A Mass of Christian Burial for Retired Watertown Detective Sergeant John J. York will be celebrated on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Church of St. Patrick, 212 Main St., Watertown.
John “Jack” York was born in Brighton to the late John Joseph York, a retired member of the Watertown Police Department, and Rita (Marion) York. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on January 6, 2026, at the age of 85.
Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Patricia (Ambrose) York. He was the loving father of John J. York (retired Barnstable Police Department) and his wife Lisa of Osterville, and Cheryl (York) Dunbar and her husband Stephen of Franklin. He is also survived by his beloved sister Carol (York) Falvey and was predeceased by his sister Mary York.
Jack was a proud and devoted grandfather to Nicole Palmer, Allison Rossi, John York (Barnstable Police Department), Matthew Dunbar, Brian Dunbar, and Sean Dunbar, and a cherished great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Jack and Patricia raised their family in Watertown before relocating to Cape Cod. He retired as a Detective Sergeant with the Watertown Police Department after 32 years of dedicated service. Policing was a proud family tradition spanning generations: his father served with the Watertown Police Department, Jack followed in his footsteps, and both his son and grandson continued the legacy with the Barnstable Police Department.
Above all else, Jack’s greatest joy was time spent with his family and friends — especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at MacDonald, Rockwell & MacDonald Funeral Home, 270 Main St., Watertown, followed by the Funeral Mass at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick Church. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery.