John "Jack" Cann of Plymouth, who would have been 92 in February and lived in his hometown of Norwell for 65 of those years, passed away peacefully on New Year's Day, surrounded by the love of his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Verna (Hahner), and by their son, Tom, who passed away in 2018 after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Jack leaves three daughters: Debra Cumming of Bourne and her husband, Steven; Brenda Hosford of Carver and her husband, Stephen; and Linda Wiggin of Marshfield; as well as seven grandchildren: Emily Ullmann of Holliston and her husband, Klaus; Drew Cumming of Belmont; Erica Troup of Kingston and her husband, Matt; Zach Hosford of Plymouth and his wife, Mackenzie; Greg Wiggin of Marshfield and his wife, Lizzie; Sam Hosford of Plymouth;  and J.D. Wiggin of Marshfield; and seven great-grandchildren: Colby and Bradley Ullmann; Jack-Jack and Henry Hosford; Keegan and Aidan Troup; and Vivienne Wiggin. Jack was also aware that another great-grandson is expected in the spring. He leaves his sister, Judy Mastro of Sebastian, Fla., as well as two nieces, Laurie McDermott of Randolph and Shari Turner of Rye, N.H.

Jack was born in South Weymouth and grew up in Norwell, where he met Verna in high school. He attended Northeastern University at night while working as a TV and radio repairman during the day, eventually earning a degree in electrical engineering. He went on to work for 42 years, retiring as Chief Engineer at Grass Instruments, a medical device company that specialized in EEG, sleep monitoring and polygraph equipment. In 1975, Jack and Verna bought a house on Long Lake in Maine that they eventually expanded into a three-cottage compound. For more than three decades, all were welcome to the cottages for swimming, boating and other water sports.

In retirement, the couple enjoyed years of snowbirding between Maine and Florida, where they made many lasting friendships. After Verna's passing in 2020, Jack continued to live independently in his home in Plymouth and attended weekly events at the Councils on Aging in Plymouth and Marshfield, particularly enjoying their cribbage groups.

Jack possessed a remarkable intelligence and a capacity for memorizing names and dates that stayed with him his entire life. He was digitally and social-media-savvy and more in tune with pop culture than even some of his children and grandchildren. He had many interests and hobbies, such as playing card games, waterskiing, aviation, current events and big-band music and jazz most prominent among them, but his true passion was caring for and spending time with his family. Out on the lake, with an abundance of patience, "Grampa" always made sure that every child had a chance to get up on their waterskis. As his grandchildren grew into adulthood, he literally wore his pride for their accomplishments: Though he'd never acknowledge it, he always wore a sweatshirt or hat representing the college that one of his grandchildren attended, or the company where they worked, if he knew he was going to see them that day. His joy was evident when he was in the company of those he loved, and he raised his voice only if you tried to pay for his meal at restaurants.

Jack will be remembered for his kind nature, his humility and his dry and mischievous wit. Without a hint of bluster or self-promotion, he set an example of generosity and perseverance for all of his family and friends, through some very difficult times and so many, many great ones. He was a true gentleman, "a rock in rough seas," as one family friend described him, and he was truly loved by just about anyone who was blessed enough to have met him. His absence will be palpable but his legacy and example will live on.

Visiting hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, in McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home at 30 Central St. in Norwell. A service in celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, in St. Andrew's Church at 17 Church St. in Hanover. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jack in honor of his son, Tom, to the Michael J Fox Foundation, 111 W 33rd St., New York, N.Y. 10001.