Frank M Regan, Jr.

Frank M. “Chuck” Regan, jr, of Medway, died at 79 on Saturday, April 6, 2024, after fighting off an illness for many years using his fighting spirit, which he honed as a kid from Jamaica Plain to Philadelphia to West Roxbury and on to Halifax as his family relocated. He fought to find his place in this world.  He was the loving husband of 54 years to Betty Regan, originally of Halifax, NS, Canada, and the son of the late Frank and Mary Mellett Regan of West Roxbury, MA.

A graduate of BC High and St. Mary’s University in Halifax, NS, he taught for 34 years at Dover-Sherborn Jr. High School, teaching 8th grade US history, and was a High School Football Coach at Dover Sherborn, Medway, CM, Framingham, Brookline, and Newton.  After retiring from teaching, he obtained a second master’s degree and became a mental health counselor for men and women to whom life had not been kind. He counseled without judgment and found good in people the rest of the world threw away.

Some who worked with Chuck saw him as quiet, reserved, and maybe solitary. But, those who knew him understood that he did not care about impressing others because he spent his entire life working to be kind, which he imparted to his children and eight grandchildren. He fought for the little guy, the outsider, people in poverty, and the misunderstood his entire adult life. He gave 50% tips at every restaurant and anonymously dropped off Turkey dinners every Thanksgiving at the church. He believed in the power of the working man, the middle class, and the immigrants that make the world turn.  He gave second, third, and 50 chances if need be. He taught his children that sometimes the villains are actually the heroes. His stories of bar fights in his youth with his brother Bob and his adventures in two countries shaped Holidays and gatherings for three generations. He imparted a love for reading, learning, and questioning to his kids. His house on 30 Coffee Street is a virtual library; there is no topic he had yet to read about. He found solace and comfort in books, and it was not uncommon for him to start a book in the morning and finish it by dinner. 

Chuck strongly advocated for education, a belief he held to his core. He encouraged his wife, Betty, to pursue her education as an adult, and he was her biggest supporter when she graduated from Boston College in her 40s. He was so proud of her. His kids, Suzy and Mike, went into teaching and education, and both continue the good fight for those who need a hand, a voice, or a word of encouragement. His eight grandchildren, Matt, Jeff, Shannon, John, Bridget, Sophia, Ruthy, and Hutch, are kind, curious, and sensitive and understand the complexities of life and the world, in part because of the influence “Grampy” had on them. Chuck loved his yearly trips with his wife Betty to Canada to visit her family, Colleen, Angela, Christine, and their beautiful children, in Halifax and Cape Breton, NS.  More than anything, though, he loved Betty and their kids; Mike and his wife, Jane of Rowley, MA along with their five kids; and Suzy and her husband Jahmal Mosley of Somerset, MA along with their three kids. He cherished his partners in crime and brothers until the end, Jack Regan and Bob Regan and his devoted sister Mary Regan Fiorenza, her husband Eddie and their amazing kids, who are Chuck’s niece and nephew, Julie Regan Forenza and her partner, Jammie Walker, and Mike Regan Fiorenza and his wife Kristin and sweet daughter, Sophie. Chuck's relationships with his aunts, uncles, and many caring cousins were a constant in his life.  His family continues the tradition of public service, laughing in the absence of crying and family holidays and gatherings filled with stories from Chuck’s life. Chuck was known for his Irish Goodbyes. One moment there, the next, he was sitting in the car beeping his horn for Betty to finish her last glass of wine. Dad, this last glass is for you as we know that somewhere in the heavens, you are leaning on that horn, waiting for Betty to join you. Visiting and Service hours will be Saturday,  May 11 from 11-12:30 at Lawler and Crosby funeral home in West Roxbury followed by a celebration at Waterfords in Dedham at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.