Obituary of John C. Metraw

John C. “Jack” Metraw, a Veteran of both WWII and the Korean War, passed away at the E. N. Rogers Veterans Memorial Hospital on Tuesday evening, Sept. 27, 2016 with his loving family by his side. The beloved husband of 62 years of Marcia (Yerick), he was 89 years old. Jack was born in Glens Falls, NY. He was the son of the late Damas and Viola Metraw. He was raised and educated in Hudson Falls, NY. At the age of 18, Jack enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country during two tours of duty, the first during WWII and then again during Korea. He was the recipient of the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal and Victory Medal. After the service, Jack attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY where he received his Bachelor’s Degree. While at St. Lawrence, Jack excelled in sports and played football. He was part of the 1950 Football team, the first in St. Lawrence history to go unbeaten. The team was inducted into the St. Lawrence Hall of Fame in 1990. Jack and Marcia married in New York in 1954. Work brought Jack to Massachusetts, and they settled in Burlington in 1961 where they would raise their 3 sons. Jack had a long and distinguished career in the Insurance Industry. Jack was very involved in his sons’ lives. He loved sports and shared his enthusiasm with his sons coaching them in Little League and Basketball. He also loved playing “Santa” every Christmas Eve for the neighborhood children. Jack was a man of faith and a longtime member of St. Margaret’s Church in Burlington. He was a CCD Teacher at St. Margaret’s as well as a Third Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the K of C Bowling Team. During his retirement years, Jack and Marcia enjoyed spending winters in Port Charlotte, Florida. Jack was proud of his 3 sons and their accomplishments. He was blessed to see them all marry. He was most proud of his 8 grandchildren who range in age from 1 to 29! He never missed any of their events and loved hearing about all of their activities as they grew older. As his health began to decline during recent years, it was visits from his wife, sons, daughter-in-laws and grandchildren that brought him his greatest joy. Jack loved sending and receiving text messages and photos from his children and grandchildren. Jack passed away on the evening of September 27th doing what he loved to do - watching the Red Sox with his family by his side. Jack was the beloved husband of Marcia (Yerick). He was the loving father of John & his wife Mariellen of Canton, GA, Mark & his wife Laurie of Chelmsford and Matt & his wife Kara of Framingham. Brother of the late Joan Metraw. Proud grandfather of Luke, Jack & his wife Melissa, Drew, Morgan, Mallory, Will, Maeve & Mikey. Funeral from the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, Oct. 3 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday 3-6 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Jack’s name may be made to Bedford VA, Comfort & Care Fund, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730