John "Jack" Bradshaw

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John “Jack” Bradshaw. Jack was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on April 30, 1942, to Norbert and Marie Bradshaw. He and his brother, Charlie, spent their childhood in Haverhill, where Jack graduated from Haverhill High School in 1959. He went on to attend St. Bonaventure College before proudly serving his country in the United States Army, stationed in Germany. Following his honorable discharge in 1963, Jack returned to Massachusetts and settled in Newburyport.

Jack and his former wife, Mary Ann Cryan, raised their three children—Sarah, Rebecca, and Josh—in Newburyport, where Jack would begin his career. After a brief early chapter as one of the original owners of the Grog restaurant, Jack began working in city government. As the Director of the Newburyport Redevelopment (NRA), he played an important role in the restoration and revitalization of downtown Newburyport, helping transform the dilapidated and decayed city center that was facing demolition into the vibrant and welcoming downtown it is today.

Working alongside his mentor, Byron Matthews; his lifelong friend, Jonathan Woodman; Hack Pramberg, Ty Tucker, Dick Sullivan, and countless other dedicated community members, Jack was part of a remarkable effort fueled by passion, tenacity, creativity, teamwork, and sheer hutzpah. Together, they put Newburyport on the national map serving as one of the first and finest examples of what urban renewal looked like when done correctly. In addition to the people in city government, shop owners, local contractors, bank presidents, business owners and townspeople stepped up in this community-wide effort. For Jack, the success of downtown Newburyport was one of the most gratifying chapters of his professional life.

Jack’s career later took him to state government, where he served as a senior official overseeing state building projects across the Commonwealth. During his years on Beacon Hill, he took great pride in working for Governor Michael Dukakis and in mentoring and managing large teams within the Division of Capital Planning and Operations and the Executive Office of Communities Development. A consummate networker, Jack had a rolodex of friends and trusted colleagues in every corner of the state who were ready to ask for a favor when needed—or just as ready to return one. Known for his sharp wit and playful ribbing, he built lasting relationships rooted in mutual respect, humor, and camaraderie.

After many years of public service, Jack joined Gilbane Building Company in business development, where he worked closely with government partners to help address the Commonwealth’s need for modernized schools. Even after leaving city government, Jack continued to advocate tirelessly for Newburyport behind the scenes, whether lobbying for additional state funding, arranging out of town speakers for Chamber of Commerce events, or setting up a meet and greet for Newburyport students at the statehouse with Governor Charlie Baker, his heart never strayed far from Newburyport.

In 2004, Jack married Denise Marien, with whom he shared the rest of his life. Together they enjoyed traveling to their favorite spots including Ireland, Savannah, Georgia, Charleston, South Carolina, Fairhope, Alabama, and coastal New England seaports. They delighted in walking city streets to truly experience the places they visited, always with an eye toward finding memorable restaurants along the way. From Boston to Bar Harbor, many a maître d’, restaurant owner or wait person will miss the short, funny guy from Newburyport.

In retirement, Jack cherished time with his grandchildren—cheering at sporting events, taking them to Boston Pops Christmas concerts, and enjoying their summer drives to Plum Island in the open aired Jeep, while everybody sang along to his favorite hits from the 1960s, and ’70s. A voracious reader, Jack always looked forward to his trips to Jabberwocky Bookstore in the Tannery, rarely leaving without a new book under his arm.

Throughout his life, Jack was deeply involved in numerous civic and professional organizations, including the Boston Breakfast Group (Member); the Massachusetts Board of Regional Community Colleges (Chairman); Salem State College Assistance Corporation (Director); Lower Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment (Board Member); Massachusetts State Archives Commission (Board Member); The Institution for Savings (Trustee); Yankee Homecoming (Chairman), Newburyport Education Foundation (Board Member); Newburyport Downtown Enhancement Team (President); Anna Jaques Hospital (Trustee); and the Newburyport City Council, where he proudly served as Councilor.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Denise Marien; his daughter Sarah, her wife Katherine, and granddaughter Kate, of Los Angeles, California; his daughter Rebecca Bradshaw of New York, New York; and his son Josh Bradshaw and daughter‑in‑law Dana Bradshaw, and their children Caleb and Harper, all of Newburyport. He is also survived by his brother, Charlie, of Amherst, Massachusetts, and his former wives, Mary Ann Cryan and Mae Bradshaw, with whom he spent many joyful years. He also cherished time spent with Denise’s daughter, Alissa, her husband Dan, and granddaughter Agatha Liteplo.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Jack’s dear friends, for their kindness and care in his later years, and to the medical professionals and team at Masconomet Rehabilitation and Health Care Center who cared for him.

Jack Bradshaw leaves behind a legacy of service, friendship and humor.

Funeral arrangements will be private. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home is assisting Mr. Bradshaw’s family with his arrangements.

Those wishing to make a donation in Jack’s memory are encouraged to consider the City Improvement Society at newburyportcis.org.

To offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com

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