Jack L Barlow

On June 20, 2025, Jack Barlow (96) passed away peacefully supported by family members following a successful medical procedure. Reflecting his ever-positive attitude with a big smile and beaming face, he said post-surgery "I feel so much better!". Five minutes later he gracefully crossed the veil into eternal life.

 Jack was born on January 20, 1929, in Fremont, Ohio. Jack attended Ross High School in Fremont where his ultimate highlight was meeting and dating his beloved Lee Spengler, who he adored at first sight. Jack and Lee were married in 1952 following his graduation from Ohio State University. They were married for over 70 years until Lee passed in 2022.  

Jack and Lee raised their three children, Patricia, David, and Peter in Michigan, California, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts as his career in healthcare steadily advanced. In 1971 Jack and family happily settled in their treasured Duxbury, which remained Jack and Lee’s home for over 51 years, and his for another three years.

Growing up in Ohio, Jack was a popular "quiet" leader in school and a talented musician focused on the piano and cello. As his father, mother, and older sister were highly accomplished multi-instrument musicians, the family performed at various venues and made quite a team. In addition to music, Jack was an outstanding cartoonist, marionettist, and ran track. His life-long strong work ethic surfaced as a pre-teen and continued in high school where he worked in farming, construction, bakeries and in taking full responsibility for managing a grocery store.

Having achieved a BS degree at Ohio State, Jack's keen aptitude for science, genuine kindness and commitment to helping people steered him through a high impact career in healthcare. He worked in several areas including medical supplies and cutting-edge medical instruments and devices. His favorite experience was as President, CEO and Director of Serono Laboratories where he led the transformation of a nascent US subsidiary of a European based company into becoming a highly professional leader in reproductive and pediatric endocrinology. Serono's pioneering innovations have brought joy to countless people and families. 

Jack was also proud of his service during the Korean War and was primarily based in Japan where his scientific work generated two publications. He enjoyed maintaining a connection to the Korean War Veterans associations and events.

Jack dearly loved his ever-extending family and was unsparing in sharing his sharp wit, kind heart, generosity of spirit, and strong interest in learning how each member was doing. He also offered words of wisdom when asked and enthusiastically helped craft and organize creative family celebrations. Jack was authentic, resilient and deeply committed to his faith and family. 

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Lee, parents Beryl and Alfred, sister Juan and granddaughter Michelle. Jack is survived by his daughter Patricia Fortinsky, and his sons David and Peter. He playfully doted on his nine grandchildren: Kyle, Laura, Celia, Kelly, Erin, Sam, Lisa, Grace, and Jack, and nine great-grandchildren: Max, Ryan, Onyx, Alfie, James, Molly, Jasper, Wilder, and Annabelle.

 Donations in Jack's honor may be made to the South Shore Conservatory via mail to SSC, PO Box 1523, Duxbury, MA 02331 or online at weblink.donorperfect.com/SSCBarlowhttps://web.charityengine.net/Default.aspx?tsid=35327  

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Church in Duxbury on Wednesday July 9, 2025, at 10:00am ET. Jack's family will greet friends at Holy Family after the service, and he will be interned at Mayflower Cemetery in Duxbury.