John Thomas Kay, Jr., known affectionately by many as Skip, Dad, Big John, Papa, and the Gentle Giant, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, in Quincy, Massachusetts. Born on May 17, 1945, in Cleveland, Ohio, John’s life was marked by dedication to family, a warm and generous spirit, and a profound love for community and simple joys.

Raised in Cleveland, John was a proud graduate of Valley Forge High School and Griswold Institute in Ohio. It was at his longtime place of employment, AT&T, where he met his beloved wife, Mary Kay (née Reddy), with whom he shared a lifetime of memories. Together, they settled and raised their family in Dorchester and Quincy, Massachusetts, forging deep friendships with neighbors and a community that treasured their kindness and hospitality.

John’s legacy lives on through his cherished children: Jacqueline Kay and her husband George Palmer of Whitman, Massachusetts; Jennifer Brussard (Kay) and her husband Tom of North Easton, Massachusetts; and John Kay and his wife Louise of Madison, Maine. He was a proud grandfather to Emily Kay, Chloe Kay, Tessa Brussard, and Amelia Brussard, who brought him great joy and were the light of his later years.

He is survived by his sisters, Dianne Riemer (Kay) and Sandra McDaries (Kay), and his sister-in-law, Jeanne Flight (Reddy) who remain deeply connected to his memory. John also held a treasured place in his extended family’s heart, including his nieces and nephews Heather, Laurel, Jonathan, Kristyn, Robert, Christopher, Matthew, and Meghan. These relationships illuminated his life with love and laughter.

John was predeceased by his parents, John Kay, Sr. and Audre Kay (Beckett); his wife Mary Kay. He was also preceded in death by his faithful canine companions, Eddie and Moose, while his beloved dog Rosie remains a living testament to his enduring care and affection for animals.

Throughout his life, John pursued numerous passions that brought him happiness and fulfillment. His love for golf, fishing, and gardening reflected his appreciation for nature and the outdoors. An avid coin collector, John found fascination in history and detail, much like his careful attention in the kitchen, where he delighted in cooking—from treasured family recipes and the painstaking annual process of making cabbage rolls to experimenting with new breads and dishes. His love for classic movies and music, especially the works of Roy Orbison and Patsy Cline, provided a soundtrack to his days. Travel enriched his spirit, with memorable journeys to Lake Morey, Bermuda, Italy, and Ireland broadening his horizon. John’s knack for tinkering turned his workshop into a marvel of organization, with an impressive array of tools and components ready at hand for any repair or project.

John’s warmth and generosity extended beyond his immediate family to friends and neighbors who valued the genuine care he and Mary shared. Their home was a place of comfort and welcome, embodying the strength of community ties they both cherished.

As a retired programmer from AT&T, John’s professional career was marked by dedication and skill, yet his true legacy is found in the lives he touched and the family he so deeply loved.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Monday 6/1/2026 from 4-7 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:45 AM on Tuesday 6/2/2026 prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Ann’s Church, Quincy at 10:30 AM. Cremation will follow. See www.Keohane.com for directions and online condolences.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in John's name to the Quincy Animal Shelter, 99 Quarry Street, Quincy, MA 02169 or Veterinary Care Foundation c/o Old Derby Animal Hospital, 40 Recreation Park Drive, Hingham, MA 02043.

John Thomas Kay, Jr. will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered for his legacy rich in love, kindness, and quiet strength. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.