Dateline – Kennebunk, Maine

John Joseph “Jack” Woolley, Jr., 94, of Kennebunk, died peacefully on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Huntington Common. Jack was born in Philadelphia, PA on October 7, 1922, a son of John Joseph Woolley, Sr., and Anna (McNellis) Woolley. He grew up in Springfield, PA, attending Philadelphia Catholic High School, and graduating from Springfield High School.

In 1944, Jack entered the U.S. Air Force, beginning a career that would span 27 years as a pilot and instructor in the B-17, B-47, and the B-52 aircraft. He was stationed at several locations throughout the world, along with his first wife, Margaret Jean (Waldie) Woolley, who predeceased him in 1982. While in the Air Force, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree, and retired from active duty in 1970.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, he settled in Durham, NH, where began his own business in drapery and home decorating, which he operated for many years.

In 1986, he was attending a dance in Rollinsford, NH, where he met Francine Lee “Fran” Morse. Both Jack and Fran were widowed, and both loved dancing. Love blossomed, and they were married on May 28, 1986. They loved to travel, purchasing a motor home, in which they toured the entire United States. As an Air Force retiree, Jack made the most of his “Space A” travel benefit. He and Fran flew to many distant corners of the earth, including Spain, Italy and Australia. They loved to go on cruises and, of course, go dancing! Jack cut quite a rug on the dance floor, and positively glowed whenever he was dancing. He was accomplished in jitterbug, ballroom, and square dancing. A shrewd investor, he enjoyed trading in the stock market, even in his early 90’s.

Jack was a quiet man, never raising his voice. A devout Catholic, he would attend Mass daily when able. He loved life and lived it to the fullest, especially when dancing and spending time with his family!

In addition to his first wife Jean, Jack is predeceased by two sons, John Joseph Woolley III, and Richard Woolley; and two brothers, Thomas and Richard Woolley.

He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Francine Lee (Morse) Woolley of Wells, ME; two sons, Michael Woolley and wife Paula of Rollinsford, NH, Stephen Woolley of Dover, NH, three stepsons, Jay Reilly and his wife Jeanne of Kennebunk, ME, Philip Reilly and his wife Mary of Venice, FL, and Michael Reilly and his wife Bita of Townsend, MA; two daughters, Susan Clay and husband Allan of Lee, NH, Anita Nickulas and husband David of Auburn, NH; three stepdaughters, Christina Colavizza of Melbourne, Australia, Elizabeth Arnow and husband Patrick of West Boylston, MA, Kerry Letze and husband David of Sanford, ME ; two sisters, Ursula Michel of Avalon, NJ, Anita Imperato of PA; daughter-in-law Rita Modesti Woolley of PA; 22 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Visiting hours to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, June 26, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with family and friends’ recollections and memories at 6:00 p.m., at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, Wells. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish/St. Mary’s Church, 236 Eldridge Road, Wells. Burial with military honors will be at 2:00 p.m. in Southern Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 83 Stanley Road, Springvale, ME. Should friends choose, memorial donations in his name are encouraged to: Air Force Aid Society, 241 18th Street S., #202, Arlington, VA 22202.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Jack’s Book of Memories page at www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, PO Box 910, Wells, ME 04090.