Glace Bay, Nova Scotia – The community of Glace Bay is mourning the loss of a beloved figure, Retired Fire Chief John "Jack" Thomas Neary, who passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on August 12, 2024, surrounded by his family at his home. Jack Neary was a pillar of the Glace Bay community, dedicating over six decades of his life to fire service, where he served with unwavering commitment and leadership.
Jack Neary began his firefighting career as a volunteer with the Glace Bay Fire Department in 1961. His dedication and hard work saw him rise through the ranks, eventually becoming the Fire Chief in 1984. His leadership extended beyond Glace Bay when he joined the Sydney Fire Department as Deputy Chief following the amalgamation that formed the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM). Even after his retirement in 2004, Jack continued to stay connected with the fire service community, often visiting the Glace Bay Fire Department to keep up with the latest developments and equipment.
The Glace Bay Volunteer Fire Department, Station 23, expressed their sorrow in a heartfelt Facebook post, saying, "With broken hearts, the Glace Bay Fire Department has lost a big part of our family. Chief Neary will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Thank you for sharing Jack with us for all these years, he will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Chief, we will take it from here."
Jack’s passing has sparked an outpouring of memories and condolences on social media. Mary MacDonald reminisced about childhood tours of the Glace Bay Fire Department, where Jack was always front and center. Gerald Kennedy extended his sincere condolences to Jack’s family and the members of the Glace Bay Volunteer Fire Department, recalling how he often saw Jack at the forum and during fire calls in the neighborhood. Chris Kerr, another mourner, described Jack as "such a great man, great Fire Chief," while Tim Toomey shared that Jack was "one of the finest gentlemen" he had ever met.
Jack Neary’s legacy extends beyond his professional life. He was a devoted family man, survived by his wife, Anne, and six of their seven children. He was also a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, whose family brought him immense joy.
The visitation for Jack Neary will be held on Sunday, August 18th, at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home in Glace Bay, followed by a funeral mass on Monday, August 19th, at St. Anne’s Church. His interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the Glace Bay Fire Hall.
Jack Neary’s dedication to his community, his family, and his colleagues leaves a lasting legacy in Glace Bay and beyond. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.