Passed away on September 4, 2026, at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow surrounded by loving family members. Jack was born in New Glasgow to Mary and Bill Fennell on August 8th, 1951. The third of eight children, Jack was always Mama Mary’s little bluejay. Mary and Bill instilled a strong value of family into their home ensuring Jack and his siblings always had a close bond, which endured until the end.
John Fennell married the love of his life, Debbie, when they were 20 years old. Soon after, John David arrived and their family was complete. Jack and Debbie enjoyed curling, showing dogs and following harness horse races together. Jack was also an avid hunter, photographer and was always up for a spirited game of Scat. Jack was known for always making sure the children in the room felt seen and valued. Jack treated every dollar like an old friend and if you happened to be driving behind him, Jack made sure you had plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. Those were two things our family loved to tease him about, and they’re memories that still make us smile.
Jack worked hard all of his life spending 41 years with the New Glasgow Water Department, before his retirement in 2016. Jack was old school and always put his best foot forward, serving the citizens of New Glasgow with great dedication and determination. He was a wealth of knowledge for the city engineers, often called upon even in retirement for counsel.
Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife, Debbie, his father Bill and mother, Mary. Jack’s sister, Dorothy and sister-in-law, Sandy also sadly precede Jack in death.
Jack is survived by his son, John (Jennifer) Fennell of Halifax and his beloved granddaughters, Rachel Fennell of Kansas City and Mary Allison Fennell of Antigonish. Jack’s dedicated and loving siblings include, Sheila (David) Cluett, Lance; Bobby Fennell, New Glasgow; Donna Fennell, Stellarton; Hannah Fennell, New Glasgow; Greg (Terri Riley) Fennell, MacLellan’s Brook; and Lesley (Doug) Muir, Tanner Hill. Jack also loved each of his nieces and nephews and their children.
The family extends their sincere thanks to the kind staff from the 5th floor at the Aberdeen Hospital for the care and compassion shown to Jack and his family during his stay there.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 from 2-4 pm at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Avenue in New Glasgow, followed by a graveside service at Holy Cross Cemetery and a reception at St. John’s Church Hall, located at 390 High Street in New Glasgow. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
