With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our coach and biggest fan, John "Jack" Hester, who passed away on May 20, 2026 in Delray Beach, FL.

Jack will be remembered for his humor, competitive spirit, loyalty, and deep love for his family, students, players, and friends. The lessons he taught — on the field, in the classroom, and at home — will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Carol (Dumas) Hester, and their three sons: Shawn and his wife Ellen (McGovern), Kevin and his wife Laura (Peake), and Brendan and his wife Marcy (Medeiros), his brother Paul Hester and his wife Jackie (Roberts). He also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren — Elizabeth Simon, Julianne, Andrea, Janna, Caroline, Jack, and Owen Hester.  Jack was pre-deceased by his sister-in-law Donna (Dumas) Philbin and his favorite Saturday night cribbage opponent, Donna's husband, John Philbin.  Jack also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

Jack was born November 3, 1930 in Worcester, MA to John J. and Shirley (Finley) Hester. He attended St. John's High School on Temple St. in Worcester where he was a captain of the football and baseball teams.  In 1949, Jack won the city schoolboy football scoring title. His athletic accomplishments earned him an induction into the St. John's Hall of Fame (his acceptance speech no doubt continuing in heaven).

With the help of Brother Theophane at St. John's, Jack matriculated to the University of Illinois where he played on the 1952 Big Ten champion baseball team and pursued his degree in physical education. He graduated in 1954 and began his career teaching physical education and coaching, a career that would span 38 years.

While earning his Master's Degree in Education from Worcester State College in 1960, Jack taught at Clinton High School. Soon thereafter, he met the love of his life, Carol Dumas, at Oak Hill Country Club in Fitchburg. Carol was the women's club champion and soon became Jack's favorite dance partner. They were married on August 1, 1964, and settled in West Boylston, where they raised their three sons.

In 1969, Jack continued his career at Framingham South High School. He formed a particularly special bond with the Class of 1974, serving as class advisor alongside class president Jane Eden. Jack took great joy in attending many of their reunions over the years.

Jack could always be found coaching or refereeing the sport of the season. Over the course of his career, Jack coached football, basketball, baseball and golf in addition to refereeing and umpiring over 3000 football, basketball and baseball games.

Jack was a devoted fan of Boston sports. The Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots were always on in the Hester home. One of his favorite memories was attending Ted Williams' final game at Fenway Park and watching Williams homer in his last at-bat. The Red Sox finally breaking The Curse and winning the World Series in 2004 was another unforgettable moment, celebrated appropriately with Jack's favorite drink, a Manhattan.

After retiring from education, Jack loved spending his winters in Delray Beach, playing cribbage, gin rummy and golf. Even in retirement, every day was a competition for Jack. It started with solving the daily Crossword (with Carol assisting), then playing golf and besting his age which he did hundreds of times. The competition would continue in the evening with game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! Whatever the contest, Jack was all-in.

Jack's love for life will be missed. Mowing his lawn well into his 90's and his daily exercise regimen were truly inspiring. Always the coach, nothing made him happier than coaching up Carol or one of his grandchildren on the golf course and watching them hit a great shot.

A funeral Mass celebrating Jack's life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00am, St. John's Catholic Church, 44 Temple Street, Worcester.  The Mass will be followed by a celebration of life reception at Pleasant Valley Country Club, 95 Armsby Rd., Sutton.  Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate a life well-lived.