Jack Rakip

John J. “Jack” Rakip, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in his home on Sept. 19, 2010. He was the husband of Ann (Woodman) Rakip, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Born in Lowell on Feb. 16, 1933, he was the son of the late Alle and Anne (Murray) Rakip. He was the youngest of 12 children. Jack was raised and educated in Ayer and a graduated from Ayer High School in 1952. He was a United States Navy veteran. Jack was the owner and operator of Jack’s Barber Shop on Hobart Street in Danvers since 1964. He had been a barber for over 50 years and was the owner of Betty Ann’s Sub Shop for 33 years. Besides his wife, Ann, he is survived by his son, Peter Rakip of Topsfield, two daughters and sons-in-law Susan and Kurt Tompkins of Auburn, NH and Beth and Robert Halla of Whately, MA. He was predeceased by his loving daughter Sally Rakip on Dec. 11, 1987. He is also survived by two brothers, Richard and Robert Rakip of Ayer, six grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as “Papa”, Alison Eisenhardt, Jennifer Waranowski, Jaclyn Rakip, Gregory Rakip, Sarah Halla and Lauren Halla and several nieces and nephews, along with a large extended family and friends. Jack was a dedicated family man and a hard worker. Despite his gruff appearance, he was a big teddy bear with a huge heart and sense of humor. There wasn’t a place on this earth that someone didn’t know Jack. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10AM on Wed., Sept. 22, 2010 in St. Rose of Lima, Park St., Topsfield. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Topsfield. Visiting hours are Tues. 4-8PM at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Jack’s name to Make a Wish Foundation, 181 Park Ave Suite 12, W. Springfield, MA, 01089 or Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923. In addition, in lieu of tears please bring happy thoughts and loving memories.