Watkins. In 1964 they began their 55 year journey of marriage, creating a beautiful life and home. Together they had two children, Cathy and Michael.
While on active duty, John earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts and graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
After his military career, John was employed as a Logistics Manager with the Boeing Helicopter Company and retired after 20 years of service.
John is welcomed into Eternal Life by his parents, John and Catherine. He is survived by his wife, Joyce G. Lane, of Gold Canyon, Arizona; daughter, Catherine (husband Bryan) Angst, of Queen Creek, Arizona; grandson, Andrew Angst; son, Michael Lane (fiancé, Sara Diaz) of Chandler, Arizona; and grandsons, Drake, Broc, and Trey Lane.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, July 12, 2019 at 2:00pm at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery – 7900 East Main Street, Mesa, Arizona 85207, where John will be laid to rest.
The family will receive friends at a Celebration of Life, immediately following the service at Cathy and Bryan’s home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to “Trey’s Medical Fund” would be appreciated. Trey is John & Joyce’s grandson who suffers from MPS IVa, a rare and life-threatening genetic disorder. Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo location payable to “Trey’s Medical Fund” account or via Zelle, reference “[email protected]”
John Lane Family. My deepest sympathy on the loss of a wonderful man!!
Kathy Priewe
Dear Joyce, Michael, Kathy and Grandkids ~
It is with very great sadness that my husband, Carmen, and I learned from Joyce of Johns, passing a few weeks ago. John’s and my relationship started at Alumni House at Boston College many years ago. John was on the Board of Directors and I was assistant to Grace Regan, Executive Director, of the Alumni Association. John would come to the Board meetings in the library early before the meetings; and I would be setting up last minute details. I looked forward to our one-on-one chats. What I remember John speaking about mostly was his family, especially his three grandsons, especially, Trey Bo. After John’s term on the Alumni Board, we kept in touch, mostly via email. John would tell me about the various happenings in the Lane family – both happy and sad. I loved receiving his emails; they were always printed in bright green – I assume to emphasize his proud Irish heritage (I didn’t know how to respond in the color of my Italian heritage – so I just kept my email in dull black).
This is a huge loss for your family; and I personally feel I lost one of the finest BC alumni connections I could ever have. John was a kind, sincere gentleman with a warm heart and a great personality. I will really miss seeing those bright green emails from AZ. In reading John’s obituary I learned so much about his affiliation with our country’s armed services. No wonder he sent me emails talking about veterans from time to time – He served our beautiful country in a very special way.
May our loving Lord hold John tightly in His loving arms; and may He give the Joyce and the Lane family comfort and strength during these most difficult of times. John truly lived the motto of Boston College, “Men and Women for Others” as he followed the paths he chose to serve our country. Rest in Peace, dear friend. I will always remember our early morning chats in the library of Alumni House and our friendship that went beyond B.C.
With love, prayers and deepest sympathy,
Carol Quintiliani – friend from BC
Condolences to the family.I just learned of John’s passing today. Prayers of support for Joyce, the journey is lonely without your dear spouse.