Remembering Jack Braitmayer ’48

It is with a heavy heart that we share trustee emeritus John “Jack” Braitmayer ’48 passed away peacefully at his home in Marion on July 14, 2023.

As his obituary writes, “Jack was always active in his local community. His generosity towards his favored institutions is legendary … He had a giving and inclusive nature that brought out the best in people around him. He had a wry sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye that lit up any room. He was maniacally positive. Very few lived closer to the objective to say something nice or say nothing at all.”

Head of School Tony Jaccaci was fortunate enough to meet with Jack and his wife Nancy, and quickly came to understand Jack’s love for the sea, dedication to his alma mater, and what an amazing human being he was.

“When I visited with Jack and Nancy in their home for the first time, we looked down into the harbor and saw SSV Tabor Boy out for an afternoon sail. Tabor Boy, in particular, was an instrumental part of Jack’s life and he reminisced about his times as mate under Captain Carlson,” recalls Jaccaci, “Jack and Nancy’s enduring generosity to Tabor funded the Braitmayer Art Center, scholarships, fellowships, the Tabor Boy program, and the Fund for Tabor.”

Growing up in Marion, alongside his four older sisters and twin Anne, Jack’s connection to the School by the Sea began even before he stepped foot on campus 79 years ago. After graduation, Jack had a fulfilling and impactful career as the president and owner of MONA Industries in Paterson, NJ. He and Nancy raised their three children, Karen, Kristina, and Eric, living in Darien and spending summers in Jack’s beloved Marion, MA.

Jack was a successful entrepreneur and continued to support Tabor in service and philanthropy. Following in his mother’s footsteps—who served as Tabor’s first female trustee—Jack joined the board and eventually served as chair of the board. During Jack’s tenure as chair, he navigated the transition of Head of School from Jim Wickenden to Peter Webster and oversaw the school’s return to a coeducational institution.

Bill Blasdale ’61, a subsequent chair of the board, wrote, “[Jack’s] lifetime of service and generosity to the school epitomize the term ‘loyal alum.’ He was a dedicated trustee, supporter of all things nautical, and a warm friend to all.”

Our deepest sympathies are with Jack’s family and friends.